Five Have a Mystery to Solve (Children’s Film Foundation)
Date: 1964
Director: Ernest Morris
Production Company: John Durst Productions
Stars: David Palmer, Darryl Read, Amanda Coxell, Paula Boyd, Michael Wennick
Location(s): Cornwall, Hertfordshire
Region(s): South East E-L, South West
Storyline:
A lonely orphan is determined to investigate rumours of dastardly deeds at a so called animal sanctuary on the mysterious Whispering Island and when he sets off with Timmy the dog, the rest of the Famous Five are not far behind.
Additional Information:
Page compiled by Phil Wilkinson
A cinema serial in six instalments entitled ‘Whispering Island’, ‘The Hunt in the Woods’, ‘The Castaways’, ‘The Secret Door’, ‘The Crusader’s Treasure’ and ‘High Tide’.
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- Capture 1
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The six part serial opens with a view of Talland Bay in Cornwall. The bay can be seen from the church on the hill in 'Behemoth the Sea Monster'.
- Capture 2
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Moving inland, the shot finds Julian (David Palmer), Anne (Paula Boyd), Dick (Darryl Read) and George (Amanda Coxell) as they cycle into view accompanied by their dog Timmy. The road running between Talland Bay and Portlooe with buildings at Talland Sand to the centre.
- Capture 3
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The Famous Five arrive at Hill Cottage where Mrs. Layman has invited them for tea. Looking down onto the road outside Smuggler's Cottage at Talland Bay.
- Capture 4
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Leaning their bicycles against the wall, the hungry friends go inside and meet Wilfred, an unusual orphan boy who can communicate with animals. Smuggler's Cottage near the coast to the south of Porthallow.
- Capture 5
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Timmy follows Wilfred (Michael Wennink) back to Hill Cottage after the youngster shows Julian, Anne, Dick and George how he can summon squirrels, rabbits and foxes using his whistle. The gateway and front door of the 17th century Smuggler's Cottage.
- Capture 6
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Looking through a window at Hill Cottage, Anne asks housekeeper Sally about the mystery of Whispering Island. Looking across the waters between Looe Bay and Portnadler Bay towards Looe Island off the coast of Cornwall to the south of Looe.
- Capture 7
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Hearing tales of treasure as well as a rumour of animals being trapped on Whispering Island, Wilfred decides to see what's really going on. This appears to be Talland Sand between Polperro and Looe in Cornwall.
- Capture 8
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Wilfred coaxes Timmy into Mr. Layman's boat and the two set off for Whispering Island.
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Reaching the island, Wilfred hides in the branches of a tree after being chased by gamekeepers Emilio and Carlo. Hilfield Castle on Hilfield Lane near Aldenham in Hertfordshire.
- Capture 10
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Calling for the Gamekeepers, Sir Hugo Blaize (Keith Pyott) appears at the door of his house while Wilfred hides from his pursuers. Dating from the late 1700s, this is Hilfield Castle on Hilfield Lane near Aldenham.
- Capture 11
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Carlo (Robin Hunter) patrols outside the building as Emilio tends to Sir Hugo's needs. Hilfield Castle also appears in 'Lolita', 'Out of the Blue', 'Murder at the Gallop', 'The Door with Seven Locks' and 'The Dam Busters'.
- Capture 12
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Sent running as a diversion, Timmy is chased across the grounds by Carlo as Wilfred enters the house. Hilfield Castle in Hertfordshire.
- Capture 13
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After a perilous journey through the waves, Julian, Anne, Dick and George reach Whispering Island.
- Capture 14
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Carlo and Emilio (Michael Balfour) hunt for the Children on Sir Hugo's estate. The Grade II* listed Hilfield Castle near Aldenham.
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The rest of the adventure is played out on sets at the Rayant Studios on Melbourne Road in Bushey, Hertfordshire . . . not too far from Hilfield Castle on Hilfield Lane near Aldenham.