Dark Road, The

Date: 1948
Director: Alfred J. Goulding
Production Company: Hammer Films, Marylebone Productions

Stars: Charles Stuart, Joyce Linden, Mackenzie Ward
Location(s): Devon, Lancashire, New York, Sussex

Region(s): , , ,

Storyline:

The story of a criminal and his numerous escapes from prison is told to a New York newspaper editor.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

Also known as ‘There is No Escape’ (US Title)

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In New York, the Editor of a newspaper listens to Nick Allen as he narrates the story of British career criminal Stanley Thurston. The New York skyline from the East River with, from centre to right, the Forty Wall Street Corporation, City Bank Farmers Trust Company and City Services Company buildings.

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The fruit shop of Lawrence Harris 2a Chapel Street, London NW1 circa 1948

Nick tells how Sidney Robertson steals his first pineapple. Dave W has done his homework and a little extra research and found at 2a Chapel Street, London NW1, a fruiterer by the name of Lawrence Harris, here his produce is protected from the sun by the blinds. The young lad is about to walk past, also at 2a Chapel Street, William Smith's stationers shop. (RL)

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The fruit shop of Lawrence Harris 2a Chapel Street, London NW1 circa 1948

"His parents died when he was quite young. Having no living relatives, he was left in the care of a friend of his Mother, a decent honest God fearing woman." So here Dave catches the young lad 'in the act', stealing a pineapple from Lawrence Harris at 2a Chapel Street, NW1. To the right can be seen, whilst a small portion, perhaps the only picture of the Queens Arms public house at 1a Castle Street. (RL)

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Wiliam Smith the Stationer at 2a Chapel Street, NW1 Circa 1948

The Shopkeeper chases Sidney who escapes with the pricey fruit. A more complete shot of the premises of Wiliam Smith the Stationer at 2a Chapel Street, NW1 found by Dave W. He adds that it is interesting to note the general proximity to the film studio at 245 Old Marylebone Road. (RL)

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Falling in with small time criminal Andy Anderson (Michael Ripper), Sidney Robertson (Charles Stuart) is taken on a robbery.

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Released from borstal after serving his sentence, Sidney is given a job as a chauffeur by influential businessman Ashcroft.

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Stealing Ashcroft's car after being sacked for wearing his employer's clothes and drinking his gin, Sidney sells the vehicle on and buys something less conspicuous.

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Sidney drives from view and takes the road north.

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Making his way to Blackpool, the crook sets himself up as a well to do gentleman. Blackpool Tower on the Promenade in Blackpool, Lancashire with the Clock Tower of Woolworth's to the bottom.

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Sidney drives to one of the resorts exclusive hotels. Facing F. W. Woolworth & Co. Ltd. at the corner of Promenade and Adelaide Street.

The scene 75 years later by Antony Blair.

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Entering the hotel to dine, Sidney is seated with Pearl Buckland and her Grandmother. Looking out onto the Promenade in Blackpool from the Palatine Hotel at the corner of Hounds Hill. The hotel was demolished in the 1970s to be replaced by the Sands Venue.

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While Sidney phones to make sure that Lady Bayle's house is empty, a Motorcyclist parks up his machine.

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Leaving the telephone kiosk, Sidney steals the bike and rides over to Lady Bayle's to carry out a burglary.

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Sidney and Pearl Buckland (Joyce Linden) enjoy spending time with each other. Likely to filmed at Marylebone Studios and superimposed over a shot of the Big Dipper at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Lancashire.

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Concluding that a spate of burglaries over the last three months are the work of one man, the Police increase their vigilance.

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Sidney escapes from a house after disturbing the occupant.

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Moving on to Manchester when a picture of Pearl appears in the newspapers, Sidney heads towards a pillar box. Manchester Central Library on St. Peter's Square in Manchester, Lancashire.

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Sidney posts a letter to Pearl. which is handed over to Detectives after being received.

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With Manchester Police on the lookout for him, Sidney is careful of his every move. The concourse of Manchester Victoria station off Corporation Street, Manchester 3.

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Spotting two Policemen at the ticket barrier, Sidney backtracks. The barrier to platforms 3 and 4 at Manchester Victoria station.

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Sidney sees danger everywhere and dodges behind a bus when almost walking into a pair of Constables. Parker Street in Manchester 1, looking across Piccadilly Gardens towards the Woolworth building at the corner of Piccadilly and Oldham Street.

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Turning a corner, the fugitive from justice comes across a Policeman.

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Looking behind as he walks, Sidney sees an Officer begin to give chase.

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Running as fast as he can, the Constable gains on Sidney.

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The wanted man disappears into a garden.

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Sidney climbs over the garden wall . . . . into the arms of two Policemen.

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Another sentence begins. Lewes Prison on Brighton Road, Lewes in Sussex.

Even in winter the view of the prison is obscured. (SD)

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During the dull monotony of prison routine, Sidney sews mailbags as he plans his escape. Dartmoor Prison at Princetown near Yelverton in Devon

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At the first opportunity, Sidney makes a bid for freedom.

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The convict appears from behind a bridge dressed as a speed walker.

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After his recapture in Blackpool, Sidney is returned to penal servitude. Dartmoor Prison in Devon.

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Eight months later, the prisoner escapes from confinement. Looking across Dartmoor with Dartmoor Prison in the distance.

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After Sidney adopts a new character as a man about town, Detectives arrive at Hinds the Jewellers when a Client attempts to sell jewels stolen in Kensington.

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A trap is set for Sidney and he makes his way to the roof when cornered by an undercover Policewoman in her apartment.

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Sidney Robertson was played by Charles Stuart who, in reality, was Stanley Thurston, the subject of the production.

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A chase across the rooftops ensues before Sidney is arrested after falling through a skylight.