Boy, a Girl and a Bike, A

Cyclists ride through Yorkshire at the start of the film. Melvin Taylor identifies this as just past the bridge on Stubbing Lane at Yockenthwaite in Yorkshire.

Rolf Farrell has done a huge amount of research into this film's locations and provides this picture of the location now. Image copyright Google Streeview.

David Howarth (John McCallum) has trouble with his car after nearly running down the cyclists. The bridge At Yockenthwaite's Stubbing Lane again found by Melvin.

Rolf sent this picture, observing that the postal facilities seem to have improved. Image copyright Google Streetview.

The car stops and David hears the cyclists approaching. Melvin again spotted the bridge at Yockenthwaite on the River Wharfe,

Colin Greenwood provides this comparison of the bridge taken from the roadside adding that it and the nearby farm feature heavily in television's 'All Creatures Great and Small'.

The cyclists jeer at David. The Bridge at Yockenthwaite once more, found by Melvin Taylor. Clive White from the Craven Herald & Pioneer advises that filming took place in Grassington, Skipton, Malham Cove, Halifax, Burnsall, Bolton Abbey, Barden, Malham, Elland, Hebden Bridge and Upper Wharfedale in Yorkshire.

The Wakeford Wheelers cycle club descend into town. Rolf Farrell identifies this as Boothtown Road in Halifax, Yorkshire, which is the main road to Queensbury.

Rolf provides this picture adding "The cobbles and the buildings have gone but this is undoubtedly the same location." Image copyright Google Earth.

Reverse point of view from the previous shot. This is Boothtown Road again advises Rolf, who notes that "The view appears to be taken from the car park of The Punchbowl, which is about the only place on the roadside that you could accommodate cameras and associated equipment".

The church spire and the tall chimney serve as useful landmarks in this image that is copyright Google Earth.

Sam Walters (Patrick Holt) and Susie Bates (Honor Blackman) stop outside Nan's Cafe in fictional Wakeford. A studio set included for sake of completeness.

Charlie Ritchie (Anthony Newley) heads to see Bill Martin. An unknown location that may be a studio set.

Susie heads for home. This is facing east on Bridge Lanes in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. The buildings and the street to the left were demolished in 1963. Location identified by Rolf Farrell who notes that the double shop front above the lorry at the bottom of the hill can be seen in the left of a later capture.

Replacing Rolf's Feb '15 GEV. Nature has recaptured the left hand side. SJ

The young girl climbs towards her house. Rolf Farrell advises that this is Cuckoo Steps running between Market Street and Heptonstall Road in Hebden Bridge and that the bottom part of the thoroughfare is also known as Stoney Lane. Mary Shaw adds that "The little girl and boy sitting towards the top of the steps were Michael Shaw and Anne Kilroy. Anne has passed away but Michael is my husband and we now live in Queensland, Australia. He often talks about his starting role, ha ha."

The steps still present a good fitness challenge. SJ

An establishing shot of the mill where Susie and Sam work. David Reed explains that in the background stand the woollen mills on Bridge Street in Slaithwaite, Yorkshire seen from Manchester Road with the foreground chimney standing behind buildings at the corner of Britannia Road and Kiln Hill. The same scene appears in 'Master of Bankdam' which was released in the previous year.

David waits for Susie outside her workplace. Mrs. Lindsey Blunt advises that her husband Robert, of Shepherds Bush, has identified this as the front entrance of the M.O. (Marconi Osram) Valve company's Brook Green Works in Hammersmith, London W6. The factory closed in 1988 and was converted into a Tesco supermarket, but the staircase and lift tower, visible in the capture, remains and that the word Osram is still visible at the top.

The location as it looks now, captured by Antony Blair.

A local race is about to take place. W. Barnott believes this is Long Wall on the road between Elland and West Vale in Yorkshire with the River Calder and Elland Bridge in the background.

The same location now with the river and bridge obscured by greenery. Image copyright Google Streetview.

Susie sets off for town to watch the race. Jean recognised Hebden Bridge and Rolf confirms, advising that this is Heptonstall Road at the top of the steps running through Bridge Lanes.

Rolf explained with a GEV (facing east and taken down the hill) back in Feb '15: "All that remains of Susie's house is the blocked entrance to the garden to the left of the lamp post that clearly hasn't been there as long as it looks! The doorway and the big stone blocking the cellar light under the ground floor window are to the left of the telegraph pole". Using his guidance, here is the matching direction looking south. SJ

Down a hill . . . . . This is the junction of Birchcliffe Road and School Street in Hebden Bridge, Rolf tells us.

Another Rolf GEV replacement as are the cobbles. Hope the handbrakes are on! SJ

. . . . . and round a corner. Facing south on Birchcliffe Road.

Rolf tells us that his cycling club, Airedale Olympic Cycling Club, rides similar routes to those seen in the film. His GEV now replaced. SJ

David is bitten by the cycling club and acquires an old machine. Rolf Farrel identifies this as the bottom of Cuckoo Steps on Market Street in Hebden Bridge. James Fryer tells us that one of the two schoolgirls heading up the Cuckoo Steps was his Mum, then known as Marlene Simkin and aged about 13, adding "All through her life she mentioned that she was one of these two girls and how they were just stopped in the street by the crew and asked to walk up the steps for the shot. She also said they were invited into a large car where they met Honor Blackman and Anthony Newley. The film was shown again some years ago at Hebden Bridge Picture House as part of a film festival and in honour of the fact that several scenes were filmed in the town. I took my Mum along to see it when she was 80."

Rolf also provided a GEV adding "The steps lead up through Bridge Lanes to where Susie's house is situated". Now replaced by an original. SJ

The start of the race. Elland advises Paul Hinks.

Crowds watch as the race gets under way. Elland says Paul.

David arrives late at the starting line on his old bicycle. Elland, with the bridge in the background advises Paul.

Lovely chimneys . . . . Rolf advises that this is Saddleworth Road, Elland and is the road below long wall visible seen later.

Rolf adds "The mills on the right side survive as do three of the lovely chimneys though one has been cut down somewhat. Of course, you can't see anything because of the trees which are everywhere around here!" Image copyright Google Streetview.

. . . . and a nice view of the valley. Elland in Calderdale, Yorkshire identified by Paul Hinks.

A beautiful mill is passed. Elland again says Paul. Saddleworth Road adds Rolf.

Rolf Farrell tells us that "You can't get any sort of then and now in this area as the trees are in the way. All that's left of the mill is this low building which is the one beyond the terrace row with the chimneys in the centre of the screen capture. The two brick huts on the opposite side of the road are still there as well - just". Image copyright Google Streetview.

An accident as one of the cyclists gets cramp. More of Elland.

Possibly the same corner as depicted here complete with tram. Not a "now" but a confirmation of the location from Paul Hinks. Copyright to be advised.

The mill once again, but does it still stand?

Picture of Elland submitted by Paul. Not a "now" but a convincing "then" with a reverse point of view. Taken from Hullen Edge. Copyright to be advised.

Through an industrial landscape. Elland and the bridge over the River Calder located by Paul Hinks.

David rides away from home on his new bicycle. This location recognised by Rolf Farrell is given away by the shot of Charlie and Ginger escaping in later capture.

The house is just identifiable in this image of Wakefield Road between Sowerby Bridge and Elland. Image copyright Google Earth.

This location has a river, a bridge, mills and buses and is identified by Rolf as Burnley Road, Luddendenfoot.

"This one was hard to find" says Rolf "as the mills are all gone and the canal is obscured by trees. However, the houses behind the bridge are still there". Image copyright Google Earth.

An additional screen capture provided by Rolf Farrell of Heights Lane above Mytholmroyd. Just visible top left is the Stoodley Pike monument above Hebden Bridge.

Heights Lane today. Image copyright Google Streetview and sent in by Rolf.

High above a town . . . . . but which one - "It's Mytholmroyd! The earlier frames gave it away. A superb cycling road high above the valley taking you from Hebden Bridge to Luddenden". Information from Rolf Farrell.

The same location. Image copyright Google Earth.

An additional capture from Rolf Farrell showing Skuff Road opposite Burnsall.

The location between Hebden and Burnsall hasn't really changed at all. Image sent in by Rolf. Copyright Google Streetview.

A well earned break during the days cycling. Scout Road in Mytholmroyd located by Rolf who adds "The Airedale Olympic Cycling Club are one of the few clubs around here that have been around for long enough to have raced against the Wakeford Wheelers."

Rolf also provides this picture saying "There's not much left in the valley to identify the location aside from the Church. The railway sidings have all gone and the mills have been replaced by plastic. The trees on the hills not so different though". Image copyright Google Earth.

The 'wheelers' work their way up a hill in a similar view to one of our first captures.

Another additional screen capture from Rolf. This is near the top of Malham Raikes, Malham between Malham Cove and Goredale. In the distance Pendle Hill can just be made out.

Rolf also provides this image of the location now. Copyright Google Streetview.

Susie rides home alone after the storm. This is further up on Malham Raikes. Screen capture by Rolf.

A more modern view of the same location, also from Rolf. The telephone wires are now buried as the area is within a National Park. Image copyright Google Streetview.

The rest of the riders race home. Heading North from Kilnsey to Kettlewell. The Tour de France followed in Wakeford Wheelers tyre tracks at this location 65 years later. Information and screen capture from Rolf.

Kilnsey Crag is popular with rock climbers and can be seen in the background. Image copyright Google Streetview.

The rest of the riders race home. Additional screen capture by Rolf Farrell.

The road past Kilnsey Crag. Image copyright Google Streetview.

A distinctive building. The Alms Houses of Linton in Craven with the Fountaine Inn on the right hand side located by Hazel Gamble and Richard Stockdale.

A slightly closer shot as there was a van delivering. SJ

Taking a breather. Linton in Craven village green identified by Hazel Gamble.

Again parked cars meant I had to be closer in. That's the sundial monument to the right celebrating being the finest village in 1949 but it seems to be absent in the original captures. SJ

Steve Hall (Leslie Dwyer) talks with Bert Gardner (Cyril Chamberlain). Long Wall, Elland and tram cable support. Paul Hinks.

Charlie and Ginger (Maggie Hanley) make a run for it after Charlie attempts to steal David Howarth's newly acquired bike.

Charlie and Ginger escape from the Howarth's house.

Rolf provides this extra capture of The White Lion Hotel in Hebden Bridge.

The same location now provided by Rolf Farrell.

Rolf Farrell provides this additional screen capture of Charlie and Ginger running from the house and over the wall onto Wakefield Road. Wakefield Road in Copley, between Sowerby Bridge and Elland. The railway viaduct locates the shot and identifies David's house in one go.

Rolf tells us that today, both house and viaduct are pretty much obscured by trees. Image copyright Google Streetview.

Another unknown location.

Cycling through Yorkshire. Hazel Gamble advises 'Ken Gamble (my husband) and John Greenbank sat on the bridge over the stream running through the hamlet of Thorpe near Grassington with the Manor House - the Gamble family home at that time - in the background.'

Barely a change. SJ

Susie's bike suffers a puncture. Hazle Gamble, Melvin Taylor and Richard Stockdale all identified the location as Burnsall as seen from the Fell Road with the village church of St Wilfred's in the background and the River Wharfe bridge in the foreground. Melvin Taylor adds that the road is the B6160. The location can also be seen in 'Calendar Girls'.

Rolf notes that Burnsall hasn't really changed at all. "Even the slightly higher section of drystone wall is recognisable". Image copyright Google Streetview.

After David stops and helps to repair Susie's puncture, the pair head for a country inn named The Craven Arms. Noting the reverse point of view to the last capture, Melvin Taylor found the building on Cove Road, Town Head, Malham.

Although similar, a real Craven Arms at Appletreewick is of a totally different architecture and the dry stone wall pattern on the hillside gives this site away. Replacing Melvin's GEV from Jan '13, with the hedge's spring growth soon to obscure the details, though the missing chimney pot will be evident. SJ

Cycling towards a bridge. Hazel Gamble says Barden Bridge between Appletreewick and Bolton Abbey looking back up the River Wharfe from the Bolton Abbey side and Richard Stockdale concurs. Melvin Taylor added that the bridge is at Barden Towers and is seen from the field used as a car park in summer.

Rolf scanned the film and found Anthony Newley mistreating a bicycle on Malham Cove road.

And this is the spot.

The day of the Grand Whit-Monday Meeting arrives and the North British Cycle Racing Championship takes place. Looking along High Street towards Mill Bridge in Skipton, Yorkshire with Holy Trinity Church on the right.

Skipton town centre not much changed aside from too much street furniture! ... Rolf's Feb '15 GEV now replaced. This is taken from ground level outside the town hall: it looks like the camera was placed on hall's balcony, from which I took a view for capture 66. SJ

The racers set off along High Street towards Mill Bridge, Skipton.

The Castle Inn is still going. SJ

The racers head into the dales. Hazel recognises that the group are cycling into Hubberholme from Cray towards the church and bridge over the river Wharfe.

Racing over a bridge and alongside a stream in the Yorkshire countryside. Back down the dale towards Buckden passing The George public house in Hubberholme identified by Hazel Gamble.

The George at Hubberholme today, provided by Rolf. Image copyright Google Streetview.

The leaders race over the bridge at Goredale Scar. Information from Rolf.

A modern comparison showing that the old bridge has been replaced by a new bridge on the site of the old ford. Image copyright Google Streetview.

Rolf locates this as Goredale Lane, Malham.

Image copyright Google Streetview.

The leaders jockey for position. Rolf Farrell locates this as Low Raisgill to the west of Hubberholme.

Rolf provides this comparison, commenting that the sheep are probably not the same but everything else looks much the unchanged! Image copyright Google Streetview.

The race continues. Rolf was on the case and found Stubbing Lane, Low Raisgill near Yockenthwaite.

The same location now. Image copyright Google Streetview.

Rolf tells us that this is Barden Bridge.

Virtually unchanged. Image copyright Google Streetview.

Climbing up towards the Bolton Abbey to Burnsall Road B6160, on which the bus in the distance is driving. An additional capture from Rolf.

The same location. Image copyright Google Streetview.

“Allez, allez; Wakeford coming up” – the climb out of Burnsall on the B6160 above where Susie had her puncture. Additional capture by Rolf.

Image copyright Google Streetview.

The riders speed past a farmhouse. Melvin Taylor identifies this as Town Head, Malham but the view is now hidden behind a hedge.

This location was used looking one way for this shot and the other way for the pub scene (cap 48). This replaces Melvin's Jan '13 GEV with a similar angle as the hedge, yet in full summer mode, nevertheless prevented access to the front garden for a better angle. SJ

Cove Road, Malham with a sign pointing to Beck Hall on the right.

Rolf Farrell adds to his Feb '15 GEV: "At some point in the last 65 years, Beck Hall has invested in a new sign! They still provide the same useful service though!" Looking north, this slighter wider shot shows an even newer sign. SJ

Rolf advises that this is the B6160 between Burnsall and Barden.

Image copyright Google Streetview.

The leaders head towards the finishing line. High Street, Skipton.

"The parking arrangements seem unchanged" notes Rolf in his GEV from Feb '15. However as this replacement shows the Castle Inn has extended its seating area up to the gateway to the Holy Trinity Church. SJ

The Wakeford Wheelers win the race. High Street, Skipton with the Cenotaph on the extreme right.

The door to the balcony was closed so I snapped this through the window which matches the elevation nicely. A ground view is seen for cap51. SJ

As a post script, Bill Asher sent us this still taken on set during production. The man in the hat to the right is Bill's father Billy Asher who was the Locations Manager for Gainsborough Pictures. Bill found the photo in his late Dad's papers and, although it's not known where the picture was taken, advises that filming included 1948's North British Cycle Race.