Love in Pawn

The feature opens with a view looking downstream towards Chiswick Bridge on the River Thames.

Antony Blair returned to the location 71 years on.

Panning left, the camera finds the entrance to Cubitt’s Yacht Basin and the still extant Ibis and University of Westminster boathouses in the Grove Park area of Chiswick, which was then in Middlesex.

John Harwood was very pleased to note that the bollards are still there. (SJ)

The Milkman brings a pint of pasteurised to Roger and Jean Fox’s houseboat Endeavor before finding a note that reads “No milk until further notice”. Cubitt’s Yacht Basin off Hartington Road in London W4.

Roger Fox (Bernard Braden) and his wife Jean (Barbara Kelly) leave Mr. McCutcheon’s office after being told that Uncle Amos will give him £10,000 if he can prove that he can stay sober and remain in gainful employment. Dave W tells us that this is 10 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2, surprised that they could only afford a chalked 10 in 1953. (RL)

Neither chalk nor number at this angle. SJ

The penniless couple step onto the pavement and Jean looks back at the office before asking her husband why he has asked the solicitor to dinner. See the above capture with the added view of Lincoln’s Inn Hall. (RL)

On the west side of the square. SJ

As Roger runs through an extravagant menu, Jean wonders where they will find the money to pay for the food. See above capture. (RL)

Looks like, in the intervening 70 years, they've got round to straightening the lamppost on the left. SJ

The two set off to find artist Hilary Stitfall who owes Roger £10. Lower Mall in Hammersmith W6.

Perhaps I should have engaged 'Rent a Crowd'. (RL)

As the pair approach Hilary’s car, a Small Boy runs away after drawing on the sculptures standing inside. Lower Mall, Hammersmith.

Sometime since cars were allowed on Lower Mall. (RL)

Roger and Jean spot Hilary Stitfall (Walter Crisham) sitting outside a pub. Outside the Blue Anchor public house on Lower Mall.

Some changes, but at least the pub remains. (RL)

Hilary explains that he is temporarily embarrassed and asks Roger if he can lend him a pound. Looking towards Hammersmith Bridge from outside the Blue Anchor on Lower Mall W6.

I wasn't able to take the shot from where Hilary was sitting. (RL)

Having no luck at raising cash for the evening’s meal, Jean comes up with the idea of pawning Roger. The corner of Crisp Road and Chancellors Street in London W6.

The rebuilding of the premises retained the original style. (RL)

Jean and Roger arrive outside a pawnbrokers on the story’s Old Road in Chelsea and enter the pledge office. Crisp Street in Hammersmith.

Those tables were occupied the whole of the time that I was in the area, good for Café Plum but not for me, so I had to take this hurried shot from a distance before I left. (RL)

Getting five founds for her husband, Jean returns home to the Endeavor to entertain Mr. McCutcheon. After threats of being filled in in the 1960s, Cubitt’s Yacht Basin was redeveloped in the 1970s as Chiswick Quay and now bears the name Chiswick Quay Marina.

A bus carries Jean to town to pawn her ring and get Roger out of hock. The junction of Fulham Palace Road, Yeldham Road and Chancellor’s Road in Hammersmith W6.

Looking south from the corner of Chancellor's Road. SJ

Getting off the bus, Jean walks back to the junction. Fulham Palace Road with Civic Company’s tobacco pipe factory across the street.

The east side of Fulham Palace Road. SJ

Jean enters a pawnbrokers on the corner before returning to Trusslove & Bibcock’s pawn shop where she discovers that she has mislaid Roger’s ticket. Fulham Palace Road W6 at the corner of Chancellor’s Road with the Yeldham Road to the left.

No 68 had been rebuilt since filming and now it's about to unveil its new look after further additions in the 2020s. SJ

Later that day, an Organ Grinder plays a tune in the street as Jean walks towards Trusslove & Bibcock’s shop after swearing a declaration to a magistrate. The junction of Chancellors Street and Crisp Road with the wall of Riverside Studios in the background.

The updated 'Riverside Studios' premises. (RL)

Jean enters the pawn shop but leaves without Roger after discovering that he has been painting Albert Trusslove’s eldest daughter Amber. Chancellors Street at the corner with Crisp Road.

The recycling bags rather detract the eye. (RL)

The press learn about the story and the odd situation hits the headlines. St James Street off Crisp Road in Hammersmith.

How 'green' London is these days. (RL)

A News-Vendor is stopped in the street by a Passer-By and a tabloid purchased. Facing north-west on Crisp Road W6 outside The Chancellor’s public house, almost opposite Riverside Studios.

Café Plum was clearly busier that day. (RL)

More headlines appear on the streets. Facing south-east along Crisp Road with the former St. Mark’s Mission church at the corner of St. James Street to the left and the Manbre & Garton sugar refinery filling the background. The location can also be seen in 'Home to Danger', 'Wheel of Fate', 'The Small Voice' and 'The Long Arm' with the streets around appearing in 'Mandy', ‘Recoil’, ‘Breakaway’, ‘Love in Pawn’ and ‘Delayed Action’.

At least once original building still stands. (RL)