Warrior Strain, The

Date: 1919
Director: F. Martin Thornton
Production Company: Harma Photoplays

Stars: Sydney Wood, Harry Agar Lyons, Mrs, F. E. Petley, William Parry, James E. Barber, Evelyn Boucher
Location(s): London, Sussex

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

A Peer’s cadet son prevents an enemy Baron from planting wireless-controlled signals on the south coast.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

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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

Lord Billy (Sydney Wood) looks up at his father Sir William, the Earl of Halsford (H. Agar Lyons), as he prepares to leave. The entrance to Eridge Castle at Eridge Green in Sussex identified by Richard Lovejoy (RL).

  • Capture 2
  • 'Now' required

The distinguished peer departs for a meeting with Continental Diplomats. Eridge Castle between Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough discovered by RL.

  • Capture 3
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Billy's Governess (Mrs. F. E. Petley) tells him to play in the castle today and, if he's good, he can go the the end of the estate woods tomorrow. In 1792 the former Eridge House was converted into a Gothic Revival castle and renamed Eridge Castle.

  • Capture 4
  • 'Now' required

After reading about his ancestors and their acts of chivalry, Billy walks with his Father while looking forward to the day when he can fare forth upon the road of great adventure. Located by RL, this is Eridge Castle in Eridge Park, Sussex.

  • Capture 5
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Invited by the Earl during his meeting with foreign noblemen, Baron Hausen and his suite arrive at the castle. Eridge Castle at Eridge Green found by RL.

  • Capture 6
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Baron Hausen (James E. Barber) and one of his Aides return to the castle after photographing undefended districts along the south coast.

  • Capture 7
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Watched by Army Cadets, the two Teutons walk back to the hospitality of their host. Eridge Castle in Sussex identified by RL. The building was demolished in 1937 and replaced by a neo-Georgian mansion.

  • Capture 8
  • 20 Feb 2022

Realising that Billy is lonely at the castle since his Mother passed away, the Earl allows him to join the Cadets. One can just make out the Victoria Tower to the top right, in this and the following capture, which places this in Vincent Square SW1. SJ

Vincent Square is also seen later. SJ

  • Capture 9
  • 20 Feb 2022

With training complete, Earl Halsford watches his son parade with his Comrades. Vincent Square SW1 located by Simon James (SJ).

The only match here is the terrace on the far left. Vincent House on the right had yet to be built (1932) replacing St. Mary's Church, which closed in 1923, and the terrace was filled in with three houses in about 2000 replacing the smaller house for the rector of St Stephens which had been built in 1954 in place of the larger vicarage seen in the original capture. SJ

  • Capture 10
  • 'Now' required

At the aerodrome, the Earl and the Cadets are shown around the Army's aircraft.

  • Capture 11
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Every community has a bully but chivalry is also in evidence as Billy runs to help the underdog.

  • Capture 12
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"Boys will quarrel, sir. They'll have to settle it according to rules. We teach them to be men here."

  • Capture 13
  • 20 Feb 2022

After Billy thwarts the plans of an enemy agent, he steps forward to receive an award from HRH Edward, the Prince of Wales (Himself). Vincent Square in SW1 with the Royal Horticultural Hall in the background identified by RL. The square also appears in ‘To Catch a Spy’, 'Two Gentlemen Sharing' and 'Daemon'.

The fence in the original appears to be protecting the cricket square. SJ

  • Capture 14
  • 20 Feb 2022

And still, from the lore of his ancestors, Billy draws the inspiration for noble deeds in future years. Vincent Square located by RL with the spire of St. Matthew's church on Great Peter Street in the distance, which was almost totally destroyed by fire in 1977.

The pavilion is currently undergoing structural side alteration. SJ