Tom’s Midnight Garden
Date: 1999
Director: Willard Carroll
Production Company: Isle of Man Film, Hyperion Productions
Stars: Anthony Way, Nigel le Valiant, Florence Hoath, Greta Scacchi, James Wilby, Caroline Carver
Location(s): Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Isle of Man, London
Region(s): London T-Z, South East R-Z
Storyline:
A teen discovers that at midnight his aunt’s grandfather clock strikes 13, bringing to life a garden and a girl from the 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
- 'Now' required
The film opens with a scene-setting image of London centred around Trafalgar Square.
- Capture 2
- 15 Dec 2023
Tom Long (David La Valiant) arrives at his office in a law firm. Middle Temple Lane, London EC4.
Improve the angle on the bollards? I wouldn't stoop so low. (SR)
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
He leaves the office early and goes home to his wife and small child. Location unidentified, but probably in the Isle of Man, which is listed as a filming location.
- Capture 4
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Tom makes a visit to an old house that is being knocked down, which has many memories for him. Chenies Manor, Chenies, Buckinghamshire, dressed for the film.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
In flashback, young Tom is seen being taken from his family home by his aunt (Greta Scacchi) and uncle (James Wilby), as his brother is ill with measles.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
They set off into the country. Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire is visible in the distance.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
A view of Ely Cathedral as they continue on their journey. Tom's aunt promises to take him up the tower one day.
- Capture 8
- 10 Nov 2023
They arrive at the house where Tom's aunt and uncle share a first-floor flat. The gates of Chenies Manor.
The gates today.
- Capture 9
- 10 Nov 2023
They arrive just as the milkman is making a delivery. Chenies Manor.
Now with added ivy and ornamental tree.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
Tom is told the house is just surrounded by rubbish bins. However when woken by a grandfather clock striking thirteen, Tom looks outside to find a large garden.
- Capture 11
- 10 Nov 2023
Realizing something strange is afoot, on the next occasion Tom ventures out into the garden. Chenies Manor.
Many more venture into the garden nowadays.
- Capture 12
- 10 Nov 2023
Tom's view of the garden from the house. Chenies Manor.
The view today from a lower angle.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
Tom discovers a maze. This is still foxing visitors to Chenies Manor.
- Capture 14
- 10 Nov 2023
Tom meets Hattie (Florence Hoath). The garden, Chenies Manor.
The garden today, busy with visitors.
- Capture 15
- 10 Nov 2023
Tom falls asleep. When he wakes up he encounters a younger Hatty. The Labyrinth, Chenies Manor.
Not quite as trim now as in the film.
- Capture 16
- 'Now' required
On a squally day, Tom is taken on an outing to Ely. Unidentified location.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
Tom and his aunt emerge from a tea shop. Not wanting to go home, Tom feigns a cold. Unidentified location.
- Capture 18
- 'Now' required
Tom stares at the tower which is closed because of the weather. Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire.
- Capture 19
- 'Now' required
Tom accompanies Hatty on a trip to Castleford Market. Unidentified location.
- Capture 20
- 'Now' required
A set or a real location?
- Capture 21
- 'Now' required
The pair skate along the river Say to Ely. In the book, Castleford represents Cambridge, and the River Cam becomes the Say, but no real help to identifying the location.
- Capture 22
- 'Now' required
Reaching their destination, Hatty (Caroline Carver) suggests they climb the tower. Ely Cathedral.
- Capture 23
- 'Now' required
After 286 steps they reach the top. A wintry view from Ely Cathedral tower.
- Capture 24
- 'Now' required
A married Hatty visits the site of the old house as work starts on converting it into apartments, and splitting the garden into smaller properties, a fate that happens to many large houses on this site.
- Capture 25
- 'Now' required
As Tom is driven home, he recognises the garden site and gets his uncle to stop the car. A small house has been built there.
- Capture 26
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Grown-up Tom and his wife are seen living in the house many years later.