Spring and Port Wine

On a pleasant Friday evening, the working week is almost over. Shot from the roof of Deane Tower at Bolton Institute of Higher Education on Deane Road, a pan begins across Bolton in Lancashire. In the foreground cars are parked on the cleared Mason Street and Commission Street whilst the to the top right stands the single cooling tower belonging to Back o’th’ Bank Power Station. To the bottom left stands Baxter’s carpet store on Deane Road, more of which will be seen later.

Over the panorama, the titles appear as the camera moves right bringing the clock tower of the Town Hall on Victoria Square into view in the centre distance and Flash Street Mills to the right. To the bottom left stands a row of billboards facing Moor Street, one of which will also appear later.

Workers leave the mill where Rafe Crompton and his daughter Hilda are employed. The gates to Sunnyside Mill on Adelaide Street.

Zooming out, the camera takes in the surrounding buildings. Easington Street with Sunnyside Mills in the left distance and Rumworth Mill on the right of centre skyline.

Harold Crompton (Rodney Bewes) cycles home along the canal. Alongside the Bolton and Bury Canal at Little Lever in Bolton, Lancashire identified by Barry Mills.

Also known as Nob End, this is the same place now taken by Michael Midgeson.

Cut to a view looking north along the line of Quebec Street with Lincoln Mill and Gibraltar Mill in the distance.

The camera tilts down to find the houses that stand on Quebec Street.

Tilting further, the shot finds a Television Rental van and follows it into Wellfield Road at the corner of Quebec Street. This is in the Willows area of Bolton and the first view of King George’s Field appears in the background.

Florence Crompton (Hannah Gordon) walks towards home. The corner of Quebec Street and Back Quebec Street.

A few alterations at the same corner in this view taken by Willie Thorpe.

The eldest of Rafe's daughters climbs the steps towards home. The steps lead up from the junction of Quebec Street, Back Quebec Street and Horeb Street to Grisdale Street advises Barry Mills.

Michael Midgeson provides this comparison.

Young Children run past as Florence reaches the top of the steps. The alley at the top of the steps from Quebec Street passing between numbers 51 and 53 Grisdale Road.

Michael took this shot from a similar position.

Florence turns towards the front door of the house where the family of six live. Outside number 51 Grisdale Road, Bolton.

The front door now taken by Michael Midgeson.

Next door, Betsy Jane Duckworth (Avril Elgar) argues with Joe (Christopher Timothy) and Alan (Joseph Greig) as they take her rented television away. The side entrance to number 53 Grisdale Road.

Betsy calls on Daisy Crompton (Diana Coupland) to ask if she can borrow six pounds to pay the overdue rent on the television. Cindy Greenough tells us that 51 Grisdale Road was her Grandma's home at the time of filming continuing that "The house was redecorated, along with new curtains, and the back garden given a makeover. The curtains remained in place for a few until she moved out. Grandma told me that between filming, she once went upstairs and Rodney Bewes was having a nap on her bed and that she told Len Jones off for smoking as she thought he was a schoolboy."

Harold arrives on his bike. The cul-de-sac end of Grisdale Road in Bolton, Lancashire.

Failing to obtain the cash from her neighbour, Betsy stands in silence as the two men pick up the television set. Grisdale Road with King George's Field in the right distance.

Joe and Alan load the set into their van as Harold appears with six pounds from his mother. Facing west on Grisdale Road.

Michael Midgeson faced the same way.

Betsy stops the men as they pull away and hands the outstanding rent over. Looking towards the junction where Grisdale Road meets Mercia Street and Bankfield Street.

A few more cars now.

Giving his sister a lift home from work, Wilfred Crompton (Len Jones) comes into view on his scooter with Hilda riding pillion. Barry locates this as Horeb Street, Bolton with Nebo Street and Back Nebo Street in the left background.

A good match from Michael

The shot follows the siblings along the street as they approach home. Horeb Street with newer built properties numbered in the street's sequence standing perpendicular to the older street in the top right background.

Easily recognisable as the same place.

Hilda runs up the steps at the side of the house as Wilfred parks his Lambretta. The junction of Horeb Street, Back Quebec Street and Quebec Street.

The same, now safer, location.

As his family prepare for tea at home, Rafe Crompton (James Mason) walks past a group of Children playing football. Facing Walter Street across Quebec Street from King George’s Field with Stanley Mills to the top left. The steeple in the centre right distance belongs to the Emmanuel church at the corner of Jackson Street and Cannon Street. The location is identified by Barry Mills who adds that the children were from the nearby Brandwood Street School.

Michael Midgeson provides this modern view showing the site of the terraces along with the distant mill and church.

Riding his bike up the same hill, Ned Duckworth (Frank Windsor) comes to a halt nearby as Rafe joins in the Children's game. Quebec Road with entrance of Back Walter Street in the background.

Rafe scores a goal before crossing over to his neighbour and reminiscing about football games played in their younger years. St. George’s Field with Back Bankfield Street to the left and the tower of the Saviour’s church at the corner of Bankfield Road and Deane Road in the right distance. Brian Heyes recalls taking part in the match along with fellow pupils from Pikes Lane School.

Reaching home, Rafe notices Harold's untidily parked bike. Facing 53 Grisdale Street from the front of number 51.

At the suggestion of his employer Mr. Aspinall, Arthur Gasket (Keith Buckley) leaves work to propose to his girlfriend Florence Crompton after being offered a managerial position.

While Hilda incurs the wrath of her father after refusing to eat her herring, Arthur drives through the town's streets. This is facing west on Princess Street seen from the gateway to the graveyard of St. Peter’s church on Silverwell Street. (PW)

Aidan Anderson recreates the shot.

The shot pans with the Land-Rover onto Silverwell Street to find the cooling tower of Back o’th’ Bank Power Station in the right distance. (PW)

Aidan also pans with the action.

As the Crompton's finish their meal, Arthur turns a corner. Facing the junction of Dorset Street and Dowson Street.

Aidan Anderson stood as far back as he could for this matching view.

Arthur heads towards the main road and the town centre. Dorset Street with Bury New Road to the left.

From the best angle now possible, Aidan Anderson took this shot.

Looking from Dorset Street along the disused route of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal as it passes beneath Croal Viaduct carrying the railway between Bolton and Hall i' th' Wood stations with St Peter's church, Bolton le Moors to the left.

Croal viaduct with, Aidan Anderson assures us, St. Peter’s church somewhere in the trees!

A Morris Mini van catches up with Arthur. Facing north on Bankfield Street with the tower of Saviour’s church on the left. The church was demolished in 1972.

The van from Horsfall & Trott tailors passes Arthur's yellow Land-Rover on a corner. Anglia Grove with Caledonia Street in the left distance and Back Mercia Street to the right.

Arthur parks up outside the Crompton's house as a Deliveryman (Bernard Smidowicz) from the tailors gets out of his van to deliver a bespoke Crombie to Rafe. Outside 51 Grisdale Street.

On his way to play bowls, Rafe passes his neighbour's daughter Betty Duckworth (Adrienne Posta). Brian Heyes tells us that the corner shop once belonged to his Grandmother and stood at the junction of Quebec Street and Isabel Street adding that "My Grandmother is at her door behind the film's star."

After an upset Hilda and Alfred hug whilst she cries, he and a jealous Florence drive away from the house. Moor Lane in Bolton with The Old Three Tuns Hotel hiding behind the bill board on the right and a small section of Flash Street Cotton Mills to the top left. (PW)

Alfred's Land-Rover disappears behind Baxter's - Bolton's Carpet Centre. Looking across Stanley Street South towards Deane Road with Baxter’s – Bolton’s Carpet Centre to the right and, the then brand new, Deane Tower in the background. The carpet shop was knocked down in the late 70s and Deane Tower was demolished in 2003. (PW)

Approaching the town centre, the journey continues in silence. Bolton's Deansgate, looking towards the junction with Oxford Street and Knowsley Street. Aidan Anderson points out that the bus is a Leyland Titan PD2 number 82 from 1956, carrying its second livery with Bolton Transport.

Taken by Aidan looking in the same direction.

Facing west on Deansgate with Oxford Street on the left and Knowsley Street to the right.

The same junction captured by Aidan Anderson.

The couple carry on ignoring each other as they pass along Churchgate in Bolton, which is identified as such by Jason Brewer. Aidan Anderson adds that "The bus following was one of the latest purchased by Bolton Transport in 1969 and would have been turned out at a time when civic pride was important."

Churchgate as it appears now by Michael Midgeson.

A lack of attention to continuity finds Arthur and Florence followed by a somewhat older bus. Looking west along Deansgate in Bolton from the junction formed by Bradshawgate and Bank Street with the corner of Crown Street in the centre.

Aidan Anderson provides this street level view and believes that the footage was possibly shot from an upper floor window of the Swan Inn at the corner.

Arthur breaks the deadlock by asking if Florence has noticed anything different about Hilda. Churchgate once again, identified by Jason Brewer. Aidan Anderson adds "Still following is the East Lancashire bodied Leyland Atlantean on route 36 to Radcliffe, which was a genuine service that served Churchgate."

Many features of the street survive in Michael's view.

Florence tells Arthur that he's never taken her into his arms like that. Churchgate located by Jason Brewer.

Arthur tells his girlfriend that he's never once seen her cry before they come to a stand at roadworks. Facing southward at the redressed corner of Dorset Street and Dowson Street.

Aidan Anderson returned to the scene.

The coldness between the pair returns before Arthur explains that "I'm fond of her . . . but I love you." Richard Marum explains "I came across the location of the accident at the corner of Dorset Street and Dowson Street next to what appears to be a dry river bed, which is actually the long disused Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal over which the A666 St. Peters Way is under construction."

Rafe and his pals settle down to a game of bowls.

A Bowler (Bryan Pringle) offers Ned a bet of 5 to 1 against as Rafe prepares to take his shot.

On Saturday, Hilda's herring is served up at every meal . . . and again at breakfast and dinner on Sunday. The view from between the roof tops of 51 and 53 Grisdale Road with Back Quebec Street to the left with King George’s Field beyond and Quebec Street on the right.

Sunday afternoon sees Rafe walking on the hills above the town.

Rafe surveys a distant landscape populated by factory chimneys, terraces and churches.

Meanwhile, Alfred and Florence visit the house that comes with Mr. Aspinall's job.

In the park, Ned Duckworth exercises his dog. Queen’s Park in Bolton, Lancashire.

After tea at which the herring is found to be missing, Hilda approaches Ned and his dog following a confrontation at the house. Queen’s Park, at the eastern end of the east to west terrace promenade, known locally as “the Pie Crust.”

Aidan Anderson captures this view of the Pie Crust in Queens Park.

The two exchange a few words before a thoughtful Hilda moves on. Queen’s Park with a gasometer standing at Spa Road Gas Works in the right distance.

Having also left the house, Arthur and Florence arrive at his mother's home. Ernest Street in Bolton with Sterrat Street crossing in the middle ground.

A similar view now.

Arthur opens the Land-Rover's door for Florence and the two are let inside by Mrs. Gasket. Ernest Street in Gilnow, Bolton.

Remaining almost the same, Aidan Anderson returned to Ernest Street.

On Monday morning, Daisy cleans the washing line in the garden. Looking from the garden of 51 Grisdale Road onto Back Quebec Street with the rear of properties on Shepley Avenue to the top left. Cindy Greenough advises that a replica of the inside of the house was constructed at the studios for interior scenes.

After spending the night with her friend Betty next door, Hilda tells her that she's going to London as the two eat chips wrapped in newspaper. Easington Street with the gates of Sunnyside Mills in the right distance.

Following the upset of the previous evening and further pressure brought about by Betsy-Jane pawning Rafe's new overcoat, Daisy runs from the house. Gorse Steps, Bolton located by Barry Mills.

Daisy keeps on running before falling over. Barry Mills tells us that Gorses Steps stand near St. Steven & All Martyrs Primary School between Hag End Brow and Radcliffe Road.

The location now. Apparently Diana Coupland tore a ligament feigning the fall in this scene.

Finding a note from his wife in the living room, Rafe sets off to find her. The junction of Quebec Street, Back Quebec Street and Horeb Street with Back View Street to the bottom right.

Recovering herself, Daisy limps onward. Paul Hindle advises that this is at Nob End, Little Lever with Prestolee Locks to the right and adds that "The building above the massive wall contained the canal workshops, which were sadly demolished in 2012."

With a suitable stand-in, Willie Thorpe captured the location now.

Coming the other way whilst returning from the Pawnbroker, Betsy-Jane spots Mr. Crompton. The Darcy Lever Viaduct seen from Gorses Steps.

The same location now.

Rafe pauses to ask Betsy-Jane if she's seen Daisy. Gorses Steps advises Barry Mills.

Willie Thorpe provides this comparison shot.

Learning that Betsy-Jane had seen a woman down by the canal, Rafe quickens his step. Looking towards the Prestolee Aqueduct and the sewer bridge with, Ian Wallis advises, Kearsley power station in the top left distance.

Peter Brown tells us that Kearsley Power Station was demolished in the 1980s and points out that this arm of the canal is still in water.

Sprinting alongside the canal, the distraught husband comes to a halt to think. Barry Mills and Paul Hindle identify this as Nob End, at the start of the Bolton arm of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal with the canal workshops to the left.

A wider view of the location by Michael Midgeley.

A repeat of the previous capture . . . .

. . . . to show this view of the same place by Willie Thorpe.

Through bushes at the side of the canal, Rafe sees Daisy cross an aqueduct.

Peter Brown took this view with the now disused locks to the bottom left. The Prestolee Aqueduct in the centre carries the canal over the River Irwell. Kearsley Mill can be seen top left.

Hurrying after Daisy, Rafe cuts through a gate and descends to a disused flight of locks.

Part of the wall and gate down to the locks have been replaced by fencing as Peter Brown found.

Rafe runs down the derelict tow path . . .

Not an exact match of the locks at Nob End admits Peter Brown, but the best possible view due to the encroachment of undergrowth.

. . . and on towards the aqueduct. This is Little Lever advises Paul Hindle adding "Here we are looking up to Nob End with Wellfield House and the former Canal Manager’s house to the top of the view taken from the start of the Salford arm of the canal." Paul Hindle adds 'The iron railing is the security fencing of the unsightly concrete sewage pipe which crosses the River Irwell between the canal aqueduct and a packhorse bridge."

The remaining house at Nob End captured by Michael.

To the left stands the Prestolee Aqueduct taking the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal over the River Irwell next to the sewer bridge on the right with Kearsley Power Station in the top right distance.

This was Peter Brown's best chance to replicate the original capture. The aqueduct and sewer bridge are extant and there's a lot more vegetation and wildlife in the area.

As begins to fall, Rafe spots his wife under a bridge. Bridge 13 on the Salford Arm of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal at Prestolee in Kearsley, Bolton.

Willie Thorpe revisited the bridge on a less eventful day.

The two head home after Rafe talks to Daisy about his childhood. Facing north through Bridge 13 on the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal at Prestolee.

Looking north on the towpath side, Peter Brown found it was impossible to replicate the view as the far side of the canal is impassable.

Now understanding each other better, the couple make their way home where all of their children are packing cases and bags in preparation to leave. Looking across Quebec Street from King George’s Field towards the side of number 43 Walter Street with the Emmanuel Church in the left distance. The church was closed and lost its spire in 1990 before being converted into flats.

Approaching the house, the two realise why Hilda is off herring. Quebec Street in Bolton, Lancashire.

A one frame post-script featuring the back garden of the Crompton's home at 51 Grisdale Road . . .

. . . . to show Cindy Greenough's picture of her grandma Mary Rodgers, her grandad Arthur Rogers and brother Shaun in the garden of the house where her grandparents lived until the mid 1970s.