Phantom Light, The

Date: 1935
Director: Michael Powell
Production Company: Gainsborough Pictures

Stars: Binnie Hale, Gordon Harker
Location(s): Caernarvonshire, Cornwall, Devon

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

A new Keeper arrives at the lighthouse where his predecessor was murdered in mysterious circumstances.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

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A engine whistle blows as a narrow gauge train approaches a tunnel. This is Garnedd Tunnel, about half a mile east of Tan y Bwlch station on the Ffestiniog Railway as it runs through Caernarvonshire in North Wales.

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Sam Higgins (Gordon Harker) leans out of the window as the train approaches his stop.

At Tan-y-Bwlch station the Stationmistress (Louie Emery) appears from one of the buildings. The station at Tan-y-Bwlch identified by Neil Webster who adds that the real Stationmistress, Bessie Jones, would meet trains in traditional Welsh costume and serve teas from her front parlour.

Neil's comparison shows that the station house remains pretty much unchanged.

A plume of smoke heralds the arrival of the train at Tan-y-Bwlch station in Carnarvonshire.

Neil Webster explains that the building is the original waiting room and now houses a heritage display while the water tower was rebuilt in the 1990s.

After having his ticket checked, the Chief Lightkeeper walks over to where Alice Bright is sleeping on a bench. Tan-y-Bwlch station near Maentwrog.

A high-vis jacket adds an extra splash of colour to Neil Webster's shot.

Driven by Owen, the station car carries Alice, Sam and a Railway Worker to the village. The driveway leading from Tan-y-Bwlch station to the road running between Garreg and Maentwrog, in Gwynedd since April 1974.

Neil Webster tells us that the building to the extreme right was once a goods shed but now functions as a café.

After journey along quiet mountain roads, the Model T Ford arrives outside the village pub. This is High Street, Boscastle in Cornwall.

Lionel and Cynthia Sear venture out of lock-down to resume their work for us. Parked near the harbour they found that it's a long trek uphill to the High Street. (After sausage and mash in the Cobweb Inn it was a wonder that LGS did not have to resort to a puff of GTN!) (RL)

Alice gets out of the passenger seat and enters the bottle and jug to enquire about a bed for the night. High Street in Boscastle, near the junction with Paradise Road and Mount Pleasant. Taken by Lionel and Cynthia from a spot very close to 7 but looking at the cottage. Some modifications have taken place but enough of the original to clinch it. (RL)

Taken by Lionel and Cynthia from a spot very close to Capture 7 but looking at the cottage. Some modifications have taken place but enough of the original to clinch it. (RL)

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Heading for the harbour, Sam thinks better of asking directions from Welsh speaking locals.

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Passing lobster pots on the harbour wall, Sam finds his was to the Harbour Master's office.

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While Sam reports for duty to David Owen the Harbour Master, reporter Jim Pearce (Ian Hunter) leaves the office after failing to get permission to visit North Stack lighthouse.

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Jim watches as Sam and Dr. Carey check the barometer before going to the pub to find Sergeant Jones.

Sam, Dr. Carey and Sergeant Jones climb aboard Griffith Owen's boat. This is the harbour entrance on the River Valency at Boscastle, Cornwall.

The harbour entrance from the west. Lionel had to go up a slope for this and it was getting a little precarious so not a perfect angle. Once again Cynthia had to watch Lionel risk life and limb for Reelstreets, we do appreciate it. (RL)

As the evening draws in, the journey to the lighthouse begins. Warren Point, Boscastle in Cornwall. The Powell & Pressburger Pages advise that location shooting took place at Hartland Point, just along the Devon coast from where scenes in 'A Matter of Life and Death' were filmed.

Taken from the footpath on the east side of the harbour entrance by Lionel and Cynthia. (RL)

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The door closes at the North Stack lighthouse. The real North Stack lighthouse lies off Holy Island on the north-west coast of Anglesey.