Saint’s Return, The

Trying to outrun her pursuers, London socialite Judy Fenton speeds along a country lane. Phil Richards advises that this is the view looking west along 'The Moor' in Cookham, the road that leads to the war memorial in Capture #2. (RL)

Phil provides this shot of the same location today and adds that the War Memorial in Capture 2 is behind him here. (RL)

In their car, the two Men follow Judy through an Oxfordshire village. In reality this is the junction of High Street and School Lane in Cookham, Berkshire.

As we found, parking is a much bigger problem now than it was in 1953. (RL)

Judy recovers from a near collision before driving from the village only to crash through a bridge guard rail and plunge into the River Thames. School Lane in Cookham with The Maltings in the left background and The Brew House to the right.

The imposing tree has given way to greenery that shields the house. (RL)

In New York, Police Inspector Lieutenant J.H. Fernack is told that Simon Templar has left for London.

At Thamesway Golf Club, Chief Inspector Claud Teal returns to the club house with his fellow Player. This is Stoke Poges Golf Course near Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire.

The clubhouse, also seen in "Goldfinger," has gone. SJ

The two men enter the building where a telegram from New York advises the Inspector that 'The Saint' is on his way to London. The often seen Stoke Poges House and surroundings also feature in 'Goldfinger', 'Otley' and 'Layer Cake'.

One of the chimneys has lost some height. SJ

Having teamed up with Hoppy, his valet and former pick-pocket, Simon Templar (Louis Hayward) leaves the house after learning of Judy's death.

Before hailing a cab, The Saint spots Detective Mason in plain clothes as he steps onto the pavement.

The taxi arrives at Victoria station where Simon books a ticket to Paris on the Golden Arrow to shake off the following Detective.

The Saint arrives at Colonel Stafford's estate where he asks questions of Judy's guardian and closest friend.

Colonel Stafford (Russell Napier) tells Simon that Judy was in debt from gambling.

Simon Templar pays a visit to the run down mews where artist Irish Cassidy lives to obtain a supply of counterfeit notes for gambling.

While looking for some backroom gambling in nightclubs, Simon meets Lady Carol Denby (Naomi Chance) who takes him blindfolded to an illegal casino on a river barge. The River Thames at Maidenhead, Berkshire with the landing stage off Ray Mead Road to the right.

Lopez (George Margo) patrols outside Wellington Cloisters where owner of the casino, Max Lennar, has an apartment. Simon James recognised Gloucester Terrace where it meets Lancaster Terrace in London W2.

Phew, got it right. SJ

Across the road, Simon enters a telephone box to observe the forthcoming events. This appears to be Gloucester Terrace complete with prop telephone box.

Bit of a presumption but this is Gloucester Terrace across the road from the previous shot and here's the block which filled the space. SJ

Outside Wellington Cloisters, Hoppy Uniatz (Thomas Gallagher) reports to a Constable that Lopez has picked his pocket. Outside Maitland Court on Gloucester Terrace confirmed by Richard Lovejoy.

On the east side. SJ

The Constable discovers Hoppy's wallet in Lopez's pocket. Gloucester Terrace in Paddington found by Simon and Richard.

Thank goodness the policeman just let a small piece of the gate to reveal. (RL)

Leaving the phone box, Simon watches as Lopez is taken to the police station. Looking north-east along Gloucester Terrace from the corner of Lancaster Terrace.

Now. (RL)

The Saint enters the building to search Max Lennar's apartment. Maitland Court at the junction of Gloucester Terrace and Lancaster Terrace in W2. Also seen in 'Mantrap', 'Whispering Smith Hits London', 'Paul Temple Returns', 'Hammer the Toff', 'Salute the Toff', 'The Italian Job', 'Song of Paris', 'Operation Diplomat' and 'Flannelfoot'.

Maitland Court in colour. SJ

Carol Denby walks along the river. Phil Richards finds this to be the River Thames with Carol beside the river on Barry Avenue. (RL)

Phil provides an accurate shot to support his identification. (RL)

Max Lennar (Sydney Tafler) surprises the socialite and asks her into his car where she's quizzed about Templar. As per the previous capture Phil finds this to be Barry Avenue, Windsor. (RL)

Despite the passage of time Phil found things much the same despite the different season. (RL)

Following the clues that he's discovered, Simon arranges to stay with Lord Merton and his son Keith at Merton Lodge. Gilston Park in Hertfordshire. Tony Winzar points out that an identical capture appears in the 'Four Sided Triangle'. (RL)

In the early hours following a party thrown by Lord Merton, two of Lennar's men break into the house after the alarms are disabled by Keith Merton.

An establishing shot of the secret location of Lennar's casino on the Thames. Looking eastward to Bridge Eyot in the River Thames from the landing stage off Ray Mead Road in Maidenhead.

Phil provides this comparative shot explaining that it is the view from the boatyard looking east across the Thames. The building roofs shown in the orginal film capture include the northern most section of the old 'Skindles' hotel that ran all the way to the Maidenhead road bridge. The hotel and other buildings have all now been replaced by modern day river side properties. In consequence of all the changes this is as close as he could get. (RL)

As church bells ring the quarter hour nearby, a car drives towards the barge. Ray Mead Road with the distinctive property named The Tower in the right background.

Adam Smith lives at The Tower and provides this matching view of the location now.

Being tasked with locating the illegal casino by Simon, Hoppy gets out of the Austin A40. Ray Mead Road in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Antony provides this view of the two properties next to the house known as The Towers, both with new roofs and windows

While casino manager Jarvis approaches along the river bank, Hoppy walks over to the barge. The landing stage off Ray Mead Road with riverside boat houses in the background.

Yet again substantial changes necessitates an explanation from Phil. The property / office that has replaced the orginal boat house. (RL)

Reaching the barge at the same time, Jarvis (Harold Lang) asks Hoppy if he can help. The River Thames with Maidenhead Bridge in the distance.

Two ducks heading east on the Thames at Maidenhead. found by Antony Blair.

After a puzzled Jarvis tells him that the vessel is a barge rather than a boat, Hoppy returns to his car and drives away. Ray Mead Road with Ray Park Road in the background.

This shot from Phil shows the view north from the boathouse up Ray Mead Road. In the original capture can be seen the 'Thames Hotel' but this view is now obscured by the trees in Ray Mead road properties so he has adjusted his position. (RL)

Irish Cassidy (Fred Johnson) heads to the casino as, inside, Simon Templar rescues Carol from being held prisoner by Lennar. The landing stage off Ray Mead Road in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Completing his travels Phil shows that the riverside path still retains the raised slope just past the boat house supporting the asccuracy of his shot. (RL)