Follow Me!

Date: 1972
Director: Carol Reed
Production Company: Hal Wallis Productions

Stars: Mia Farrow, Topol, Michael Jayston
Location(s): Berkshire, London, Surrey

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

An elaborate game ensues after a wealthy accountant hires a private detective when he suspects that his wife is having an affair.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

Also known as ‘The Public Eye’ (US Title)

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Charles Sidley (Michael Jayston) makes his way to work. The east side of Bedford Square in London WC1.

The west side of the square which faces east. Still one way. Bicycles have replaced the Rolls. SJ

Having suspicions about the activities of his new wife Belinda, Charles visits a Detective Agency and a private eye is engaged. Our own private eye Dave W tells us that we are outside 30 Borough High Street SE1 and its corner with Counter Court to the right. And for those with the enquiring mind, it is a number 78 bus on its way to Shoreditch. (RL)

Looking south. No30 is a long established Pizzeria and the NatWest next to it now a bar. SJ

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As the titles begin, a panorama of London sets the scene. Trafalgar Square sits at the bottom of the capture while the Dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral rises in the left distance.

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To the extreme left stands the Royal Festival Hall and on the right the Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices dominate the view either side of Whitehall.

An ariel shot of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in EC3 with St. Katharine Docks in E1 to the right.

Off angle but it's a drone shot courtesy of John Harwood. (SJ)

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Following two weeks of investigations, private eye Julian Cristoforou meets Charles in his office and hears how the accountant met his wife. Sutton Place near Guildford, Surrey.

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Belinda (Mia Farrow) listens as Charles explains the history of the Tudor house they are visiting. Sutton Place in Surrey, which also appears in ‘The Hireling’ and 'The Boy Who Never Was'.

Charles explains to Julian that he suddenly had someone to share things with but the relationship began to fail soon after the wedding. This is the weir where the River Wey and the River Wey Navigation meet to the south-east of Sutton Place with Broadoak Bridge standing in the right background.

Daren Cahillane took this view from the opposite side of the bridges and explains that "It was not practical or safe to get to the correct location and I suspect I would have been trespassing too."

In his own flashback, Julian gives an account of Belinda's movements over the last few days. Cadogan Place in Belgravia SW1.

The east side of Cadogan Square. SJ

Julian Cristoforou (Topol) follows on his scooter when Belinda takes a taxi. Looking north on Cadogan Place with a building at the corner of Lowndes Street in the right distance.

Right street, right direction, not quite the right place to be: further back I think. SJ

Observed by Julian, the cab drops the young American outside a hat shop on Mount Street in W1. The distinctive window of Scott's Restaurant is visible to the top left.

The yellow sign isn't really spoiling the view as the impressive round window has been shrouded by the dark canopy for some years now. PW

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Julian watches Mrs. Sidley order a 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' ice cream sundae at the Michael Angelo Coffee Bar.

In her carefree way, Belinda makes her way towards Hyde Park. This is alongside the Albert Memorial with The Royal Albert Hall on Kensington Gore in SW7 filling the background. The Royal Albert Hall and surrounding streets appear in many productions including ‘The IPCRESS File’, ‘The Knack . . . and How to Get It’, ‘Interlude’, ‘Hennessey’, ‘A Business Affair’, 'Diamonds for Breakfast', ‘Spice World’, ‘Joanna’ and ‘Quest for Love’.

Looking south. SJ

Tiring of the hat that she bought, Belinda discards it in a waste bin. The north side of the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens.

The gilded railings look very smart. SJ

Italian Gardens. Kensington Gardens in London W2 Circa 1972

Concealed behind the boughs of a tree, Julian sees his target walk through the Italian Gardens. Kensington Gardens in London W2. The location also appears in 'The Astonished Heart', 'Three Hats for Lisa', 'Joanna', 'Two Gentlemen Sharing', 'The Big Sleep', 'Trottie True', 'Yield to the Night' and 'Touch and Go'.

As can be seen here the flower filled urn that features in the following capture is no longer in that same place. (RL)

The investigator continues his observations, becoming convinced that Belinda was heading for a date. In the background rises the Royal Lancaster Hotel on Bayswater Road.

Not quite the same without that urn in the foreground. (RL)

After visiting the statue of Peter Pan, Belinda feeds ducks before checking her watch and walking away. Beside The Long Water in Kensington Gardens with Serpentine Bridge in the distance and the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane beyond.

Aargh, safety railings added. Still appears a good feeding area though. SJ

Belinda enters a cinema where a double bill of horror films are showing. Regent Street in W1 with the Cameo-Poly Cinema to the left and All Souls’ church on Langham Place in the right distance. The church also makes an appearance in 'Helter Skelter', 'Calling All Cars', 'Josephine and Men', '29 Acacia Avenue', 'Man on the Run' and 'The Hypnotist' while the spire can be seen in 'Carry On Emmannuelle'.

After being closed between 1980 and 2015, now open as The Regent Cinema. SJ

Julian parks his scooter in a side street opposite the cinema. Looking into Little Portland Street from Regent Street.

Just my luck! SJ

A hot dog stand takes Julian's attention before he almost gets run over crossing he road. The corner of Regent Street and Little Portland Street with All Souls’ church in the left distance.

Warrants a re-visit when this has gone. SJ

Making his way into the cinema, Julian sits behind Belinda who watches the programme alone . . . twice! Facing the Cameo-Poly Cinema on Regent Street in W1.

The Cameo-Poly became the Classic between 1972 and 1980. SJ

Back to the present . . . as his head fills with images of his wife spending time with a lover, Charles orders Julian away before leaving the office. Facing east on Curzon Street in W1. A similar shot can be seen in 'Escape from Broadmoor'.

The Belisha beacon's post makes a handy place to lock your bike . . . cluttering up the street. PW

The camera follows Charles as he crosses the road and heads to see his Mother. Curzon Street in Mayfair with the corner of Half Moon Street in the centre distance.

Just around the corner to the left, beyond Half Moon Street, stands the Washington Hotel that appears in ‘Saturday Night Out’. PW

That evening, Belinda tells Charles her feelings about their decaying marriage, explaining that she walks for days on end. Facing west on Oxford Street W1 with the Dolcis store occupying the space between the two southern arms of Marylebone Lane.

I would never have been able to match this except that we know the Disney store occupies the Dolcis site. SJ

Charles hears how his wife spends time anywhere that she could feel alone. In front of County Hall on River Walk SE1 with Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament in the background.

Back in Feb '24, I ran out of patience with sightseers in the way but this replacement early in the morning did the trick. The same view from much the same spot was seen in Eat the Rich cap 4. SJ

Feeling invisible, Belinda catches sight of her reflection in a window. Number 65 South Audley Street appears in the reflection.

More for effect than accuracy. PW

The destruction of a demolition site catches Belinda's attention. It caught Dave W's attention as well and he tells us that the camera is standing in Adeline Place, London WC1 looking west at the 1971 demolition of the old YMCA building that fronted on Tottenham Court Road. The columns and roof-line features of Barbados House far left remain as confirmation. (RL)

Facing the complex that houses the St. Giles Hotel, a car park, several retail outlets and, until February 2025, a YMCA Club. PW

Belinda tells Charles how, one day, for a change, she took a pleasure trip along the Thames where, sitting close to her, was an extraordinary looking Man. The Upper Pool of the River Thames with the Tower of London in EC3 filling the background.

An aerial view from John Harwood who admitted his October '23 angle was off so here's an improvement on angle and certainly clearer. (SJ)

Charles hears how the funny little Man appeared again after she left the boat. The corner of Chapel Place South and South Audley Street in London W1.

The road appears just as busy some 48 years later. PW

Belinda explains that she dived into a hairdressers and had a totally unnecessary shampoo. This is the frontage of 66 South Audley Street in Mayfair.

Until you come to take a picture you don't realise how intrusive cars, vans and lorries are. PW

Leaving the salon, Belinda notices that the Man is waiting across the road. Looking north along South Audley Street. Various lengths of the street appear in ‘Stage Fright’, ‘The Grass is Greener’, 'Morgan, A Suitable Case for Treatment' and ‘Bullseye’ amongst many other productions.

The doorway arrangement has altered. PW

With the Man's identity dawning on Charles, Belinda hails a taxi. South Audley Street W1 with Grosvenor Chapel in the background. The corner features in 'Keep it Clean' and 'The Good Liar'.

Taken from a similar viewpoint. PW

Eating on the move, Julian follows Belinda's cab. Facing south on South Audley Street with the corner of Adam’s Row on the left and Reeves Mews to the right.

Looking the same way. PW

Charles listens as Belinda recalls being followed along Oxford Street. Oxford Street in W1 with Bird Street to the top right. This section of the famous shopping street appears in ‘Robbery’.

Boss, formerly a French Connection, on the corner of Duke Street. Bird Street, sealed off for traffic, is behind the trees. SJ

Glancing back before entering a cinema, Belinda sees Julian behind her. Outside Keysign House at the corner of Lumley Street and Oxford Street with Selfridges & Co. to the right.

A kiosk now stands at the blocked-to-traffic junction just where I wanted to be positioned. The ground floor has now been refurbished, leaving no sign of The Cinephone Cinema, which closed in 1973 soon after filming, here at all or even the last occupant, Waterstones. SJ

On another day, a bus carries Belinda on a trip to Windsor Park. Phil Richards finds the location to be Lovell Road, Winkfield, Berkshire and Andrew Radgick identifies the building as Plaistow Green Farmhouse.

Having established the location Phil send us this shot pointing out that whilst the house remains the same the barn is no more. (RL)

Looking out of the back window of the bus, Belinda sees the Man in white raincoat on his scooter. It was the pub that helped Phil Richards to establish this location, Lovell Road, Winkfield in Berkshire. (RL)

Sending us this picture of the location now, Phil expands on the history of the pub that was so helpful to him. The pub was turned into apartments in 2020. In the film, the pub sign reads "Queens Arms", in the early 80s it was renamed the "Slug & Lettuce" (before the pub chain brand existed). In the 90s it was renamed the 'Winkfield' but after 10 years, renamed "The original Slug & Lettuce" to get round the now existent pub chain. In 2009 it was the 'Winkfield' once again (oriental restaurant) but closed in 2017. (RL)

Julian makes Belinda and the rest of the audience laugh when he gets drenched with water as a killer whale performs. This is Seaworld at Royal Windsor Safari Park at St. Leonard's Hill near Windsor in Berkshire.

Seaworld was situated on the west side of Windsor Safari Park. When the safari park was redeveloped to become Legoland Windsor an extended car park and a new entrance were built on the site. Sian Hancock sends this photo taken from inside that entrance. (SD)

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With the day trip almost over, Belinda returns to the bus and Julian returns to his monkey covered scooter. Royal Windsor Safari Park opened in 1969, closing in 1992 to be replaced by Legoland Windsor. The park also appears in 'Mutiny On the Buses' and 'The Jigsaw Man'.

Back in London, Belinda is saddened not to see her odd pursuer. Oxford Street with the southern end of Gilbert Street to the left of centre.

Looking east with Mandeville Place on the left and Gilbert Street on the right, if I'm in the right place. SJ

A smile appears on Belinda's face as Julian is glimpsed in the crowds behind her. Facing east at the corner of Oxford Street and Binney Street.

Still a Lloyd's Bank. SJ

Dodging between pedestrians, Julian keeps up with Belinda. The corner of Oxford Street and Lumley Street.

The same today. SJ

To get in front of his client's wife, Julian hops on a bus. Facing east on Oxford Street with Selfridge & Co. to the left.

Down to one lane now as more road is taken away. SJ

Spotting him get off a bus ahead, Belinda walks behind her admirer. The corner of Oxford Street and Balderton Street in W1.

The corner now. SJ

Still feeling lonely, Belinda follows Julian to a cinema. Looking from the west end of Strand WC2 across Charing Cross in SW1 to Admiralty Arch at the eastern end of The Mall.

The background is reassuring. SJ

Julian buys his ticket from the Box Office Attendant (Ann Way). Looking out from the Jacey Trafalgar Square cinema onto Strand with Trafalgar Square beyond. The cinema closed 1981 and the Grand Hotel building in which it was located underwent internal rebuilding.

With a cherry on top of the empty/4th plinth. SJ

Lifted by the attention, Belinda continues to follow Julian. The corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street in W1 with The Audley public house to the right.

What can one say? PW

The films 'chase' sequence begins . . . . . This is the corner of South Audley Street and Chapel Place North in Mayfair.

The lamp post remains. PW

Julian starts to point at street signs that include food and drink. The corner of Milk Street and Cheapside in EC2 with the tower of St. Mary-le-Bow to the right. The streets around here feature in ‘The Lavender Hill Mob’.

One can make out where the old sign was affixed on the top left. The new sign is out of shot just below. SJ

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Bacon Street in E2 is real enough and can be seen in 'The Secret Place', but there could be doubt about this street sign.

Belinda laughs at Julian as he brightens up her day. Farm Street W1 with frontage of The Punch Bowl public house in the centre background and South Street in the left distance.

Parked cars get in the way of a decent comparison. PW

This sign hangs on the wall of The Lyric public house at the corner of Great Windmill Street and Ham Yard W1.

New sign, same location. PW

The curved brickwork belongs to Thorold House at the corner of Union Street and Pepper Street in Southwark SE1.

The light has been replaced and the sign has gone but I'm very encouraged by those two dark holes in the brickwork centre top in both shots. SJ

Another condiment is added to the tally. South Audley Street in Mayfair W1 with Grosvenor Chapel to the left and Grosvenor Square in the distance beyond.

The former United States Embassy is being dismantled in the left distance. PW

Salter Street survives between Grenade Street and Limehouse Causeway in E14.

No sign of the old wall anywhere so I've plumped for the new street sign. SJ

Salt is added to an imaginary breakfast. Outside number 7 Farm Street.

Clearly the same frontage. PW

The southern end of Fish Street Hill in EC3 with Adelaide House on Lower Thames Street in the left background.

Old building on the left, new building to the right. PW

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Artichoke Hill E1 continues to make its way south from The Highway to Pennington Street E1.

Belinda continues to follow along South Street W1 with Waverton Street to the left.

Off angle due to parked vehicles. PW

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Julian eats and drinks as he leads on to other meals.

Outside the premises of Thomas Goode & Co. Ltd. on South Audley Street W1 with Grosvenor Chapel in the left background.

The same corner. PW

Vinegar Yard still meanders its way from St. Thomas Street to the corner of Melior Street and Melior Place in SE1.

I hesitate a little here as first a carpark then a bar with a weekend flea market have replaced what was no80 on the corner of St Thomas Street but there are some remnants of its brick wall just along Vinegar Yard with red colouring which could be a match. SJ

The corner of Lower Thames Street and Pudding Lane in EC3 with St. Magnus the Martyr’s church in the left background.

Is this now the street with no name? PW

The entrance to Haunch of Venison Yard remains between numbers 26 and 28 Brook Street in W1.

"Updated" sign. SJ

Here, we are facing north-west on Farm Street in Mayfair.

The van isn't hiding anything exciting. PW

As the sign reads, Poultry EC2.

I believe the original sign was attached to the north-west end of the Mappin & Webb triangular building which stood here until the 90s. This is its modern equivalent Number One Poultry, now grade II* listed. SJ

Outside number 14 Shepherd Street in W1 with the unnamed passage leading to Shepherd Market on the left. Shepherd Market and the streets nearby also feature in ‘Booby Trap’, 'Murder Without Crime', ‘Maytime in Mayfair’, 'Night, After Night, After Night', ‘Escape from Broadmoor’, ‘Stage Fright’ and ‘Monsieur Ripois’.

Easily recognisable. PW

Starting on Broadwick Street in W1, this is Duck Lane.

The same tiled sign, surrounded by a little more colour. PW

Farm Street with the junction of South Street and Waverton Street in the left distance.

Building work is taking place to the right. PW

Now lost, Goose Yard in EC1 stood off St. John Street in Islington. The location is now occupied by The Angel Building . . . .

. . . and this is it. PW

The steps leading from Trafalgar Square to the National Gallery in WC2 with Whitehall SW1 in the right distance.

The gates were locked so the shot is from the side. SJ

Outside the National Gallery with the tower of St. Martin-in-the-Fields church beyond the colonnade.

Less busy. SJ

Looking from Trebeck Street towards Curzon Street in W1.

New and replacement structures stand in the background but the tree remains. PW

As the strange relationship grows, the two visit Hampton Court. Looking through the Lion Gates on Hampton Court Road in the London Borough of Richmond with the Hampton Court Gate of Bushy Park and the Greyhound Hotel standing opposite.

An extended pole shot from John Harwood who admits not wishing to pay the entrance fee. I know the feeling. (SJ)

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The pair pass through the entrance to Hampton Court Maze and soon separate. The maze stands within Hampton Court Gardens just inside the Lion Gates.

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Belinda finds Julian sitting before a picnic in the centre of the maze and the two eat in silence.

Still without speaking, Julian and Belinda visit to Syon Park where they realise what they are doing. Syon House Conservatory in the gardens at Syon Park in Brentford. which also appears in 1971's 'Universal Soldier', 'Bedazzled', 'Goodbye Mr. Chips (1969)' and 'Catch Us if You Can'.

The statue of Mercury has rotated a bit. SJ

When Belinda discovers that the detective is employed by her husband and disappears, Julian gives up his job before returning to the locations that he shared with her. The Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens which also appears in ‘Joanna’, 'The Seventh Veil', 'Three Hats for Lisa' and 'Omen III: The Final Conflict' whilst the pathway alongside The Long Water is seen in 'Front Page Story'.

From Ground level and the plinth has been repaved with added steps. SJ

Julian eventually finds Belinda. This since demolished balustrade and pavilion stand alongside the River Ash in Littleton Park, Surrey, the grounds of Shepperton Studios. Similar shots are seen in ‘The Asphyx’, 'The Trygon Factor' and 'Witchcraft' and 'A French Mistress' with the location also featuring in ‘The Oblong Box’ and 'Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?'.

All that remains is the ruin of the balustrade, here captured by Andy Waller who found no sign of the pavilion.

Belinda reflects on her relationship with Charles and realises that she wants him back. Within the grounds of Shepperton Studios in Surrey.

Andy Waller took this view at the site of the pavilion where there's not much to see, but at least he managed to capture the sunset.

Phoning Charles and telling him to go to his office, Julian begins to help Belinda rekindle her marriage. Dave W finds a prop telephone box outside 9 Pont Street SW1, looking towards Chesham Place. (RL)

Behind my right shoulder is Anya Café, 9 Pont Street, with a recessed frontage for al fresco, so there was enough room to plonk a prop telephone box on the pavement. SJ

Charles makes his way through the City to meet with Julian and his wife. Facing west from the corner of Holborn and Brook Street in EC1 with the entrance to Chancery Lane Underground station to the left of centre. The location features in ‘Fragment of Fear’ and 'The Green Man'.

Yes, the corner has been knocked down to provide space for an exciting new development. PW

Dressed in Julian's white coat and hat, Charles follows his wife in silence when she leaves the office. Looking along the south side of Bedford Square from the corner of Adeline Place in WC1. Bedford Square can also be seen in 'The Wildcats of St. Trinan's', 'Don’t Bother to Knock', 'Their Finest', 'Half Moon Street', 'Accident' and 'Full Circle'.

We're down at street level for this comparison. (SR)

Charles keeps up with Belinda as she makes her way to the river. The junction of Bridge Street and Victoria Embankment in SW1 with Parliament Square in the left distance.

Rebuilding has taken place at the same corner. PW

Belinda descends to the river side. Westminster Pier, seen from the steps leading down from Bridge Street.

An unceasing flow of pedestrians and a stall selling shirts compete to mar the shot. PW

The two take a trip on a pleasure boat. Facing downstream on the River Thames with the Houses of Parliament in SW1 just ahead.

Taken from Lambeth Pier rather than a boat and including the Elizabeth Tower to see the progress of the scaffolding removal. SJ

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Belinda looks towards her husband as he turns to face her. Looking upstream with Lambeth Bridge crossing the Thames and buildings on Albert Embankment SE1 in the left distance.