Secrets & Lies
Date: 1996
Director: Mike Leigh
Production Company: Thin Man Films
Stars: Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Phyllis Logan, Lee Ross, Emma Amos, Ron Wood
Location(s): London
Region(s): London R-S
Storyline:
The movie tells the story of a young black woman who seeks out her birth mother after the death of her adoptive mother. She discovers that her birth mother is a white working-class woman with a troubled past.
Additional Information:
Page compiled by Steve Randall
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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
- 13 Feb 2024
Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) grieves at the funeral of her mother. Kensal Green Cemetery, Kensington, London W10. Also seen in 'I Was Happy Here', 'The Lady in the Van', 'Afraid of the Dark', 'Villain', 'Look Back in Anger', 'The London Nobody Knows', 'Savage Messiah', 'Steptoe and Son Ride Again' and 'Theatre of Blood'.
It took Antony Blair about half an hour to find the spot. Looking from the damaged urn across the Cemetery with the gas holders of Kensal Green Gasworks now removed.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
A car awaits to carry a bride to her wedding as Maurice Purley, photographer, takes pictures at her home.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
Maurice's wife Monica (Phyllis Logan) looks out at children playing from their suburban house. 87 Whitehouse Way, N14.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
Hortense leaves the opticians where she works to sort out her late mother's things.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Maurice's photography shop, where he is kept busy shooting family portraits. 32-34 The Green, Enfield N21.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
Hortense visits the Citizens Advice Bureau to start to trace her family history. Southgate Town Hall, Green Lanes, Palmers Green N13.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
Roxanne (Claire Rushbrook) goes off with her boyfriend Paul (Lee Ross). Quilter Street E2 looking northwest.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
Roxanne lives with her mother Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn) who watches the pair from her doorstep. 76 Quilter Street E2.
- Capture 9
- 15 Apr 2024
Hortense walks from Kingsway, past 61 Aldwych WC2, towards the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, where she discovers her birth mother's address.
A few changes to the facade and a very colourful greeting. (RL)
- Capture 10
- 30 Jun 2024
Roxanne drives to Cynthia's house to take a look at it. 76 Quilter Street E2. Quilter Street is also seen in 'The Chain'.
A lucky car-clear shot which shows a different door. SJ
- Capture 11
- 30 Jun 2024
Maurice (Timothy Spall) calls on Cynthia. Quilter Street E2, with Durant Street in the background.
Looking east. SJ
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Roxanne visits Paul's house. Unidentified location.
- Capture 13
- 02 May 2024
Hortense has arranged to meet Cynthia at Holborn Underground Station, and waits for her there.
The sign has a lighter blue background along with re-spacing. SJ
- Capture 14
- 02 May 2024
The pair wait at the entrance before Hortense approaches Cynthia. Holborn Underground Station, Kingsway WC2.
A stall in front of the railings was behind me in this shot so I had to step in closer. The original was possibly taken from the traffic island in the middle of Kingsway. SJ
- Capture 15
- 30 Jun 2024
Cynthia waves goodbye as Hortense drops her off at the junction of Quilter Street with Durant Street E2.
Leafier now. SJ
- Capture 16
- 'Now' required
Monica goes shopping. Crocodile Antiques, 120 Muswell Hill Broadway N10.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
A customer (Emma Amos) leaves Maurice's studio and passes Stuart (Ron Cook) waiting outside, who has come to hassle Maurice for a job. The Green, Enfield N21.
- Capture 18
- 03 May 2025
Preparing to meet Hortense, Cynthia emerges from the hairdressers. 105 Shacklewell Lane, London E8.
The premises, on the corner with Seal Street, was a real hairdressers but is now Yoga on the Lane. SJ
- Capture 19
- 03 May 2025
She crosses the road with Shacklewell Green behind her.
The wall, protecting the Green, has been lowered since 2015. SJ
- Capture 20
- 'Now' required
Cynthia and Hortense emerge from an Odeon cinema together. But which one?
- Capture 21
- 'Now' required
Cynthia, Roxanne and Paul arrive for Roxanne's birthday party, to which Cynthia has also invited Hortense. Whitehouse Way, London N14, looking west
- Capture 22
- 'Now' required
They arrive at the door. 87 Whitehouse Way N14.
- Capture 23
- 'Now' required
Maurice and Paul attempt to calm Roxanne down after tempers flare following Hortense's arrival. Bus stop at the junction of Whitehouse Way and Hampden Way N14.