Night Crossing (A Scotland Yard supporting feature)

The tranquil port of Seacombe on the English Channel earns its living around the year by fishing and, in the summer, by holidaymakers. Rock-a-Nore Road in Hastings in Sussex with the Dolphin Inn to the left and a pair of net shops on the right.

In 1959 the two net shops were re-sited so that a pavement could be laid. This should have been viewed from beside net shop 4 in row M but in 1986 a concrete structure, made to resemble a net shop, was built there. (SD)

Local boatman James Dean (Norman Mitchell) sets out to work collecting bait for holidaymakers and fishermen. Tamarisk Steps next to the Dolphin Inn in Hastings Old Town

The boatman didn't need to come down the steps, his house is beside the Dolphin Inn. (SD)

On the sands east of the town, James comes across the body of a woman. The scene is reused in 'The Ghost Train Murder'.

James rushes to the police station to report the discovery. The police station on North Trade Road at Battle in Sussex, which also appears in 'The Third Alibi'.

Keith Prested found that the police station survives, although closed on the day that he visited.

Within the hour Lifeboatmen recover the body, taking it to the lifeboat house. This is Hastings second lifeboat house, built in 1950 on the Stade, opposite the harbour arm. (SD)

Hastings Lifeboat Station, The Stade, Rock-a-Nore Road. Built in 1995 on the site of the second lifeboat house. (SD)

Scotland Yard are called in when head injuries, an old scar on left thigh and hypodermic marks are found on the corpse. Outside Scotland Yard on Victoria Embankment in SW1.

Superintendent Duggan is assigned to the case and travels to the south coast accompanied by home office pathologist Dr. Winster. Scotland Yard on Victoria Embankment.

After the woman is identified as jazz singer Rose Weston the Superintendent has little luck with his enquiries. Facing east on Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings.

Net shop N1, which is now out of shot, was moved in 1959. (SD)

The car carrying Superintendent Duggan and Dr. Winster arrives at Seacombe police station. In front of the police station on North Trade Road in Battle.

Trees have grown and a there are a few external alterations to the building in Keith Prested's view.

Following examination by the pathologist, the body is removed to Dover. Hastings Lifeboat House. (SD)

The modern replacement for the lifeboat house with modern vans outside. (SD)

Dr. Winster (Peter Bathurst) tells Superintendent Duggan (Russell Napier) that he is convinced that this is a case of murder. North Trade Road in Battle, Sussex with the police station as the backdrop.

Keith Prested captured the same gateway along with damaged brickwork apparent 68 years ago.

A Coastguard watches the shore for signs of dummies cast into the Channel to gauge where the Rose Weston was thrown into the sea.

Along the coast, a Father and his Son come across one of the dummies and report the discovery to the police. Hastings Harbour Arm, The Stade, opposite Rock-a-Nore Road. Also seen in 'Blazing Caravan'.(SD)

In 2018 the harbour arm was reinforced using granite rocks. (SD)

When it seems clear that the dead Woman had set out from France, the Superintendent travels to Paris. Looking north-east along the Seine with L'île aux Cygnes and the Eiffel Tower in the right distance.

Superintendent Duggan is driven from Orly Airport to the Sûreté, headquarters of the French police. Facing Quai des Orfèvres in the 1st arrondissement of Paris with Pont Saint-Michel crossing the Seine to the right.

After looking at the dead drug addict's photo, Commissaire Jacques Renault of the Paris CID explains that a man based in Montmartre named Ricco is behind current supplies. Looking across Paris with the dome of Hôtel des Invalides to the right of the Eiffel Tower.

When Rose is identified as Alice Brent from her picture, Detective Nouvel accompanies the Superintendent to her address. Place du Puits Salé in Dieppe, Seine-Maritime with Grande Rue to the left. The footage can also be seen in 'The Switch'.

The camera pans right across Place du Puits Salé in Dieppe where Café des Tribunaux stands on the left and Rue Saint-Jacques to the right.

Detective Nouvel (André Maranne) and the Superintendent approach the apartment block where they let themselves into Alice's flat.

Following the murder of Detective Nouvel, Club Ricco is raided by the police.

Advised by Interpol that USAF Lieutenant Richard Byres is connected to the death of Miss Brent, Superintendent Duggan returns home.

No sooner had the Superintendent landed in England than a fast car was speeding him to one of America's bases in the United Kingdom. Tolworth Rise, Kingston By Pass at Old Malden in Surrey recognised by Peter Bywaters. The footage can also be seen in 'The Case of the Smiling Widow' made in the same year.

John Harwood took a great drone shot of the curve on the A3 north-east of the Tolworth Tower. (SJ)

After Lieutenant Byres is questioned, Superintendent Duggan returns to London. Facing Scotland Yard on Victoria Embankment SW1.

Acting on information uncovered by Sergeant Jason, the Superintendent travels back to Paris.

All Paris seems bent on pleasure as Superintendent Duggan visits a nightclub where he quizzes Colette, one half of a knife throwing act. Le Sphinx Club on Place Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement, named after a legendary brothel from the 1930s.