Floating Dutchman, The
Date: 1954
Director: Vernon Sewell
Production Company: Merton Park Studios
Stars: Dermot Walsh, Sidney Tafler
Location(s): London
Region(s): London E-G
Storyline:
Two London dockers find the body of a Dutch diamond courier. The police have to find the murderer as well as the diamonds he was carrying
Additional Information:
Page compiled by Steve Randall
Can you help:
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

Dock workers find a body floating in the Thames. St. Katherine Docks, London.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required

It’s a Dutch jewellery courier, hence the film’s title. Across the Thames, Butler’s Wharf and Courage Brewery can be seen.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required

The body is hauled out of the water. St. Katherine Docks, London E1.
- Capture 4
- 13 Apr 2023

Undercover police officer Alexander James (Dermot Walsh) leaves his apartment. This and the following three captures which form a panning sequence could well be based on a studio set. Ray Glenister finds that the location is genuine, albeit, unfortunately re-built, Clarendon Mews, London W2. (RL)

I'm guessing about here. SJ
- Capture 5
- 13 Apr 2023

He walks down the street... as Ray says, Clarendon Mews...(RL)

Panning right but not quite as much as the original. SJ
- Capture 6
- 13 Apr 2023

...and past a telephone box where club owner and crook Skinner is hiding. Clarendon Mews as identified by Ray looking out on to Clarendon Place, London W2. Fortunately, the identifiable bay window belongs to 7 Clarendon Place whose existence has been spared. (RL)

Panning right again and bingo! SJ
- Capture 7
- 13 Apr 2023

Skinner (Sidney Tafler) exits his hiding place to check over Alexander’s apartment. Once again, Clarendon Mews as identified by Ray, whilst the telephone box is a likely prop that distinctive kink in the pavement remains to this day. (RL)

Kink and all. SJ
- Capture 8
- 07 Feb 2023

Alexander goes to meet his boss in the back room of a bookshop. Henry Pordes Books Ltd, 72 Charing Cross Road, London WC2.

Henry Pordes' enduring secondhand book store is still there in this comparison shot.
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required

Alexander accompanies Skinner to a theft at a hotel, where the rest of the action takes place on studio sets.

