Promise, The
Date: 1952
Director: Norman Walker
Production Company: G.H.W. Productions Ltd.
Stars: Edward Underdown, John Slater, Lesley Dudley, Harry Fowler, Everley Gregg
Location(s): Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, London, Middlesex
Region(s): London O-Q, North, South East M-Q
Storyline:
A newly appointed Social Worker replaces a much loved Prison Missioner but struggles to understand what is motivating him until he receives inspiration from the Holy Spirit.
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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
The film opens in a provincial town.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
On the High Street, people go about their business as usual. High Street in Watford, Hertfordshire looking towards Watford Bridge with the sign of the Wheatsheaf public house at number 312 to the bottom left and a gasometer belonging to Watford gasworks to the top right.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
The local newspaper carries a report on the funeral of a much-lover Prison Missioner, David Townsend. The offices of the Harrow Observer and Gazette which were once at 323 Station Road in Harrow, Middlesex, identified by Alan Bourke.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
At the graveside, Stephen Harker (Edward Underdown) reads the cards left with the floral tributes from former prisoners.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Standing up, Stephen tells the Groundsman that he's been appointed to carry on Mr. Townsend's work.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
Boys play football in the street outside Mr. Harker's lodgings. Is this a real street or a set at Gate Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
At the Ex-Prisoners Welfare, Stephen is called into Mr. Redfern's office to be welcomed into his new position.
- Capture 8
- 06 Sep 2023
Mr. Harker pays a visit to Bates who is serving a sentence for robbery with violence. Lincoln Prison on Greetwell Road in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, which also appears in 'They Knew Mr. Knight' and 'Band of Thieves'.
And indeed the original shot was repeated for 'Band of Thieves' ten years later. SJ
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
After meeting with the Governor to discuss Tom Bates, Stephen begins to call on ex-prisoners and their families.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
Outside the Elmhurst Gallery, Mr. Harker spots a noticeboard advertising Emile Le Vack's painting 'The Promise'.
- Capture 11
- 08 Jan 2024
Leaving the gallery after finding encouragement in the sacred works, Stephen walks through St. James's Park in contemplation. The bridge over St. James's Park Lake in SW1 which can also be seen in 'Britannia Mews', 'Madame Louise' and 'Reach for the Sky'.
This is from the Blue Bridge, now rebuilt: I'm taking a bit of guess in terms of direction: here looking west. SJ
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Having found inspiration, Stephen returns to see the woman who told him about 'The Promise'.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
Stephen Harker looks up at the building where Kate Moreton lives to tell her that he's seen her favourite picture.