On the Fiddle

A pre-title sequence has a W.A.A.F.S. band marching at an unidentified airfield.

"The Producers express their thanks and gratitude to ex-members of the R.A.F., allied Air Forces, and former W.A.A.F.S., without whose help and co-operation, this picture could not have been made . . . . "

Concluding their march, the band make way for the picture to start.

Following the appearance of the Anglo-Amalgamated film distributors logo, the story opens with views of London. Facing Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square WC2 with the National Gallery in the background.

Charles I, removed for protection during WWII, has returned to his plinth. SJ

Citizens go about their business on Fleet Street EC4. In the distance stands St. Paul's Cathedral on Ludgate Hill.

Rather awkward to recreate nowadays. SJ

Outside a recruitment depot, RAF Personnel attend to one of their vehicles. Located as a result of Clive Turner's tenacious labours. according to pre-war maps this was a genuine War Department property on Minories at Tower Hill in London EC3. Christopher Matheson explains that the doorway beneath the R.A.F recruitment banner leads to premises occupied by the 'Institute of Marine Engineers' according to his 1954 Kelly's Directory.

The location as it appears now. (RL)

Men form a queue to sign up for service. Sparrow Corner where the Charrington's public house on corner is identified by Clive Turner as the Crown & Shears at numbers 83 and 84 Minories.

The recruitment centre has made way for road widening and the pub has long gone. (RL)

Rounding the corner, Horace Pope (Alfred Lynch) comes into view and attempts to sell his lucky charms to the Men in the queue before an air raid siren begins to wail. Facing the corner of Minories and Royal Mint Street located by Clive Turner with the railway out of Fenchurch Street station crossing the top background.

An excellent picture of the pub confirming the architecture etc can be seen in National Brewery collection on the Historypin website. There has been substantial re-development and road widening changes but I thought Clive's hard work deserved an "as near as possible" now shot. (RL)

A sequence of archive footage includes Airmen running to their planes.

Engines roar into life.

Outside his poorly stocked shop, a Butcher looks to the skies as the titles begin. This sequence also appears in 'The Weaker Sex' with Mr Bragg's shop being located at 30, The Ridgway, Wimbledon SW19. (RL)

Peter Bywaters captured the same location for 'The WeakerSex' back in April 2024

The sequence ends at the corner of Parliament Square as the "All Clear" sounds. Facing the Houses or Parliament from the junction of Great George Street, Parliament Street, Bridge Street and St. Margaret Street in SW1.

Taken from just a little further back than I should be. SJ

A Police Constable (Jack Lambert) walks up behind Horace and the chancer is taken to court for street peddling. This is Sparrow Corner in EC3 and Christopher Matheson identifies the background building as 85-88 Minories.

With the redevelopment of the area and realignment of the roads it is difficult to be exact but this is virtually the same scene now. (RL)

Lying to the Magistrate that he was working in the black market while waiting to enlist in the war effort, Horace's plan backfires and he is forced to join the RAF. John Tunstill recalls that he went to Cardington, Bedfordshire and then Wilmslow in Cheshire.

Given his uniform and a gun, the cheeky cockney is marched through the camp with the rest of the new recruits.

Horace turns to the Flight Sergeant as he barks orders near his ear.

After Horace becomes friends with Pedlar Pascoe during training, the two listen out on the parade ground as postings are announced. This has the appearance of Shepperton Studios, then in Middlesex, with one of the sound stages visible to the top left.

Horace, Pedlar Pascoe (Sean Connery) and the rest of Number 3 Squad are posted to a non-effective pool.

The pair make their way to catch a bus to the Recruits Training Centre at RAF Blackrock across town where Horace starts organising the issuing of leave passes for Sergeant Huxtable. Harvey Road, Walton-on-Thames in Surrey located by Stephen Dean who adds "According to the 'Buses on Screen' website the bus, registration CAP 212, is a Brighton, Hove & District Omnibus Co. Ltd. 1950 Bristol K5G."

SD provides this capture of the previously unidentified location. Image copyright Google. (SD)

Horace soon realises that he can make money out of his position at Blackrock by selling passes and postings to the recruits. Near the junction of King's Road and Western Street at the border between Brighton and Hove in Sussex advises Paul Osborne. To the left stands the Norfolk Hotel on King's Road just within Brighton. while in the right distance stands the Bedford Hotel.

The Bedford Hotel was replaced in 1967 by a 17 storey block called Bedford Towers, This replaces my 2016 comparison with a new improved version. (SD)

After Sergeant Huxtable is replaced by the strict Sergeant Hixon, Horace and Pedlar apply for a posting to Heathfield. Shepperton station on Station Approach, Shepperton in Middlesex. As well as disguising the location for filming, JT explains that much signage was taken down during the war so as not to aid the enemy.

The same corner at the rebuilt station by Nick Boorman.

As they walk from the station, Horace asks Pedlar where his home town is. Shepperton station can also be seen in 'Heavens Above', 'Marilyn' and 'Cockleshell Heroes'.

Nick Boorman captured the view now.

When Pedlar tells Horace that he's a Gypsy, an opportunity for fortune telling is quickly turned down. Facing numbers 8 and 9 Station Approach, Shepperton found with the help of Nick Boorman.

Not all of the frontages survive, as Nick's comparison shows.

Horace hands Pedlar his kit bag as the two continue towards the camp. Station Approach in Shepperton, looking towards Green Lane.

At the camp gates, a Corporal (Godfrey James) checks passes before letting the pair in. Again, this appears to be at Shepperton Studios with one of the sound stages in the background.

After Horace and Pedlar are given meat detail, the Sergeant (Michael Brennan) gives them their instructions.

Spotting a butchers shop on their way to make deliveries to outlying camps, Horace tells Pedlar to pull up. Looking along Church Street towards St. James church in Shere, Surrey identified by Robin Brooks. The church and village appear in many productions including 'Bachelor of Arts', 'Reunion at Fairborough', 'The Late Edwina Black', 'The Hypnotist', 'Monster of Terror', 'Small Town Story' and 'The Wedding Date'.

Church Lane now with thanks to Robin.

While Horace and Pedlar drink with her husband at the pub, Mrs. Olga Cooksley (Kathleen Harrison) returns to find their RAF truck parked outside the shop. Robin Brooks identifies this as looking north along Middle Street in Shere with Lower Street off to the left.

Shere viewed from The Square captured by Robin.

Iris Cooksley (Ann Beach) comes out of the empty shop to meet her Mother before the pair open the back of the truck. The building at the corner of Shere Lane and Lower Street.

Arthur Cooksley (Stanley Holloway) stares at the meat in the truck, more than he has seen since rationing began. Facing The Square from the corner of Middle Street and Shere Lane in Shere.

Robin took this view towards The Square.

Horace asks Mr. Cooksley to open the gates to his yard so that they can reverse the truck to turn around. The gates stand across the entry between what is now named Lavender House and the White Horse public House on the right.

The exact angle wasn't able to be taken by Robin Brooks due to an inconsiderately parked car! The gates have gone, but the retainer for the right hand post is still there.

As Horace and Pedlar drive away, Mr. Cooksley finds a side of beef lying in his yard. Looking south along Shere Lane in Shere, Surrey found by Robin Brooks.

The timbered building on the right is part of the White Horse advises Robin.

The queue at Cooksley's shop is longer over the next few days. Facing the corner of Middle Street and Shere Lane in Shere.

When Mr. Cooksley suggests a wedding after Horace has been seeing his daughter for four months, Pedlar drives them back to camp where the intended attempts to get two blind postings.

After Pedlar obtains postings abroad from SHQ. the two turn up outside at docks where the Marshall (Jack Berg) holds them back from boarding.

A truck is loaded onto the ship just as an enemy aircraft begins to attack.

While everyone scatters as they run for cover, Horace and Pedlar take shelter in a nearby boozer.

Recovering after feigning shock when the pub is hit, Horace and Pedlar are downgraded and posted to Craddock Wood. Often seen footage of Watford Junction station in Watford, Hertfordshire.

Getting off the overnight train, the pair make their way to the remote camp. Roy Barnacle originally included this capture because the house was so unusual architecturally and JT tells us that tape over the windows was a protection against flying glass if bombs exploded nearby. Michael Garfield advises that this is the Lodge on Squire's Bridge Road, Littleton at the end of the driveway leading to Littleton House, located in the grounds of Shepperton Studios. Modern housing now occupies the site.

Replacing Michael's image, only the gate posts now remain. SD

The sound of birds chirping and cattle lowing fills the air as Horace and Pedlar approach the gateway of RAF Craddock Wood. Just beside the Lodge on Squires Bridge Road in Littleton, Middlesex.

Passing through the gates, the two find that the guard room of the mixed camp is deserted. The Lodge is also featured in 'The House That Dripped Blood', 'The Magnificent Six and ½, A Good Deed in Time', 'Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?', 'Nothing Barred' and 'The Amorous Prawn'.

Nick Boorman found that the lodge has gone and been replaced by a row of terraced houses and the gate is now the entrance to the River Ash walk.

Having come across several uniformed couples, Horace and Pedlar enter one of the huts to find an orchestra rehearsing.

After Horace reorganises the kitchen to make a profit, the next move is to win over the Camp Adjutant.

Flora McNaughton (Eleanor Summerfield) is introduced to Pedlar, her personal sentry.

Gwynneth Tovey (Priscilla Morgan) arrives at Craddock Wood looking for her husband Dai, who has become very friendly with Evie. The Lodge on Squires Bridge Road in Littleton, Middlesex.

The surviving parts of the gateway as found by Nick Bookman.

Leaving things to calm down at Craddock Wood after the havoc caused by Gwynneth and Dai, Horace and Pedlar travel to London. Convincing evidence from Dave W supports the fact that this looks like a stock shot viewed from South Western Railways looking north over Battersea towards the river. In the centre 48 Rollo Street SW11 is the end-of-terrace newly exposed by the street's WWII damage and subsequent clearances. Across the street, further away, number 33 is the end-of-terrace looking as though this is the same building seen from a reverse POV in 'Waterloo Road' C6. In the rightmost distance is the roofline of All Saints' Church, Queen's Circus SW11. (RL)

The two airmen make their way to the East End where Horace's Father and Step-Mother live. Christopher Matheson explains that this is facing west on Cable Street E1 with the corner of Leman Street out of frame to the left. The Cable Café stood at number 1 Cable Street on the corner of Mill Yard. The location is also seen in 'Children of Men' and 'River Beat' while other views of Mill Yard can be seen in 'A Prize of Gold' and 'The Stateless Man'. (RL)

The café was in Cable Street where all was demolished to make way for the Dockland Light Railway. (RL)

The camera pans right to follow as the pair walk along Cable Street.

Tailoring has given way to biking. (PW)

Cable Street, London E1 looking east from the corner of Ensign Street identified by Richard Lovejoy.

The scene now. (RL)

The corner of Cable Street and Ensign Street in E1.

More beige than blue these days. (PW)

Horace leads Pedlar into the upstairs flat where he receives a silent reception during which his Father walks out of the room. Christopher Matheson tells us that this is Ensign street with the Blue Cafe standing on the corner at 14 Cable Street. Next door, Markeson the tobacconist was at 1 Ensign Street. (RL)

The less interesting scene now. (RL)

Acknowledging his Step-Mother Lil, the pair leave the flat. Christopher Matheson gives the location as Watney Street E1 looking towards the corner of Chapman Street and Morris Street with the the bridge carrying the railway out of Fenchurch Street station passing overhead. (RL)

Christopher provides this comparison looking along Chapman Street adding that, behind that brick wall with wire fencing on top, runs the East London Line. (RL)

Grabbing a newspaper, headlines are read about the Allied invasion of France. Phil Russell says that this is looking south along Watney Street with the old Shadwell underground station on the right beyond the bridge.

Nick Cooper explains that the original East London line station building has since been demolished to be replaced with the small takeaway and, beyond it, a bicycle hire docking station. This means that the London Transport roundel remains on the site, albeit smaller, and in a different colour!

Arranging a new posting with Corporal Gittens, Horace and Pedlar "get lost". David Hizzey believes this to be the Chobham Clump, a group of Scots pines on Chobham Common near Longcross in Surrey.

At a US Army Aviation Camp, the barrier is raised to allow a Jeep to leave.

Horace and Pedlar approach the gate where they are given directions.

As they walk through the camp, Sergeant Buzz whistles before beckoning them over.

Horace and Pedlar get a lift from the camp and are dropped off at 'The Last Chance'. Looking along Ockham Lane from the junction with Old Lane at Ockham in Surrey.

John Harwood found a shadier road. (SJ)

The pair enter the premises where Trowbridge appears when they bang on the counter of the dilapidated pub. Mark Scott identifies this as The Black Swan public house at Ockham, Surrey which is confirmed by Axel Langer who knows it as "The Mucky Duck".

John H. had to adjust his angle to avoid the verdant growth. (SJ)

Discovering that there's no beer at the pub, Horace gets a lift to the local brewery.

Horace goes into the brewery office to arrange deliveries.

With Trowbridge's blessing, Horace and Pedlar begin to spruce up "The Last Chance'. The Black Swan at Martyr’s Green, Ockham, which makes an appearance in 'Inn for Trouble' and 'Bindle' while the junction to the front of the premises can be seen in 'Solo for Sparrow'. (RL)

All the creeper has gone, adds John who enjoyed a tasty snack and orange juice in the charming interior. (SJ)

After the pub is reopened with new attractive Barmaids behind the counter, Sergeant Buzz places the premises off limits to the USAAF and hands Horace and Pedlar their postings to France. This is archive footage of Les Andelys in Normandy, France, with the ruins of the medieval Chateau Gaillard on the cliff top. The structure on the left is probably the suspension bridge. (SD)

The castle viewed from the suspension bridge. The original bridge was blown up during the war and replaced in 1947. The footage used in the film is possibly from 1944. Image copyright Google. (SD)

The distant sound of gunfire accompanies more archive footage. This is Eberbach Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery in Eltville in the Rheingau, Germany. (SR)

While Hixon reports to Group Captain Bascombe that missing soap, cigarettes and toilet paper have been traced, truck number 7 turns off a main road somewhere in the Ardennes. The bridge that takes Newark Lane over the River Wey at Ripley to the south of Pyrford in Surrey.

The bridge now, captured by Daren Cahillane.

Manned by Pedlar and Horace, truck 7 makes an unauthorised stop. Newark Mill at at Ripley.

This was the location of Newark Mill, situated at Newark Lock. (SD)

Stopping as Locals run to meet them, Horace and Pedlar get out of the Bedford. Stephen Dean adds that Newark Mill burnt down in 1966 but was also seen in 'The Green Buddha' as well as 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' television series.

Daren Cahillane faced the same direction.

Soap, cigarettes and toilet paper are unloaded from the back of the truck. Newark Mill on the River Wey at Ripley in Surrey.

A Jeep carrying US Army Military Police approaches causing the crowd to disperse. Michael Sargent adds that the old bridge taking Newark Lane over the River Wey has since been replaced.

With no good access, Daren Cahillane took this shot from the opposite bank.

On their way back to base, the Leading Aircraftmen are caught at the front line and battle with enemy troops. According to Wikipedia, the woodland fight scenes were shot in and around "The Sandpit" on Horsell Common near Woking in Surrey.

Clearly this isn't the actual location, however, Daren Cahillane took this view to show how the area around "The Sandpit" appears now.

As Horace examines their burnt out truck in which the takings from years of "fiddling" were hidden, Pedlar hears vehicles in the distance.

The two lie low until Pedlar identifies an approaching column of US troop carriers.

After the American Army recognises Horace and Pedlar for fighting unsupported rearguard action over 18 hours, the British do likewise. Patrick Nolan identifies this as Osterley House at Isleworth, Middlesex.

And Patrick sent in a comparison. (SJ)

A United States Officer (Henry McCarthy) salutes as he stands next to Group Captain Bascombe (Cecil Parker). The steps of Osterley Park House, a location seen in ‘The Grass is Greener’, ‘An Alligator Named Daisy’, ‘Billion Dollar Brain’ and ‘A Study in Terror’.

Stepping into a black & white world for a moment, Antony Blair took this comparison.

Leading Aircraftmen 148 Pope and 213 Pascoe receive their medals. The steps of the mansion at Osterley Park.

The same steps captured by Antony Blair.

After the ceremony, a Messenger (Howard Pays) runs from the building. The steps to the south-western side of Osterley Park House.

Nick Boorman found that the bannisters are not quite as decorative now.

The Messenger (Howard Pays) hands over a top priority signal from Sergeant Buzz. Osterley Park House in Middlesex.

There was a film crew at the house when Nick Boorman arrived.

Buzzer sends the pair good luck as they return to run it with Thornbridge after the war. Mark Scott identifies this as The Black Swan at Martyr’s Green, Ockham in Surrey.

Replacing Marks Google capture, the pub is now showing even more changes made during the last four years. (RL)