Question of Identity, A

The film opens at the property where Erwin van Haarlem (Bernard Hill) has his apartment and where he is selling an old framed photo to two interested parties. Unidentified location.

It moves to see Peter (Tomasz Borkowy) leaving the Czechoslovakian Embassy. A Francis Radford designed property, almost certainly in Holland Park but I have been unable to pinpoint which one.

Whilst being watched by Edwards (John Lyons).

Edwards discusses van Haarlem with a colleague. ‘Chapter Kings Cross’ as seen from Killick Street, N1 on the corner with Pentonville Road. Also seen in ‘Breaking Glass’.

Taken from the entrance to Stuart Mill House opposite to capture the two blocks now blocked by the lower new building. SJ

Erwin attends English language evening classes. 87 Holmes Road, NW5 A boarding school in 1874 it is now a French language school.

The only changes witnessed by Denis Hoare are the addition of a hedge and a fence. (RL)

The supposed view from Erwin’s apartment where he is waking up with fellow student Helene (Marella Oppenheim). Looking south across London from just east of Kings Cross station with the clock spire of St Pancras showing is presence.

Is this your car sir? Unknown location.

We view the front of Erwin’s apartment block where his morse code despatch is interfering with a neighbours television signal.

The Secret Service ‘bugs’ Erwin’s apartment.

Albert Bridge where Erwin picks up Helene but they argue and she decides to walk.

It was tricky matching up the struts in this angle taken from the north-west point of Battersea Park. SJ

Having been criticised for the lack of information he has passed, Erwin visits the home of his English teacher George (Bob Mason) who is smuggling documents into Prague. Unknown location.

Erwin has lunch with his intermediary as the Dutch Embassy wants details of his birth. 2B England’s Lane, NW3

Denis Hoare continues his outings for this film and finds that the premises remain a café, although that on the extreme left is now an estate agent, he recalls that it was perhaps a bookshop when the film was made.

Erwin is said to have been adopted, but out of the blue his ‘real mother’ Johanna van Haarlem (Shirley Cain) knocks on his door, they go for a walk. Battersea Park with Chelsea Bridge in the background.

Roughly here with Chelsea Bridge lurking in the background. SJ

Battersea Park, steps to the Pagoda bottom left and view across the Thames to Chelsea Embankment and Chelsea Gardens.

This is without the benefit of focus depth to bring Chelsea Embankment "closer." SJ

At the Lacy Gallery Erwin meets with Peter who instructs him to “get rid of the old lady”. 38 Ledbury Road, W11 Ledbury Mews to the left

All very recognisable even down to the wall protector at the mews entrance. SJ

Erwin collects his ‘mother’ from her hotel on the grounds that it is not safe. Central Hotel, 35 Hoop Lane London NW11

Denis Hoare returned to the scene to see what a fine specimen that palm tree has grown into.

And takes her to her new hotel. London Marriott Hotel Regents Park, 128 King Henry’s Road, NW3

Tris provides a brighter view of the hotel from Harley Road.

Erwin meets with George again to tell him how he can help, and gives him £800. This looks as though it could be the back garden to the property in Capture 11.

Erwin hides an information package in the water. Denis starts by telling us that this is the second (middle) pond at Hampstead, also seen in 'Baxter' and 'Run Fatboy Run', although at a different aspect.

And then finishes with a comparative shot.

But watched by Edwards, from a nearby seat, who retrieves the package, but he in turn is watched.

This shot from Denis comes with the caveat that all benches around nearby have been replaced in recent years, and there are no benches in the vicinity that match the design of the one shown in the film. So, accepting the action in the previous capture, he made the assumption that this bench replaced the bench shown in the film, using the same concrete/paved base. Sounds a very fair assumption.

Erwin travels with her after a night out. Piccadilly Circus, W1 looking towards Glasshouse Street.

The canopy above what is currently the entrance to Boots disappeared many years ago. PW

Says “Goodnight” and sends his mother ‘off home’, her taxi travels up Rupert Street, W1 looking towards Brewer Street and the ‘Raymond Review Bar’

Lacking the focal length of a movie camera, this is taken from the junction with Shaftesbury Avenue. PW

At the home of Mrs van Haarlem, supposedly in the Nederlands………Actually, Merchant’s House, Commercial End, Swaffham Bulbeck, Cambridgeshire. Grade ll listed.

…… she is visited by the Dutch police to tell her that Erwin still claims to be her son.

Ml5 take Erwin into custody. ‘St. Cuthbert’s’, 146 West Heath Road, NW3, once the home of Sir William Bayliss. Later to become ‘The Mission’, the property has now been totally demolished and is now ‘The Oren’ retirements apartments.

Edwards goes to visit Mrs van Haarlem with a letter from Erwin saying that a blood test proves she is not his mother. The Windmill, Mill Lane, Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire Grade ll listed.