Boy and the Bridge, The

A rousing soundtrack opens the story along with a view of the River Thames taken from a ship approaching Tower Bridge which opens ahead.

Hanging upside down as he plays on a metal frame, Tommy Doyle (Ian Maclaine) views the bridge from a different angle. The jetty in the river off Mark Brown's Wharf SE1, which also features in 'Dusty Bates'.

There's been a lot of redesign here but those wooden outlines in the mud could be the remains of the jetty. PW

Nearby, the camera follows a seagull as it flies high above the Tower of London.

Leaving his riverside playground, Tommy makes his way onto the bridge. Looking north over Tower Bridge which crosses the River Thames from SE1 to EC3.

The sign remains in place on a cleaner bridge. PW

Tommy watches the bridge being lowered as a Policeman stands in front of the traffic gates. The the Grade I listed Tower Bridge.

Taken off angle from the safety of the footpath. PW

When the gates are opened and the traffic signals turn green, trucks, vans and cars begin to move. Looking across the River Thames and Tower Bridge from SE1 to the Tower of London in EC3.

Tommy crosses the bridge with the traffic. According to Wikipedia, at the time of filming Tower Bridge was a combined bascule, suspension and cantilever bridge.

The Youngster stands across the space between the two leaves of the bridge, feeling the movement caused by passing vehicles. Looking up stream from Tower Bridge with London Bridge in the distance.

The view up river now. PW

Careful to keep his fingers clear, Tommy cracks a walnut in the gap between the moving parapets. Designed by Horace Jones, Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894.

There were no nuts being cracked when I arrived. PW

The Policeman holds up the traffic for Tommy to cross the roadway. Tower Bridge is owned and maintained by the Bridge House Estates, known as the City Bridge Foundation, which was established by Royal Charter in 1282 by the City of London Corporation.

Looking northward. PW

Chewing his walnut, Tommy pauses to look up at one of the dragon grotesques adorning the North Tower.

Not so grotesque. PW

Unnerved by the dragon, Tommy peers around a corner at the top of a flight of steps. Tower Bridge Approach on the E1/EC3 boundary with the stairs descending to St. Katherine's Way and Irongate Wharf on the left.

The colour scheme has obviously changed when comparing the painted panel from the screen capture. PW

Satisfied that the coast is clear, Tommy hurries down the steps. The steps lead down from Tower Bride Approach to St. Katherine's Way.

A helpful sign . . . and food later. PW

A Yeoman Warder keeps watch as the Young Boy crosses the road behind him. St. Katherine's Way, looking west beneath Tower Bridge.

No Yeoman to stop the tourists. PW

Making his way through a loose plank in a fence, Tommy enters a chamber in the North Abutment beneath the bridge and heads for the river. Beneath the Middlesex Abutment of Tower Bridge.

Access prohibited. PW

Tommy appears above the river as it flows under the bridge. The steps leading down to the Thames beneath the North Tower of Tower Bridge.

Taking the shot was made possible with thanks to @ebbyskitchen who had just set up their pitch for the summer. PW

Reaching the shore, Tommy feeds swans. The River Thames with the wharves and warehouses of the Upper Pool on the southern bank to the left.

Tommy finds a shell which he puts to his ear before climbing the steps towards the Tower of London. The shore below what is known as Tower Wharf today.

At the top of the steps, Tommy walks cautiously when he spots another Yeoman Warder. Tower Wharf, facing the top of the stairway from the shore.

The steps from the shore no longer exist. PW

As the Beefeater directs Visitors to the ticket office, Tommy crosses to Henry III's Watergate and enters the Tower.

I obviously didn't come out early enough! PW

Once inside, Tommy runs towards a group of Tourists. Looking towards Wakefield Tower between the Tower and the Outer Wall.

Tommy stops to listen as a Yeoman Warder (Meadows White) explains about Guy Fawkes to the interested Party.

Away from the Tourists, Tommy finds a Punch & Judy booth and watches the part of the show where a Constable places a body hanged by Punch into a box before it's carried away.

Leaving the Children laughing at Mr. Punch, Tommy crosses the road towards Mrs. Snell's lodging house where he lives with his father Pat. Looking south-westward on Tanner Street SE1 with Druid Street crossing in front of the viaduct taking the railway from Deptford, New Cross and South Bermondsey to London Bridge.

With trees on either side, the street has a less urban view. PW

As he enters the building the Landlady’s voice can be heard calling to his Father "Hey Doyle, are you going to work today? It's after 11 o'clock". The since redeveloped Tanner Street, which also appears in 'Pool of London'.

The bicycle now has priority along here. PW

Not long after Pat leaves for work, a Policeman calls at the lodging house asking for him. The steps to 96 Tanner Street.

No door to knock. PW

When the Policeman departs, Tommy heads to Borough Market where his Father is employed as a porter. Southwark Cathedral in London SE1.

After taking several images flared out by the sun, a cloud passed over to allow this shot. PW

Porters and Traders fill the streets around the market. Looking north on Cathedral Street SE1.

New buildings line the street. PW

Asking if anyone has seen his Father, Tommy is directed towards the local pub. Facing Bedale Street from Cathedral Street.

Another fight with the sun. PW

In the street outside the pub, an argument is in progress . . . reminiscent of the scene in the Punch & Judy show. The Globe public house at the corner of Bedale Street and Green Dragon Court. A similar view is seen in 'Pool of London' while the wider area appears in several productions including 'Bridget Jones Diary', 'The Imaginarium of Dr, Parnassus', 'Lassiter', 'The French Lieutenant's Woman', 'What a Girl Wants' and 'Blue Ice'.

The Globe now stands behind the supports of a more recent railway bridge dating from 2011. PW

Tommy watches from behind a pile of boxes, overhearing the conversation that leads him to believe that his Father has killed someone. Green Dragon Court identified by Christopher Matheson.

The Constable listens as Pat Doyle (Liam Redmond), the Publican (Stuart Saunders) and his Wife (Chili Bouchier) all try to explain what has happened. Bedale Street in Southwark.

The location is proved in the top right corner of the shot. PW

Everyone turns as a box is solemnly carried from the pub. Facing the Globe at the corner of Bedale Street and Green Dragon Court.

A bridge support hides part of the pub. PW

Shocked at what he sees, Tommy runs away as the Policeman asks his Father to come along quietly. Green Dragon Court with Bedale Street in the background and the Globe on the right.

All clean and tidy, ready for the start of another day. PW

The Policeman, Pat, the Publican and his Wife along with several Customers follow the box as it's wheeled away on a barrow. Bedale Street with Borough High Street top left.

From street level. PW

Not knowing that the box was a grandfather clock that his Father had broken, Tommy keeps running. Looking west along Bankside SE1 from Southwark Bridge.

Looking onto a different scene. PW

Tommy doubles back after coming across a Street Evangelist preaching that "the sins of the Father shall be visited upon the children." Facing east on Bankside with Southwark Bridge crossing the background.

Bankside is wider to accommodate a greatly increased flow of pedestrians. PW

Under the offices at 2a Southwark Bridge Road, later to be redeveloped as Riverside House, with Bankside and the River Thames in the background.

Beneath Riverside House. PW

Thoughts of the Policeman telling his Father that "the boy will be well taken care of" pass through Tommy's mind as he keeps running. Looking through the pedestrian arch beneath Southwark Bridge towards the easternmost section of Bankside.

The landscape at the far end of the tunnel has changed drastically. PW

In Tommy's head, Mr. Punch's lines mingle with those of the Evangelist and the Policeman.

Facing southward on Rose Alley SE1 with Park Street in the distance. This northern end of Rose Alley disappeared when Riverside House was built.

Today's Rose Alley is wider but is a dead end. PW

The distinctive post and hanging lamp give away that this is looking onto Bankside from Cardinal Cap Alley SE1 located by Christopher Matheson. The alley can also be seen in 'The London Nobody Knows'.

The unnamed passage, since named as part of Green Dragon Court, with the railway viaduct crossing Borough High Street in the background.

Bins rule the passage now. PW

Facing the fence around Southwark Cathedral from the since extended Green Dragon Court.

A very similar view. PW

A train whistle screeches as Tommy nears home. Looking north-west along Druid Street in SE1.

At least one side of the street looks familiar. PW

Turning a corner, the frightened Lad runs towards the house. Facing north-eastward on Tanner Street with the Blue Anchor public house to the left and the junction with Tooley Street and Dockhead in the distance.

Beyond the tree to the left, Devon Mansions stand at the corner of the footpath leading to Fair Street. PW

Grabbing a few belongings, Tommy climbs through the window of the lodging house.

With nowhere to go, Tommy finds himself at the ruins of a church. The shell of the 18th century St. John Horsleydown church at the corner of Tower Bridge Road and Fair Street SE1.

St. John's church was extensively damaged during the Blitz in September 1940 which left only three walls standing. The hoped for restoration indicated on the "thermometer" board fixed to the wall was never carried out.

Inside the church, Tommy picks his way through fallen masonry to find shelter. St. John's church was finally closed in 1968 and the London City Mission was built on the footprint using the same footings after the site was bought in 1974.

Scared away from the church by a Tramp who he inadvertently wakes up, Tommy wanders the streets. Looking westward from outside number 147 Tooley Street SE1.

Outside the Unicorn Theatre, the new number 147. PW

Put off by the sign outside a hostel reading bed & breakfast for 7/-, Tommy moves on. Potters' Fields SE1.

More field-like now. PW

Feeling all alone, the sad little Boy looks up to read a poignant poster. The Library at the corner of Potters' Fields and Tooley Street.

The site of the library. PW

As night falls, Tommy has a thought. Tower Bridge, seen from the quayside at Mark Brown's Wharf.

In daylight. PW

Making his way into Tower Bridge through an unlocked door, Tommy enters one of the counter-balance chambers.

Fleeing from the chamber when the bridge begins to open, Tommy makes his way through the engine room before climbing the stairs up the North Tower to where he finds a deserted room at the very top.

Waking after a night's sleep. Tommy looks from the parapet of the North Tower across to the Tower of London and the City beyond.

Setting out to explore, Tommy makes his way down the tower.

The Youngster appears on one of the High-Level Walkways.

Crossing the bridge, Tommy looks down onto the wharves and warehouses that line the Thames. Wikipedia tells us that in 1960, the two pedestrian walkways that connect the North and South Towers were converted from being cantilever bridges, projecting horizontally out into space, to suspension bridges when cables were added to give strength.

Taking his periscope with him, Tommy leaves the tower through a small door after waiting for a Policeman to move on. Tower Bridge, London SE1.

Taken through the queue clutter. PW

In a street market, a Stallholder watches Tommy examine his wares before choosing cutlery for 9d. Christopher Matheson's 'London On Location' website reveals that this is the New Caledonian Market in Bermondsey Square SE1 where the view is across Tower Bridge Road towards Abbey Buildings at the corner of Long Walk. In the right background stands the iron and tin works of John Feaver Ltd. at 120 Tower Bridge Road.

Tommy picks up a gas ring and is charged a shilling. New Caledonian Market in Bermondsey Square identified by Christopher Matheson who adds that the illegible traffic sign refers to the junction at Tower Bridge Road, Grange Road and Bermondsey Street.

At the adjacent stall, the Trader tells Tommy that his salvaged tinned food is five for 2/6. Located by Christopher Matheson, in the background stands Abbey Buildings and John Feaver's works seen from New Caledonian Market, other views of which feature in 'Skid Kids'.

Looking for more items to furnish his new home, Tommy moves on to a bomb site close to St. Paul's Cathedral. The often seen post-war wasteland around Cannon Street in EC4.

Picking through the ruins, Tommy finds a length of rubber tube for the gas burner and a teapot. The camera tilts down to the cellar of a bombed building.

Tommy wheels his haul back to the bridge on an old pushchair chassis. Mansell Street at the junction of Tower Hill, East Smithfield and Tower Bridge Approach with the lost Eastminster running between the background buildings.

Street furniture mars the once clear view. PW

The shot moves to follow Tommy as he enters Tower Bridge Approach at the junction of St. Katharine's Way with the Tower of London in the background.

In the meantime, the Shard has sprung up. PW

Tommy lifts his home made handcart through the gate beneath the bridge. Looking out from Irongate Wharf on St. Katharine's Way, adjacent to the base of the North Tower of Tower Bridge.

The lamp post remains in place. PW

On the way back to his room, Tommy admires a painting that he found. The chamber beneath the North Tower of Tower Bridge with a warehouse on St. Katharine's Way visible to the top right.

A Tugboat Skipper (James Hayter) exchanges banter with Mr. Perkins the Bridge Engineer. Looking towards the South Pier and South Tower of Tower Bridge.

The Bridge Master (Geoffrey Keen) and Mr. Perkins (Jack Stewart) watch as the Skipper of the Tower Bridge Tug lowers the funnel of his vessel to pass beneath the bridge. The view from the North Pier of Tower Bridge.

A similar view from the North Pier. PW

That evening after a day's work at the Borough Market, Pat celebrates at the pub with his workmate Mike. The Blue Anchor on Tanner Street.

No chance of a drink here now. PW

Mrs. Snell looks out from her room as Pat and Mike (Jack MacGowran) say a noisy goodnight to each other before telling her lodger, when he eventually gets in, that she hasn't seen his son since the morning. Tanner Street in SE1.

The site of the Blue Anchor. PW

Sunday morning church bells ring out as a panning shot moves left across a view of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. To the bottom stands Billingsgate Market on Lower Thames Street EC3.

Following a hearty breakfast cooked on his burner with the pipe running from a gas light, Tommy sets off for a stroll. Fair Street with the flats of St. John's Estate in the background.

No shop, no stalls, just a quiet corner of south London. PW

The Youngster comes across an Organ Grinder (Andreas Malandrinos) with a monkey. Fair Street in SE1.

No street entertainment either. PW

After a Couple put money in his collecting mug, the Organ Grinder remarks that it's easy money. Fair Street with properties on Coxson Place in the background.

Tanner Street can now be seen in the left distance. PW

A Constable walks over to the Organ Grinder causing Tommy to flee. Looking towards Coxson Place from Fair Street.

Surely audiences must have noticed that this is the same location as the previous shot. PW

Running into another Punch & Judy booth, Tommy knocks it over as he continues his flight.

Tommy reaches the sanctuary of Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge Approach with the warehouses of St. Katharine Docks to the right.

Looking north on Tower Bridge Approach. PW

That night, Tommy returns to the Tower of London. The since named Tower Wharf with Tower Bridge as the background.

As he creeps towards Henry III's Watergate a patrolling Beefeater appears.

No tourists yet as this is the exit! PW

When the Yeoman approaches, Tommy descends into the Ditch below the Outer Wall.

Floodlights are switched on, illuminating the walls of the Tower of London. To the centre stands the Cradle Tower and in the left distance, St. Thomas's Tower.

Inside the edifice, the Chief Yeoman Warder marches into view accompanied by the Escort to the Keys. Looking from beneath the Bloody Tower towards Traitor's Gate and St. Thomas's Tower.

The Ceremony of the Keys takes place before a Bugler sounds 'The Last Post' and Tommy returns to his room at Tower Bridge. The pathway and steps leading northward from the Bloody Tower.

When his Son doesn't return home, the following day Pat takes the day off work to search for him. The pavement outside 147 Tooley Street.

The pavement outside the Unicorn, a custom-built children's theatre which opened in 2005. PW

People in a cinema queue are asked if they've seen his Boy. The Trocadero cinema at the corner of New Kent Road and Tarn Street in SE1 identified by Richard Lovejoy.

There's no sign of Tommy at the library. The corner of Tooley Street and Potters' Fields which also appears in 'Dusty Bates'.

The same corner 67 years later. PW

Shaking his head, a News Vendor can't help. Number 185 Tower Bridge Road on the corner of Tooley Street with Tower Bridge in the distance.

Taken slightly to the left to avoid the bulk of the traffic signal post. PW

There's a lot of activity at the nearby fish market. Billingsgate Market on Lower Thames Street.

Taken from the steps which are part of Peninsular House at the corner of Monument Street. PW

Tommy walks through the bustle. Lower Thames Street in EC3.

Alterations are visible at the former market. PW

The Youngster watches the Fish Porters as they pass to and fro. The corner of Botolph Lane and Lower Thames Street with Billingsgate Buildings on the left.

Billingsgate Buildings and the corner of Botolph Lane are no more. PW

While a Fishmonger is distracted, Tommy helps himself to a couple of fish for dinner. Outside number 112 Lower Thames Street found by Christopher Matheson.

Whilst checking the security of doors and windows at a corner, a Policemen turns to see a short figure hidden by a rolled up mattress. The corner of Horsleydown Lane and Shad Thames in SE1.

A rather different building at the corner. PW

Walking towards the Officer, Tommy carries his bedding from Mrs. Snell's lodging house. Looking along Shad Thames from the junction with Horsleydown Lane.

Facing eastward in daylight. PW

Explaining to the Policeman that he's on his way to the river, Tommy is told to take the mattress back home before he hurries past the corner when the coast is clear. The corner of Horsleydown Lane and Shad Thames with the Portland Wharf to the right and South Abutment of Tower Bridge rising in the background.

Portland Wharf is only mentioned in the small print of signs at the location, but does now boast an elevator up to the bridge. PW

As Mrs. Snell tells her worried Lodger to go to the Police, high above the river Tommy hangs out his washing. Looking down onto the River Thames and Mark Brown's Wharf.

Taken from the Surrey Span. PW

On the quayside near the Tower of London a gun salute for the Queen's birthday sends echoes along the river. Facing westward along the then unnamed wharf running alongside the southern Outer Wall of the Tower of London.

Wandering the dockland streets, Pat pauses to watch Children playing. Christopher Matheson explains that this is The Highway in Shadwell E1, looking into the playground at the King Edward VII Memorial Park with Charrington's Wharf to the left.

Further along the river, the saddened Father looks over a wall, scanning the shore. The area that became King's Stairs Gardens between the Angel public house, to the left, and King's Stairs off Rotherhithe Street SE16.

This has become a more exotic looking location. PW

While checking at Guy's Hospital, a Nurse tells Pat that his Son hasn't been admitted. The gates to Guy's Courtyard at Guy's Hospital on St. Thomas Street SE1.

The same gates. PW

Walking through a wharf as darkness falls, Pat sees a Blonde Boy that he mistakes for Tommy.

A thunderstorm rages, as a distraught Young Woman (Jocelyn Britton) climbs the steps onto the bridge. The steps up from St. Katharine's Way to Tower Bridge Approach.

A rare view of the steps without people. PW

Walking to the centre of the bridge, the Woman climbs onto the parapet intending to jump into the river. The east side of Tower Bridge, looking towards St. Katharine Docks.

In the background stands the Tower Hotel. PW

Next morning, the Tugboat Skipper shows the Bridge Master newspaper headlines reporting that the "Phantom of the Bridge" had foiled the Young Woman's suicide attempt. The east side of the Middlesex or North Pier of Tower Bridge.

The distant warehouses and quays have given way to greenery and apartments. PW

Believing that he has seen signs of "The Phantom", the Skipper walks from the bridge after telling the Bridge Master that he has seen washing hanging at the top of the North Tower and a flag on the Queen's birthday. Looking towards St. Katharine Docks from Tower Bridge.

There's still activity on the river. PW

The Tugboat Skipper heads for the pub. Looking along Cathay Street SE16 towards the Angel at 21 Rotherhithe Street, since readdressed as 101 Bermondsey Wall East.

A brighter day highlights changes to the premises. PW

Inside the bar, the Skipper takes a pint poured by the Landlord. The bar of the Angel in Rotherhithe.

More changes are apparent inside the pub. With thanks to Ben Selby licensee of the Angel for permission to take this view. PW

Walking over to his Engineer (Norman MacOwan), the Tugboat Skipper sits down as two Bridge Mechanics (Arthur Lowe and Bill Shine) read the headlines before telling about odd happenings at the bridge. Looking out onto the River Thames from the Angel.

A new wall to the left. With acknowledgement to Ben Selby. PW

The two Engineers leave, passing Tommy's Father as they go. The balcony overlooking the Thames at the rear of the Angel on Rotherhithe Street SE16.

Easily recognisable, With thanks to Ben Selby, landlord of the Angel. PW

Pat makes his way down to the river. King's Stairs leading down from Rotherhithe Street with the Angel in the left background.

Facing east on the shore of the Thames below buildings on Rotherhithe Street SE16.

A little way along the shore, Pat asks a Boatman if he's seen Tommy. A similar view of the Thames shore appears in 'Meet Simon Cherry'.

Fog descends as Pat walks past the police station after thinking twice about reporting his Son missing. Rotherhithe police station at the corner of Paradise Street and Cathay Street in SE16. The building can be seen more clearly in 'Behemoth the Sea Monster' and 'The Ringer'.

The same building without the added fog. PW

The fog persists as Pat heads to Tower Bridge where Tommy is just leaving to get more food. Looking north on Tower Bridge Road SE1.

The advertising hoardings to the left have given way to development. PW

Reunited with each other, Father and Son leave the room at the top of the North Tower, saying "good morning" to a Policeman as he passes. In the background stands the Anchor Brewery on Shad Thames SE1.

Although brewing ended in 1981 the brewery still stands as, guess what, luxury residential flats. PW

Pat and Tommy walk hand in hand. Looking across Tower Bridge towards the Middlesex Pier and the Tower of London beyond.

Taken during rush hour before the tourists arrive but when the traffic never ceases. PW

The final scene has the pair heading home across Tower Bridge. Looking south across Tower Bridge with the Anchor Brewery to the left and Mark Brown's Wharf on the right.