Further Up the Creek

As the titles appear, "Algeroccan" officials are seen arriving at the Ministry. Looking along The Mall with the Admiralty Citadel in the left background, behind the base of Captain Cook's statue. Location identified by John Tunstill.

Peter on the case with this comparison.

The dignitaries enter to negotiate for surplus Royal Navy frigates. JT recognised the Admiralty Extension on The Mall in SW1, a building that can also be seen in 'The IPCRESS File' and 'Gorgo'.

Another modern view from Peter.

After the meeting, the Algerrocan representatives depart. Outside The Admiralty Extension on The Mall.

Peter found a few empty plinths when he visited.

A Dispatch Rider (John Singer) rides into Weyport Naval base to notify the affected captains of the sale of their ships. The former Naval Base of Portland in Dorset.

The Bosun (Frankie Howerd) tells the rider that HMS Aristotle's Captain has been taken ashore after a breakdown. In the background rises the Isle of Portland.

When he's advised that the ship is to head for Algerocco, the Bosun starts to think up a money making scheme. Portland again, also seen in 'Morning Departure', 'You Know What Sailors Are', 'Above Us the Waves', 'Petticoat Pirates' and 'The Key'.

Following a huge response to the newspaper advertisement for passengers, Lofty (Ian Whittaker) and Bates (Sam Kydd) help the Postman (Larry Noble) to unload mail bags from his van. Steve Randall found The Thatched Tavern, Cheapside Road, Ascot in Berkshire, a pub that also features in 'Bachelor of Arts'.

Steve recreates the scene with cars!

Bates finds a perfumed envelope amongst the hundreds of applicants letters. Outside The Thatched Tavern on Cheapside Road, Ascot, located by Steve Randall.

The Bosun takes the envelope to ensure that the sender is accepted onto the voyage. The roadway outside The Thatched Tavern, Cheapside Road, Ascot in Berkshire identified by Steve Randall.

A new Captain for the Aristotle is required so the Bosun cycles to Navy Headquarters. In front of Slough Town Hall on Bath Road, Slough in Buckinghamshire identified by Tony Winzar.

The camera follows the Bosun as he rides towards the building. In front of Slough Town Hall on Bath Road, Slough located by Tony Winzar.

The scene 65 years later, where Antony Blair found it difficult not to notice a few alterations.

The Bosun enters the building and bribes Payne to get the suitably inept Lieutenant Fairweather to be posted to HMS Aristotle. Tony Winzar tells us that at the time of filming this was Slough Town Hall on Bath Road, Slough, it is now the Town Hall Campus of Claycots School. The building also appeared in 'The Vicious Circle'. (RL)

Antony Blair captured a similar view of the former Town Hall.

Scouse (David Lodge) waits on the platform as the train bringing HMS Aristotle's passengers approaches. Virginia Water station on Station Parade, Virginia Water, Surrey.

Bill Godwin sends us a shot of the much changed station in 2020. (RL)

The Kentoni Brothers (Jack Le White and Max Day) are the first passengers to leave the station. Virginia Water station, Virginia Water. The station building, road bridge, car park and much of the surrounding landscape have all seen redevelopment and the only recognisable structure remaining is the station footbridge.

As Bill points out, corporate vandalism has now even effected the demise of the station footbridge. (RL)

Scouse hurries the Ticket Collector (Michael Ripper) as Jane (Shirley Eaton) searches for her ticket. In the background, the line from Chertsey can be seen joining the main line towards Staines and London.

Bill Godwin provides a shot of the much changed station, one potential passenger lingering in the background. (RL)

A Porter (Stanley Unwin) collects cases after Lieutenant Humphrey Fairweather (David Tomlinson) also alights from the train. Facing south at Virginia Water station along the route towards Ascot and Reading.

So that is where they moved the passenger staircase to. Thanks Bill. (RL)

Scouse starts the Navy truck and drives the passengers away before the Lieutenant spots them. Virginia Water station forecourt.

Lieutenant Fairweather has difficulty in understanding the Porter when trying to find a taxi. Virginia Water station showing the footbridge in front of Christchurch Road bridge.

A further shot from Bill, hard to believe that it is the same station. (RL)

Perkins (Lionel Murton) keeps Lieutenant Fairweather apart from the paying passenger by taking the long route to the ward room. Portland Harbour in Dorset.

HMS Aristotle passes Gibraltar as she reaches the Mediterranean.

The ship nears Algerocco where a revolution has taken place since the journey started.

The President (Eric Pohlmann) meets Lieutenant Fairweather and his crew.