Last Train, The (A Scotland Yard supporting feature)

"The London Underground operates almost round the clock. But late at night comes a brief pause. Into the last station comes the last train." The Aldwych branch platform at Holborn station on the Piccadilly Line.

After passengers have alighted to make their way to the surface, Mr. Wilkes (Joe Gibbons), the guard, checks that the train is empty and comes across the body of Edward Hunt. Platform 5 at Holborn, which also features in 'The Black Windmill', 'Turn the Key Softly', 'The Boy Who Turned Yellow', 'Monsieur Ripois', 'The Gentle Gunman' and 'Piccadilly Third Stop'.

Called in to investigate the case, Scotland Yard Detectives make their way to the film's Eastbourne Gardens in SW19. In reality, Sandbourne Avenue SW19 with the junction of Kenley Road in the background identified by Peter Bywaters.

Peter returned to the road 63 years later.

Outside number 3, Superintendent Duggan (Russell Napier) and Detective Sergeant Adams (Norman Johns) get out of the car. Outside numbers 1 and 3 Sandbourne Avenue in Wimbledon located by Peter Bywaters.

Peter found that parts of the garden wall outside numbers one and three have survived.

The Detectives call on Mrs. Thelma Hunt to tell her that her husband didn't commit suicide but was murdered. Facing number 3 Sandbourne Avenue, found by Peter Bywaters.

There's a new front door in Peter's view but much else is still recognisable.

Told by Mrs. Hunt that her husband worked as a newspaper proof reader, Superintendent Duggan and Sergeant Adams are driven to Fleet Street to question Stevens at the Morning Echo. Fleet Street from outside Bouverie House in EC4.

From Bouverie House looking west. SJ

Learning that Mr. Hunt was a quiet, tidy man, the Superintendent and his Sergeant return to Scotland Yard. Victoria Embankment SW1 with County Hall to the right across the River Thames.

Behind me the works continue on the former New Scotland Yard but one can snap an albeit off-angle shot eastwards over the river. SJ

In Superintendent Duggan's office, Thelma Hunt explains that Edward was careful with his money and can't explain why he withdrew £300 from his bank account just three weeks ago. Scotland Yard seen from Victoria Embankment.

While Detective Sergeant Davy joins the social club that Hunt frequented, Detective Sergeant Adams and Detective Sergeant Hall (Richard Thorp) pay a visit to Miller, a private enquiry agent who tells them that he's never seen the murdered man. West Street WC2 with Upper St. Martin’s Street in the right background. Similar views appear in 'Midnight Episode' and 'The Comedy Man'.

Recognisable as the same place. (PW)

A Private Detective (Joe Beckett) shakes his head when asked if Mr. Hunt had contacted him. Frith Street W1, opposite G. Parmigiani at number 43 seen reflected in the window of Bar Italia.

Caffè all'aperto. (PW)

Always glad to help the police, another Private Eye (Denis Holmes) says that he can't assist this time. Frith Street at the junction with Old Compton Street in Soho.

The shop windows have changed but Bar Italia's clock is still ticking. (PW)

Learning that Eric Preston from the social club wore a similar watch to Hunt, Superintendent Duggan and Detective Sergeant Davy (Howard Pays) pay a visit to a jeweller. Looking west from outside the Park Lane Hotel on Piccadilly W1.

A busy afternoon shot into the setting sun. SJ

The camera follows the pair as they approach the shop. Outside three of the shops that form part of the Park Lane Hotel on Piccadilly.

To the east of the main entrance of the hotel. SJ

Discovering that the watch is of Swiss origin, not imported into England, the Superintendent tells Sergeant Davy to go back to the club and keep an eye on Preston. Outside 108 Piccadilly, since absorbed into the hotel currently styled as the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane.

The absorption of the three shops is completed by the Smith and Whistle café and bar. SJ

Picking up Sergeant Adams from Scotland Yard. Superintendent Duggan heads into the East End where the headquarters of HM Customs and Excise Special Investigation Department are located. Facing south on Trinity Square EC3 with Trinity Chambers and the Old George public house to the left and the Tower of London beyond Tower Hill in the background.

This replaces my Aug '24 shot which was taken too far back on Cooper's Row. The George pub has been subsumed into the small open air Wakefield Gardens on the left and cars are now excluded. On the right is the added rectangular corner of Trinity Square which reduces its oval shape. SJ

Across the Channel, the Brussels Police respond to Scotland Yard after checking on Mrs. Hunt, the former Mademoiselle Desneiges. To the right stands Hôtel Atlanta on Boulevard Adolphe Max, Brussels.

In plain clothes, Sergeant Dennis follows Thelma Hunt through a London suburb. High Street Wimbledon SW19 looking towards Southside Common, discovered by Peter Bywaters.

Peter explains that the shop with the pillars on the right hand side of the screen capture has long since been demolished and replaced with Parkside House, a mix of retail and residential properties.

"If she had had any part in her husband's murder, she made no suspicious moves." Peter Bywaters identifies number 54 at the corner on High Street in Wiimbledon SW19.

Peter updates the location where now we find ourselves facing an ice cream parlour instead of a grocer's shop.

Eric Preston (John Stone) leaves the Rendezvous Club. To the left stands Bar Capri at 61 Frith Street in W1.

The same row of premises 63 years on. (PW)

Watched by Detective Sergeant Hall and Detective Sergeant Davy from their taxi, the pair follow Preston to Miller's office at 30 Soho Street. Frith Street, where number 60 was to appear in 'The Small World of Sammy Lee' three years later.

The Dog & Duck public house stands on the corner of Bateman Street to the extreme left. (PW)

Soon after Sergeant Hall calls in from outside Miller's agency, Superintendent Duggan and Sergeant Adams arrive on the scene. West Street WC2 with a cleared site on St. Martin's Lane in the background.

A new background. (PW)

From Miller's office, Sergeant Adams sees Preston fleeing down the fire escape.

Straightening his tie, Preston appears from the back of the building. Tower Court seen from the corner with Tower Street in WC2.

Tower Court now. (PW)

Preston hails a cab. Tower Street with the corner of Tower Court to the left.

The premises at number 21. (PW)

Apprehended by Sergeant Davy when he gets into the cab, Preston is driven away by Sergeant Hall. Looking north-west along Tower Street WC2 with Earlham Street in the distance. the Ambassador's Theatre on the left, a former London School Board building to the right and Tower Court crossing the foreground.

Taken from street level. (PW)

At her south London home, Thelma Hunt is arrested by the Superintendent. Sandbourne Avenue in Wimbledon located by Peter Bywaters.

Peter Bywaters found that the plants have grown in the front garden of number three and the sentry box shaped side entrance has survived intact.

The neat little housewife is driven away from the home she had always despised. Found by Peter Bywaters, this is Sandbourne Avenue SW19, looking in the direction of Dorset Road.

Peter points out the garden fence and wall to the left which remains in place.