Downfall (An Edgar Wallace Mystery)

Martin Somers (T.P.McKenna) has been found not guilty of murder. Reporter (Anthony Ashdown) and Photographer (Jan Luxton). SW corner of The Guildhall, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey

Peter Bywaters captured the SW corner of The Guildhall as it is today.

"Not guilty? You must be kidd'n". The Court’s closed in 2011 and are now the Register Office. SW corner of The Guildhall, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey

Peter found the panning shot to be still recognisable.

Martin Somers makes his exit. The background has, not surprisingly, been re-developed.

Whilst the wall still exists with the Hogsmill River below Peter advises that the 're-development' is the Kingston Police Station.

Having successfully defended Somers, Sir Harold Crossley (Maurice Denham) makes his way home.

On his return, he found that his wife Suzanne (Nadja Regin) has returned from holiday, unannounced. The following morning Sir Harold ‘has a few things to attend to”, no doubt in connection with his loveless marriage and the recent case. The property also appears in 'Downfall' but remains unidentified.

He makes his way to the driving school where Martin Somers is employed. Peter Brown spotted the customary Merton Park Studios economies and identifies the car leaving Merton Park Garage, adjacent to the Studios, onto the Kingston Road, the houses opposite remain. (RL)

And Peter Bywaters made his way to Kingston Road towards south Wimbledon to find that very little had changed.

Associated it would appear, with a local garage. "Local" being the operative word says Peter, it was Merton Park Garage next door to the Studios, needless to say, now re-developed into housing.

Having given due reference to the action in the film Peter captures a similar camera angle revealing the new housing development on the site.

Sir Harold decides to employ (John) ‘Martin’, as he is now known, as chauffeur and general handyman placing him at his wife’s ‘disposal’ during the day. Peter Bywaters found this to be 364 Coombe Lane, West Wimbledon SW20

Peter not only established the location for us but provided this shot of the shop that is now Hawkins Beauty Clinic with a new frontage.

Suzanne asks to be taken to the River. Is this the river frontage of York House, Twickenham looking towards the footbridge to Eel Pie Island.

A similar scene today, captured by Antony Blair.

Suzanne and ‘Martin’ go for a walk together through York House Gardens, which can also be seen in 'Alfie' and 'Hidden City'.

The two find themselves standing in front of ‘The Oceanides’ or York House Cascade by Oscar Spalmach at York House in Twickenham, Surrey. The sculpture can also be seen in 'Five to One' and 'Savage Messiah'.

Antony Blair took this view of the unchanging sculpture.

They arrive home observed by Sir Harold, clearly Lady Suzanne has enjoyed her afternoon. Unknown location.

‘Martin’ is encouraged to give Suzanne driving lessons, here being followed by a car from his ‘previous employers’. Westway, London SW20 looking North East with No 73 on the extreme left of the screen.

Westway today, as seen by Peter noting that there is now a tree between the road sign and the telegraph pole.

As they ‘pull up’ at the junction his ex-colleague (Cavan Malone) who was behind draws up and recognises him, much to his annoyance. The junction of Westway with Crossway, London SW20

Peter Bywaters found himself at the junction of Westway looking down West Barnes Lane with Crossway behind his camera and took this shot for us.

Sir Harold returns home another day to give instructions to ‘Martin’ and tell him that he will be driving himself to Dorset the following day.

While ‘Martin’ adjusts the light on the Rolls, Haldane (Ian Curry) from the driving school arrives to warn the ‘lady of the house’ of her driving instructors background. Does that sculpture under the tree help with the location identification?

Sir Harold accompanies his junior barrister colleague Jane Meldrum (Ellen McIntosh) to ‘Dorset’ to support her in the forthcoming case. Market Place, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey.

Howard Morgan captured the scene from ground level noting that pedestrianisation has eliminated traffic so prevalent in 1964.

After the first day of the case Sir Harold and Jane cross the road returning to The Griffin Hotel, Kingston-on-Thames. Grade ll listed but it has still fallen now to be 'Griffin Centre'.

Howard captured the same location despite the difficulty of matching any of the architecture. And oh! the clutter!

While Sir Harold is away Suzanne falls for Johnny Martin’s charms and they go for a drink. Supposedly, ‘The Telegraph’, somewhere. Peter had the feeling that this is 'The Telegraph' public house, Putney Heath, Telegraph Road, London SW15 3JP, I believe that he is absolutely correct, all the evidence supports so.

Both John Harwood and I were here independently over the same weekend but his is the better shot showing much change from a quiet local to a gastro pub. Diagonally opposite a rather charming cricket pitch. (SJ)

With both the housekeeper and Sir Harold unable to raise Suzanne on the home phone, Sir Harold makes a hasty return, followed by the police, for speeding! Well timed by the policeman to hear the gunshot too.