Postman’s Knock

Dawn breaks over the village where postman Harold Petts is wakened by the sound of the early train's whistle. Geoff advises that this is also Latimer, Buckinghamshire, confirming with the help of a Google Earth View that the line of telegraph poles remain and that the bridge in the foreground left is that over the River Chess. (RL)

Opening his bedroom window, Harold Petts (Spike Milligan) blows his bugle in reply. Geoff Dodd immediately recognises this at Stony Lane in Latimer, Buckinghamshire. (RL)

Leaving the house, the conscientious postman heads off to pick up the mail. Stony Lane in Latimer located by Geoff Dodd. (RL)

Geoff provides a shot that he took in 2009 to replace the Google View. (RL)

The camera follows Harold as he cycles through the story's Upper Fringley towards the railway line. Stony Lane in Latimer, Buckinghamshire identified by Geoff Dodd. (RL)

Malcolm Tinnelly found that the large trees at the junction are no longer present and a modern memorial now has pride of place in the centre of the small triangle of land.

With the engine's whistle blowing in the distance, Harold leaves the village. Other sections of Latimer's Stony Lane appear in 'Rough Cut' and 'How to Murder a Rich Uncle'. (RL)

Apart from the kerb stones, not much has changed in Malcolm Tinnelly's view.

Harold approaches the railway embankment where the train's Guard throws a mail bag to him.

Cycling back to the village, Harold aims carefully to throw a letter into a mailbox.

With the mail being sorted on the move, more letters are delivered.

Mrs. Purboy (Nora Gordon) waves to Harold after receiving a postcard from Fred.

Cows block Harold's progress causing him to cycle across a field.

Blowing his bugle, Harold alerts a young Boy playing with a bow and arrow.

The Boy (Bruce Champniss) waves after retrieving an envelope with his arrow.

As Harold passes a farm, more mail is handed over.

Arriving back home, Harold posts one last letter through his own letterbox before entering the house to discover that it brings news of his transfer to London. Stony Lane in Latimer identified by Geoff Dodd. (RL)

The whole village turns out to see Harold off. This is West Mill railway station on the branch line running between St. Margarets and Buntingford in Hertfordshire.

Gifts and "things he may need" are collected in Harold's mail sack as the train arrives. West Mill station stood to the east of Westmill, Hertfordshire and opened in July 1863.

The Guard (Gerald Paris) blows his whistle and Harold is carried away to London. The railway through West Mill closed to passengers in November 1964 and the station was demolished within four years.

A panorama of the Capital begins with this view from above NW1 with Harewood Avenue crossing the bottom and St. John's Wood Power Station on Lodge Road NW8 to the top right. A ground level view of the power station's cooling towers appears in 'Work is a Four Letter Word'.

Moving eastward, the shot finds Marylebone station with the bridge carrying Rossmore Road over the railway.

Denis Hoare investigated to find a high vantage point, but nothing was/is available so he took this shot from the Rossmore Road bridge referred to in the capture. If a more accurate shot can be obtained then Denis is happy for this to be replaced but a comparative shot has outstood now for nearly six years. (RL)

As the provincial postman looks out of the window in awe at the big city, the train pulls into the terminus.

A change to the layout is evident. (PW)

Alighting from the train, Harold walks over to Jean (Barbara Shelley) who is painting a view of the station. The former platform 4 at Marylebone station.

The best comparison possible as the once full length platform has been replaced with a much shorter one. (PW)

Picking up a mail bag that fell from a barrow, Harold calls to the Tractor Driver. Marylebone station is seen in a number of productions including 'Violent Moment', 'The Day of the Triffids', 'Don’t Open till Christmas', 'Ring of Bright Water', 'The Beauty Jungle', 'The Internecine Project', 'Rotten to the Core', 'Murder is Easy', 'Trouble at Townsend', 'Lady Godiva Rides Again', 'Up Jumped a Swagman', 'The IPCRESS File' and 'One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing'.

Again, the nearest possible shot. The end of the old platform 4 lay some distance beyond this corner. (PW)

Sam (Arthur Mullard) jumps from the tractor and runs towards a waiting van. The concourse of Marylebone station on Melcombe Place NW1.

More remodeling. (PW)

The unmarked van speeds from the station as Harold tries to explain what has occurred to a Post Office Supervisor and a Policeman. Looking out onto Melcombe Place from the concourse of Marylebone station.

This view remains almost unaltered. (PW)

Reaching a safe distance from the station, the Bedford van passes beneath a bridge before being brought to a stand. Looking through the viaduct at the southern end of Mortimer Terrace in NW5 that carries the railway between Gospel Oak and Upper Holloway, with the corner of Weslyan Place on the far side.

A view through the same arch. With thanks to Steve Michelin of M & A Coachworks for allowing access to the yard. (PW)

Rupert Biggs (Warren Mitchell) and Pete (John Bennett) leave the cab before opening the back doors to let out Sam and Joe. This is private ground in Kentish Town to the south of Highgate Road Junction on the Gospel Oak to Barking route.

The land is now used by M & A Coachworks at the rear of their premises. With acknowledgement to Steve Michelin. (PW)

Joe (Lance Percival), Sam and Pete listen as Rupert suggests that the heist went wrong because of a spy gaining inside information. To the left runs the Gospel Oak to Barking line on viaduct whilst to the right, and below, the railway runs from Carlton Road Junction and Kentish Town Junction to meet the Barking line at Junction Road Junction to the east. Behind the van lies the site of Highgate Road (High Level) station which closed in 1915.

With thanks to Steve along with the management and staff at M & A Coachworks. (PW)

Having accompanied Harold when he's taken into custody, Jean makes her way from the police station. Moorgate in London EC2.

As can be seen, the building in which the Aerated Bread Company was located has been replaced. (PW)

Following his release when Post Office official Mr. Fordyce vouches for him, Harold struggles to help a Blind Man (Peter Evans) cross the busy road. Moorgate, with Britannic House, thinly disguised as a police station, filling the background.

The opportunity arose during a break in traffic. (PW)

Tailed by Constable Woods, Jean leads Harold into an Underground station where can catch a train to an address where he can stay. The entrance to Moorgate station on Moorgate in EC2.

The same entrance. (PW)

Harold apologises as he explains to the art student that he's never been to London before. The booking hall of the now closed Aldwych station on Strand in WC2.

Looking for the Central Line, Harold descends to the platform by lift as PC Woods (John Wood) heads for the stairs to follow. The booking hall at Aldwych station on the Piccadilly Line which can also be seen in 'Bellman & True', 'Rogue Male', 'Their Finest' and 'Patriot Games'.

A Porter pushes Harold into an overcrowded train. The platform at the Aldwych Underground station, disused since 1994. The station's platform features in many productions including 'Gumshoe', 'The Krays', ‘Creep’, ‘Gideon's Day’, ‘V for Vendetta’, 'Darkest Hour', 'Inadmissible Evidence', 'The Bed Sitting Room', 'Death Line', ‘Tube Tales’ and ‘Prick Up Your Ears’.

During a recent visit Paul Lincoln was able to capture a wider view of the tunnel entrance and platform end as it appears now. (RL)

Bewildered by the complex tunnels at the following station, Harold pauses before being carried away to another train by a horde of commuters.

In the newspaper, Rupert reads that the Morden Gang are suspected of foiling their mail robbery. The background is provided by The Vine public house at number 86 Highgate Road in NW5.

Looking across the seating area, beneath the umbrellas at the front of the pub. (PW)

Travelling without getting anywhere until the last train of the day, Harold leaves a station as the Porter closes and locks the gates. The entrance canopy of Moorgate station, then on the Metropolitan, Circle and Northern Lines.

The canopy reflects the transfer of the Northern City Line. (PW)

Outside the station, Harold settles down to sleep before Jean walks by and, feeling sorry for him, offers a place to sleep in her attic. Moorgate in London EC2.

Same steps, different era. (PW)

In the early hours, a locomotive whistle blows. Philip Bacon recognises this as Camden Locomotive Depot in NW1. Across the the West Coast Main Line out of Euston stands the Goods Station with the tower of the still extant Goods Shed to the top left.

Harold automatically wakes up and sounds his bugle, much to the annoyance of Jane and her neighbours.

Working from the North-West Central Postal Depot, Postman Lawson (Wilfrid Lawson) takes Harold out on his round. Ray Glenister delivers the location to us as Chalcot Road looking northwest. The terraces in the background are 34/33/32/31. (RL)

Denis Hoare found himself in Camden Town and couldn't resist covering some of the required captures for us. (RL)

Lawson points out Harold's side of the road . . . .

. . . . then indicates the buildings that he will deliver to. Ray continues on his rounds to Fitzroy Street looking toward Gloucester Avenue and Dumpton Place in NW1, properties numbered 24 to 2. (RL)

Denis points out that the Lansdowne pub in the distance can just be seen behind the tree. (RL)

Still unfamiliar with London traffic, Harold is hit by a Mini as he crosses the road.

Disguised as a road sweeper, Constable Woods continues to pursue Harold. Fitzroy Road, London NW1 looking across to circa 34/35 Chalcot Road. (RL)

Denis points out that the shop on this corner has been converted to residential, and the hydrant sign moved slightly. (RL)

A milk float is driven past the corner where Woods is standing. Fitzroy Road, London NW1 looking at the junction with Chalcot Road. The junction is also seen in 'Please Sir!' (RL)

The tall building on the left in the distance is the old piano factory, another property now converted to residential use. The entrance of this factory is also seen in capture 47. (RL)

The undercover Officer walks into the road to do his duty as the horse passes. The corner of Fitzroy Road, London NW1 with Chalcot Road looking south. (RL)

Changing into a city gent's outfit, PC Woods leaves his broom and City of Westminster cart behind. This is Fitzroy Road, looking towards the junction with Chalcot Road Denis tells us. (RL)

This is Fitzroy Road, looking towards the junction with Chalcot Road. The building with the covered entrance, is the entrance to the old piano factory. Unfortunately it's covered in scaffolding at the moment, but still identifiable Denis witnesses. (RL)

Lawson waits impatiently for Harold to complete his deliveries. Ray resists dropping into 'The Lansdowne Pub' on the corner of Gloucester Ave and Dumpton Place despite finishing his location spotting for the day. (RL)

Denis didn't admit to whether he stopped off or not. (RL)

Having missed his lunch break, Harold sets out on the afternoon round. Outside Mount Pleasant Letter Sorting Office on Roseberry Avenue in EC1 with Farringdon Road crossing in the right background.

The tree has grown well, (PW)

Making his deliveries, Harold approaches a street corner as he looks down to read the address on a parcel. Facing east along Ivor Place from the corner of Boston Place, London NW1. Located by Christopher Matheson. (RL)

Replacing Christopher's GEV from May '20 showing lots of fiddling with the building fronts, including adding areas with railings since filming. SJ

At the corner, Harold bumps into Sam who he immediately recognises. Christopher identifies this as facing south along Boston Place from the corner of Ivor Place, London NW1 (RL)

Replacing Christopher's GEV. SJ

In his deep Cockney voice, Sam explains that Harold must be mistaken as he is French. Ivor Place and Boston Place, London NW1 once again says Christopher. (RL)

And another replacement that shows the retaining wall of Marylebone Station. SJ

Now wearing a Boy Scouts uniform, PC Woods watches as the two men across the road go their separate ways. Ivor Place (north side) but the shop windows are to 62 Balcombe Place (west side) which was a ladies hairdresser in this capture. (RL)

I returned to replace this GEV which I missed earlier in the year. SJ

As the afternoon draws on, Harold continues his deliveries. He is nearing the door of 162 Boston Place, London NW1 Christopher says. (RL)

A further GEV replacement, showing that it has been 'gentrified' since 1962. SJ

A suspicious Woods follows Sam, who in turn follows Harold. Christopher is clearly on a roll here, the stairs down from Rossmore Road to the corner of Boston Place and Taunton Place, London NW1. Boston House on the corner diagonally opposite appears in 'A Woman's Temptation'. (RL)

As was in this GEV replacement. SJ

Along the street, a dog jumps up and takes one of Harold's letters before running off. Christopher is certain he’s outside 98 Boston Place. The garage doors would be 100 but it has been rebuilt. This is the only situation ‘now’ where a square topped door is next to a door with rounded brickwork. But of course there have been masses of alterations along this street since filming, so I would consider this my weakest find. We can discuss when you are challenged. (RL)

A pity about the scaffolding in this replacement of Christopher's 2020 GEV. SJ

Harold follows the dog into an Underground station. We're back at Moorgate station on Moorgate in EC2.

If I'd stooped as low as the camera angle I'd still be there! (PW)

Another dawn sees Harold leaving the house where Jean has agreed to let him lodge. Number 20 New End in Hampstead NW3.

The same door. (PW)

Masquerading as a blind man, Constable Woods watches as Harold sets off to work. Facing the junction of New End, Streatley Place and Boades Mews in NW3. Tris points out the building in the right background which is the former City Arms public house that had closed by 1910.

Denis Hoare found that the houses now have a back wall, there's a new tree, an obligatory bin, but the pub's still closed!

Hitting his white stick against railings, Woods begins to follow the postman. The background is formed by the since demolished number 40 New End, Hampstead and Tris adds that "This is now the unused site of the former New End School adventure playground and planning permission is currently being sought to erect a house on the plot."

Not such a nice view now. (PW)

A passing Woman (Jennifer White) turns to watch the suspicious character as he walks into a lamp post. Outside the also demolished number 38 New End in NW3 with New End School in the right distance.

At least a clearer view of the school can be had now. (PW)

PC Woods lies dazed on the pavement. New End in Hampstead with the footpath leading to Flask Walk on the right.

The lamp post remains standing. (PW)

Disappointed that her paintings are unappreciated, Jean returns home. New End in London NW3.

Changes are apparent on the left. (PW)

To obtain a uniform for their next robbery, gang member Sam and another Heavy (Bill Reed) pounce on an unsuspecting Postman. Mortimer Terrace in NW5 once again.

The roadway was full of cars waiting attention at M & A Coachworks and Steve advised that this scaffolding only appeared a few days before I turned up. (PW)

At the station, Policemen watch as Postmen load a bag of used bank notes into their van. Marylebone station in NW1 with buildings on Boston Place and Balcombe Street in the right background.

The same background buildings stand beyond the wall behind the train. (PW)

The convoy drives away to deliver their valuable cargo to the sorting office where Harold is working. This is the carriage road at Marylebone station with the Milk Depot offices on Rossmore Road in the background.

No carriage road or milk offices in the present day view. (PW)

With her son promoted to Postmaster in Upper Fringley, Harold's Mum (Gwen Nelson) calls him in for dinner.

Before they go inside to eat, Mrs. Petts shows her husband her latest design for a poster.