Secret of the Forest, The (Children’s Film Foundation)

Date: 1956
Director: Darcy Conyers
Production Company: Anthony Gilkison Productions

Stars: Kit Terrington, Jacqueline Cox, Barry Knight, Diana Day, Michael Balfour, Arthur Lovegrove, Vincent Ball
Location(s): Suffolk

Region(s):

Storyline:

Four children get involved with a gang of crooks when a valuable gold cup is stolen.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

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If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.

We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
  • 'Now' required

Speeding along the river, Henry and Caroline laugh after Len's motorboat splashes John and Mary in their small dingy. The River Deben at Woodbridge in Suffolk.

  • Capture 2
  • 04 Mar 2023

Henry Roberts (Kit Terrington) and his sister Caroline (Jacqueline Cox) spot their father as Len steers towards the shore. Facing the Boatyard at the end of Jetty Lane from the River Deben in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Not wanting to get his feet wet, Peter Bywaters (PB) took this view from land.

  • Capture 3
  • 04 Mar 2023

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts (Ewen Solo and Pamela Abbott) wave at their children as the motorboat approaches. The Boatyard at the end of Jetty Lane in Woodbridge.

A new building in the background and a tow path wall has appeared. (PB)

  • Capture 4
  • 04 Mar 2023

Len (Michael Balfour) reluctantly agrees to take the children along the river to the quay near their uncle's cottage. Looking north-eastward from the Boatyard with a gasometer at the Gas Holder station on Quayside in the left distance and Tide Mill in the centre right background.

The gasometer has gone but the Tide Mill, now a museum, remains. (PB)

  • Capture 5
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Reaching the middle of the forest, Henry and Caroline arrive at Acorn Cottage.

  • Capture 6
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Interested in a nearby archaeological dig, Johnny (Barry Knight) and Mary Carver (Diana Day) speak with Mr. Lawson (Vincent Ball), Henry and Caroline's uncle.

  • Capture 7
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Planning to steal a gold cup, Wally (Arthur Lovegrove) and Len approach the museum.

  • Capture 8
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The two crooks peer through the museum's window and spot the Caretaker inside.

  • Capture 9
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Leaving the museum when a class of archaeology Students arrive, Wally and Len make their escape to the river where they see PC Oates speaking with Johnny and Mary.

  • Capture 10
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Henry and Caroline jump into Mr. Lawson's Land Rover and the three drive off to the mound where a Saxon ship is buried.

  • Capture 11
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Mr. Carver allows his children to work Jack Hodges' fire watching shift when he's injured after Johnny collides with him whilst the two are cycling through the forest.

  • Capture 12
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Mary reaches the top of the Fire Watching Tower before Johnny. This is possibly looking out over Rendlesham Forest.

  • Capture 13
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After being telephoned by Mary from the tower, Chief Forrester Carver drives to find Caroline. To the right there's a pill box standing at the side of the road.

  • Capture 14
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Pursued by Henry and Johnny after being disturbed while digging at the excavation site, Wally and Len flee towards the river and escape in the speedboat.

  • Capture 15
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Leaving the river, Henry and Johnny run to call the police.

  • Capture 16
  • 04 Mar 2023

As Len's discarded cigarette starts a fire in the forest, the children's call is received at the police station. The Police Station on Kings Road in Leiston, Suffolk.

The police station has been converted into flats and the stone work no longer refers to its former use. (PW)

  • Capture 17
  • 04 Mar 2023

The first of two Motorcycle Officers rides from the police station. The pavement in front on the Police Station in Leiston.

New brick work replicates the old wall. (PB)

  • Capture 18
  • 04 Mar 2023

A Constable holds up traffic as the bikes turn onto the main road. Facing westward on Kings Road in Leiston, Suffolk with Hayling Road in the background.

Yellow lines and directions to Yoxford and Saxmundham have appeared over the years. (PB)

  • Capture 19
  • 04 Mar 2023

While PC Oates pursues the crooks along the river bank, the two Motorcycle Officers speed towards the river. Facing south at Snape Bridge crossing the River Alde south of Snape in Suffolk with The Maltings visible above the parapet.

Peter Bywaters explains that Snape Bridge was rebuilt in 1960 to allow for heavier traffic, the new bridge is more level giving a better view of the buildings behind.

  • Capture 20
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When the boat runs out of fuel, Len and Wally head to the shore and continue their flight on foot.

  • Capture 21
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Alerted by Mary from the tower, a fire engine is dispatched to the forest as the blaze begins to spread. The appliance is a Commer Curden Fire Pump with Berkshire registration PJB 336 but the fire station has the Suffolk Coat of Arms next to the door.

  • Capture 22
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Appearing from the smoke, Wally spots PC Oates.

  • Capture 23
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The Policeman follows Wally as he turns to run along the forest road.

  • Capture 24
  • 04 Mar 2023

While Henry, Johnny and Mr. Lawson search the forest for Len, the thief takes the forester's Land Rover with Caroline on board. Snape Bridge carrying Bridge Road over the River Alde south of Snape in Suffolk.

Snape Maltings very much the visitor attraction today. (PB)

  • Capture 25
  • 04 Mar 2023

Outside a roadside pub, Customers wave as the Land Rover passes. Outside the Plough & Sail public house on Bridge Road, Snape.

The building appears to have lost some of its charm with its fresh coat of paint. (PB)

  • Capture 26
  • 04 Mar 2023

With Mr. Lawson riding pillion, a Motorcycle Officer chases Len. Looking south along Bridge Road in Snape, Suffolk with Snape Maltings filling the background from left to right. The maltings closed in 1965 and the buildings now house a collection of shops, galleries, restaurants and a Concert Hall.

Instantly recognisable today. Normally there's a white van centre shot, today its blue. (PB)