One Way Pendulum

It's 12:30pm on a Saturday and, as the titles roll, Mr. Arthur Groomkirby prepares to leave work.

Some serious sleuthing by David Dixon who identifies this as Marylebone Road, London NW1 looking west from Gloucester Place. The screen capture is from Marathon House (or Castrol House as was). David provides this ground level shot of the building until someone can gain access for a more accurate "now". (RL)

In another part of town, Mr. Groomkirby's son comes across a 'speak your weight' machine.

Actually very close to onwape001 says David Dixon but looking south down Gloucester Place from the Marylebone Road end. David was not prepared to risk his life to stand in the middle of the road, as presumably the film crew did, in order to take this shot. (RL)

Kirby Groomkirby (Jonathan Miller) investigates the weighing machine.

David did some excellent investigating himself to place this as 104, Heath Road, Twickenham. Frith Chemists are now Frith Optometrists, the weighing machine has gone, the glazing has been modernised but the bricks and mortar are the same as is the reflection in the window. (RL)

Arthur Groomkirby (Eric Sykes) finds the doors locked after an adding machine malfunction causes him to finish work late. Not unusually, Dave W provides not only the location but a plethora of additional detail and information. The location is, looking into 38-42 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1. The "UF" on the doors is that of 'United Friendly Insurance'. The rounded building frontage to the right is that of 'The Metropolitan' public house, now known as 'Southwark Rooms', subsequently re-development of course! The "curious warehousey building" also seen is 59½ Southwark Street, still present and correct Dave tells us. And then there is more interesting detail to fill your day at https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/richard-courtney-balding. (RL)

Arthur finally arrives at the bus stop as a bus approaches. Gloucester Road facing the corner of Southwell Gardens SW7 with St Stephen's Church to the left.

Just north of Cromwell Road. SJ

The fully loaded bus leaves Arthur behind. Gloucester Road in SW7 with the corner of Queen's Gate Gardens on the right.

Similar scene now. SJ

Kirby spots another weighing machine. At the foot of the stairs on platforms 1 and 2 at Baker Street station, Marylebone Road, London NW1.

A few alterations and additions at this location. (PW)

A voice tells the weight as two young women use the machine. Baker Street station.

Redesign and rebuilding has taken place in the intervening years. (PW)

As Kirby approaches, he finds that the voice belongs to a man who's collecting the takings from the machine.

The same stairway leading down to Platforms 1 and 2 at Baker Street. (PW)

Kirby jumps aboard a departing train and heads home. Platform 2 at Baker Street station in NW1.

A lighter and more colourful comparison. (PW)

Still at the bus stop and wanting to get to the dry cleaners before they close, Arthur checks his watch. The east side of Gloucester Road.

This is behind the bus-stop. SJ

Arthur's friend Fred (George Cole) passes and gives him a lift on his Lambretta. Gloucester Road, Kensington.

What a lot of traffic. SJ

Fred's road sense leaves much to be desired.

King Street from the junction of Heath Road and Cross Deep in Twickenham.

More street paraphernalia as always. (RL)

Facing the junction of King Street and Heath Road in Twickenham, Middlesex. The location was seen in 'Vote for Huggett'.

Is it really quieter on the roads in 2015? (RL)

The two arrive just as the dry cleaners is about to close. King's Parade on Cross Deep in Twickenham.

They were not about to close when I arrived. (RL)

Mr. Groomkirby collects a robe and wig from the shop Assistant (Walter Horsbrugh). Looking out onto the junction of King Street and Heath Road from premises on King's Parade.

And still a Dry Cleaners, now "Press Gang", with thanks again to Imran for allowing me take take the shot from inside. (RL)

Laden with boxes from the cleaners, Arthur makes his way home. Antony Blair locates this as looking east on Heath Road outside the shops numbered 90 and 92.

And here's Antony's proof of the location which replaces his previous Google image.

When he sees his reflection in a shop window, Arthur imagines himself dressed as a judge. Fraser Shaw believes he can read 'Standard', in reverse, that prompts memories and is reminded of 'Spikins', that was a car service centre at 83-101 Heath Road, Twickenham. Needless to say all now re-developed. The location logically ties in with the surrounding captures. (RL)

'Judge' Groomkirby walks along the street.

86/88 Heath Road, Twickenham. Unusual for a zebra crossing to be lost, if it was real. (RL)

A passing lorry snaps Arthur out of his dream.

No 88 has been extended. (RL)

Arthur nears home with his packages. The junction of Rannoch Road and Ellaline Road in London W6.

How did we manage without all those white lines and signs? (RL)

Looking into Ellaline Road from Rannoch Road in Fulham.

A more leafy glen now. (RL)

With other things on his mind, Kirby approaches home from the opposite direction. Ellaline Road in SW6.

More or less the right part of the road but unable to establish a significant difference between any of them to be exact. (RL)

Kirby enters the house and closes the door as his father arrives at the front gate. Ellaline Road in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

I chose the houses that did not have scaffolding or parked cars. (RL)

A police car follows as Arthur struggles uphill with a handcart laden with the fittings of a courtroom.

Staines Road, Twickenham approaching junction with Sixth Cross Road.

Mr. Groomkirby comes to a halt at a red traffic light.

Rather busier now for both Mr. Groomkirby and myself to be in the middle of the road. Sixth Cross Road and Staines Road, Twickenham. (RL)

Detective Inspector Barnes (Glyn Houston) gets out of the car.

Staines Road with the junction of Sixth Cross Road. (RL)

The handcart's load is examined by the Detective Inspector.

Nothing to obscure my shot of the shops at the corner of Staines Road and Sixth Cross Road. (RL)

The scales for the 'Statue of Justice' are spotted.

The balconies sem to have been filled in to give more internal space. (RL)

More questions are asked by the inquisitive officer.

And still a hostelry on the corner of Staines Road and Sixth Cross Road, Twickenham. (RL)

Arthur arrives home where he starts to construct the courtroom in the living room. Ellaline Road facing Rannoch Road in London SW6.

Still very well maintained but greener roads. (RL)