Behemoth the Sea Monster

"And afterwards, these mysterious figures, faces masked with lead. These are ourselves. Men, the kings of the Earth, trying to measure the extent of the destruction they themselves have created." Since the beginning of the atomic age, we have had 143 explosions . . . .

Fisherman Thomas Trevethan (Henri Vidon) and his daughter Jean make for shore near their Cornish home. The beach is near Looe, Cornwall.

Leaving her Father at the cove after securing the boat, Jean Trevethan (Leigh Madison) runs home with a fish to cook. Rob Clements confirms the beach near Looe, "This shows the ramp, locally known as the 'Khyber Pass' at the west side of East Looe beach leading to what is known as 'Second beach', with the rock formation it passes through known as 'Mount Ararat'. (SJ)

Climbing the cliff above the cove, Jean waves to her Father. Looking down onto East Looe beach.

That evening, Jean goes out to search for her Father when he doesn't come home. To the right stands Fisherman's House on West Cliffe in Polperro, Cornwall. SJ

I got lucky here, stumbling across this chimney while taking pictures for 'Break in the Circle'. SJ

After Jean checks at the pub, John Duncan (John Turner) agrees to help her search the cove where he finds Thomas with burns to his face and writhing in agony.

Following his death, Thomas is buried at the parish church. The picturesquely placed graveyard is that of St. Tallon at Talland, between Polperro and Looe, an area that also appears in 'Five Have a Mystery to Solve'.

The view now. SJ

Friends and Neighbours gather at the graveside as the Priest (Tom Chatto) reads from the Bible. The churchyard at St. Tallon, Talland.

Quite hard to pinpoint the exact place at St. Tallan. SJ

After the ceremony, John asks if Jean is ready to leave. St. Tallon church at Talland.

Going for a walk together, Jean and John make their way along the rocky shore where they come across thousands of dead fish. Plaidy Beach to the east of Looe.

This is Plaidy Beach at high tide. The hills appear to match. SJ

The story moves to London. Piccadilly Circus W1 with the Angel of Charity in its former central position,

Steve Karnes (Gene Evans) crosses the road towards his hotel where he watches a television news report about the dead fish and rumours of a sea monster. The Connaught Hotel at the corner of Mount Street and Carlos Place in Mayfair W1. The hotel also features in 'A Touch of the Sun', 'Murder by Proxy', 'The Man Without a Body' and 'Nothing But the Best'.

Paul found that there had been substantial changes to the frontage since 1959. (RL)

Setting off to investigate the incident, scientist Steve Karnes and Professor Bickford take the overnight sleeper service to Cornwall. This is much used footage featuring Watford Junction station in Watford, Hertfordshire.

Karnes and Professor James Bickford (André Morell) arrive in Looe. The harbour at Polperro in Cornwall which is also seen in 'The Manxman', ‘Break in the Circle’, ‘Another Time, Another Place’, 'Miranda' and ‘Mad About Men'. Rob Clements adds that "The man in the light coloured overalls is my grandfather, Arthur Clements, who also appears leaning over a fence in another scene." (SJ)

The harbour at Polperro looking east. SJ

Approaching a group of Men, the officials from the Atomic Energy Commission ask where they can find Dr. Maurice. The Harbour Pier at Polperro with buildings on The Warren in the background.

Don't know who that is in the way of my snap, but otherwise a good match. SJ

Standing with a Fisherman (Arthur Gomez), John nods towards a building "That's his house up there." The Harbour Pier with properties on Quay Road to the left.

When questioned about the dead fish, a Fisherman (Michael Mulcaster) tells Professor Bickford that he saw lights in a giant cloud beneath the water.

John takes Karnes and the Professor to the Doctor's house. East Cliffe, Polperro, also seen in 'Break in the Circle' and 'Another Time, Another Place'.

This is between The Cot and Nepenthe Cottage. SJ

At the cove, the Professor tests the water while Karnes checks for radioactivity before John shows him where he received a burn to his hand. The Plaidy Beach area with St. George's Island in the right distance, also known as Looe Island.

The view now. SJ

Meeting Karnes when he returns from a search of the sea, a Navy Lieutenant (Michael Beint) tells him that the SS Valkyrie had been found beached with no reasonable explanation. Looe Harbour in Cornwall with homes on Hannafore Lane above the estuary to the top right.

Looking south-east towards the open sea. SJ

The Lieutenant leads Karnes to his car and the two drive to the site of the wreck. Looe Harbour on the East Looe River.

Learning that there were no survivors and that the steel plates of the vessel had been ruptured, Steve Karnes flies back to London.

Karnes arrives at Trinity House where he tells Professor Bickford and Admiral Summers that he believes they are facing a marine animal of tremendous size and strength. The familiar columns of the Port of London Authority's Trinity House in London EC3 identified by Simon James.

The background is going through a period of change, so is the foreground come to that! (RL)

As European Navies are altered to the threat, a Farmer (Frank Sieman) and his Son investigate a disturbance outside their house.

Slipping its lead, the Farmer's dog runs ahead before a blood curdling yelp is heard.

In London, bells signal the approach of a police car. Lower Thames Street in EC3 with Billingsgate Buildings on the right.

This just doesn't look right but, if the corner turned (next capture - and well done Paul for beating me to it on the next couple) is a sharp one, this would pass muster as it's looking west on Lower Thames Street, but with Billingsgate market on the left. SJ

The Sunbeam-Talbot patrol car turns a corner. Monument Street with the corner of Botolph Lane to the right. The sequence and the following capture are taken from 'Forbidden Cargo' made five years earlier.

Barely was the 'ink dry' on this revised upload of the film and Paul Lincoln was on the spot to capture some required shots. (RL)

Outside the Custom House on Lower Thames Street EC3.

Surely Paul didn't actually stand in the middleof the road to take this. (RL)

Reaching the home of Professor Bickford, a Sergeant (Reginald Hearne) and his Driver get out of the Wolseley!

When he answers the door, the Professor is handed a photograph of the Behemoth's footprint taken at the farm.

Explaining the severity of the situation, Professor Bickford fails to persuade Admiral Summers that the Thames must be blocked off and the city evacuated. Woolwich Ferries ply their trade on the Thames in the background while moored at North Woolwich Pier E16 in the foreground are steam tugs Java and Muira, the former being built in 1899 and scrapped in 1966.

A Young Couple walk towards the ferry. The street sign to the right reads Ferry Approach SE18 and across the road stands the entrance to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel.

Necessarily closer, taken from the rear of the Waterfront Leisure Centre which has occupied the site since the 1990s. (SR)

Motor vehicles are driven ashore after a ferry docks.

A Seddon truck drives onto the ferry followed by a trio of Motorcyclists.

The Young Couple make their way aboard.

Halfway across the river, Passengers spot the Behemoth moving in the water before it attacks and overturns the paddle steamer.

Newspapers report on the monster's attack that left 36 people dead and 56 missing. Trafalgar Square WC2 with St. Martin-in-the-Fields in the background.

The same location now from Peter.

Customers at a tea stand listen to a radio bulletin announcing that the Metropolitan Police had closed the Embankments to all traffic.

The radio report continues "The situation is well in hand and there is no reason for panic." The corner of Parliament Street and Parliament Square SW1 with the Houses of Parliament in the background.

First Dec '24 then Apr. '25 and now perhaps it's third time lucky, snapped in the afternoon to replace my own shots with a reasonable angle and no sun glare. SJ

"This is your roving reporter, David MacAvoy, speaking from my position in front of the Port of London Authority headquarters." Trinity Square in London EC3.

With all the new trees, bushes and railings Paul did an excellent job in capturing the angle in 2024. (RL)

David MacAvoy (Jack Mandeville) continues "Throughout the day we've seen armed forces, police, and ministry heads going in for a series of meetings which have been taking place here." Facing Trinity House on Trinity Square.

Trinity House with development going on in the background. Image provided by Peter.

Two and a half hours after the beast appeared at Woolwich the Commissioner, Sir Charles Moore, makes the decision to call in the Army to take all possible steps for the protection of the population. Looking south on Braddon Street SE16 with Paradise Street in the right background.

An extensive green space, known as King's Stairs Gardens, now occupies both sides of the former Paradise Street, running all the way to Jamaica Road. SJ

Soldiers file into a tenement block. The entrance to the upper floor flats in 176 to 195 Park Buildings off Braddon Street.

The site of the four blocks of Park Buildings is unrecognisable. Looking south from the west of the former Braddon Street. Those buildings on the south side of Paradise Street still stand. SJ

Doors are knocked and Residents are told to evacuate. Park Buildings in Rotherhithe.

Rather a general shot from the middle of Park Buildings. SJ

Grabbing a few belongings, Tenants leave their homes. Looking west through Park Buildings from Braddon Street with the top floor of Cathay House visible to the top right.

Because there's a mound in the park, seen running up to the left, I stepped and pointed in the direction of Cathay Street. SJ

A police Motorcyclist runs towards his machine before escorting a patrol car towards the river. As seen in 'The Ringer' and 'The Boy and the Bridge', this is Rotherhithe police station at the corner of Paradise Street and Cathay Street in SE16.

John Harwood passed by. (SJ)

Those remaining behind watch as the car follows the Motorcyclist. Facing east along Rotherhithe Street from the corner of Fulford Street with Park Buildings to the right.

This corner matches up with old maps but Rotherhithe Street has lost its width with a pathway to its side. SJ

The Wolseley comes to a halt next to the Motorcyclist. The junction of Rotherhithe Street and Fulford Street.

Panning left brings the former 41 Rotherhithe Street, now 1 Fulford Street, next to King's Stairs into view. Recently sold for £1.5 million, this now isolated "leaning tower of Rotherhithe" was once the home of Jessica Mitford. SJ

At Trinity House, Sir Charles Moore oversees operations as Officers get out of the car. Rotherhithe Street in Rotherhithe.

The houses and businesses to the east of no41 were cleared in the 60s.

Armed Soldiers stand guard on properties left empty after the evacuation. Park Buildings with Braddon Street, Seven Step Alley and the Princes Mills in the centre background.

A general view east: again I had to stand further north to avoid the mound in the park. SJ

A montage of quiet, empty streets is shown.

An eerie silence falls over the usually busy roads.

Troops keep watch along the river after Admiral Summers authorises the use of radium to destroy the creature. Albert Embankment SE1, looking across the Thames towards the Houses of Parliament.

Tourists behind me prevented me from stepping a little further back. SJ

Policemen patrol the quaysides and warehouses.

Holding binoculars, a Constable (John Adams) stands ready. Looking towards Tower Bridge with Trinity House visible in the right distance,

The alarm is raised when the Behemoth appears.

Frightened Citizens scramble for cover. Rotherhithe Street SE16 opposite the northern end of Fulford Street with the still extant number 41 on the left.

The old offices are now preserved and currently a private residence. PW

Climbing from the river, the Behemoth takes to the streets. Ray and Ron Glensiter identify this as looking west on Rotherhithe Street from the top of Braddon Street with number 41 Rotherhithe Street visible in the centre distance. (RL)

A view of the very different location now. PW

An Army Patrol arrives on the scene. Rotherhithe Street, other views of which appear in 'A Fish Called Wanda', 'Terry on the Fence' and 'One Wish Too Many'.

A view of the street now. The "Coke/Coal Sold Here" building was two away from no41 Rotherhithe Street. SJ

As the huge monster continues to rampage through the streets the Population run for their lives. Facing Clark's Orchard with the Europa Tavern at 9 St. Marychurch Street to the right.

The corner now; but road extension means that the current building only extends about halfway into the pub's footprint. SJ

This is outside the Europa Tavern on St. Marychurch Street with the northern end of Lower Road in the background.

A pick-up shot which I forgot on my last trip with an improvement in weather. SJ

Appearing above the roof of a pub, the monster emits a pulse that burns. Looking towards Lower Road from the corner of Clark's Orchard with the spire of St. Olav's church to the top, left of centre.

From about the same angle, juggling the position of the adjusted Brunel Road with the view through the trees on the green which separates Brunel Road from Rotherhithe Tunnel. SJ

Facing south-east on Clark's Orchard with the walls of Princes Mills to the left.

A scarred and blinded Man staggers through terrified People as they seek safety. This also appears to be Clark's Orchard.

The line of Clark's Orchard starts from here on Jamaica Road as it becomes Brunel Road, running, and narrowing past Princes Mills, to Rotherhithe Street. SJ

An Army Patrol prepares to fire on the Behemoth. This has the appearance of being filmed at the studio in Borehamwood.

Sequences featuring the stop-motion animated creature were filmed in Los Angeles before being integrated with live action footage. Ray Glenister tells us that the 'fleeing' took place at the eastern bend in Paradise Street SE16, here facing north-west towards number 61, from near the pedestrian alley, out of view to the right, that leads to Clark's Orchard with Huxley Tenement standing on the left. (RL)

Using old maps and looking north-east, about here in King's Stairs Gardens with Jamaica Road behind me. SJ

Without the special effects seen in the previous capture, this is Paradise Street with the gap in the terrace between numbers 57 and 61.

The gap, as seen in old maps, has increased. SJ

Men and Women are cornered by the creature. Looking into the alley leading to Clark's Orchard at the bend in Paradise Street.

The passageway survives though all buildings have been replaced. The rain finally beat me at this point. SJ

The Behemoth begins to knock buildings down, killing the Inhabitants as they take flight.

After preparations are made for the radium to be fired at the monster from an X2 submarine, Professor Bickford is driven to the river where Karnes is waiting. Victoria Embankment opposite Temple station and Victoria Embankment Gardens WC2 with Blackfriars Bridge in the right distance.

With shipping hiding the Blackfriars Bridge, I resorted to matching trees and lampposts, not always foolproof but this seems reasonable. SJ

A Navy helicopter patrol hovers above the Thames. Looking towards Victoria Embankment and the Air Ministry in SW1 from River Walk on the South bank in SE1.

Looking towards what became The Ministry of Defence in 1964. SJ

The helicopter flies over Westminster Bridge where the Observer spots a glowing shape in the water below.

No glow on this gloomy day. SJ

With the target sighted, the X2 submarine closes in on the Behemoth. Anthony McKay explains that here we're looking towards Fort Picklecombe in Plymouth Sound on the estuary off Plymouth, Cornwall.