Voice of Merrill, The (aka Murder Will Out)
Date: 1952
Director: John Gilling
Production Company: Tempean Films
Stars: Valerie Hobson, Edward Underdown, James Robertson Justice, Henry Kendall, Garry Marsh
Location(s): London, Berkshire?
Region(s): London T-Z, South East R-Z
Storyline:
Three men are each directly or indirectly involved with a convicted female blackmailer all of whom the police believe had reason to kill her. The three suspects are the girl’s publisher employer (Ronald Parker), an up-and-coming writer (Edward Underdown), and a brilliant established writer (James Robertson Justice) who is an intellectual snob who disdains everything and everybody. His wife (Valerie Hobson) falls in love with the struggling writer and propelled by her loveless marriage proceeds to help him with his ascending career with the unwitting aid of her ailing husband. None of the three can provide a verifiable alibi for the time of the murder, so the police inspector (Garry Marsh) decides to shadow them in the belief that sooner or later the guilty party will betray himself.
Additional Information:
Screen captures and uncredited now shots uploaded by Richard Lovejoy.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Can you help:
If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.
We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.
- Capture 1
- 14 Jul 2016
The film opens, setting the scene with Broadcasting House, Langham Place, London W1. The building appears in many other productions including ‘You Made Me Love You’, ‘Death at Broadcasting House’, ‘Once a Jolly Swagman’, ‘The Day the Earth Caught Fire’, ‘Band Wagon’, ‘No Trace’, ‘The Happy Family’, ‘Mother Riley Meets the Vampire’, ‘Back Room Boy’, ‘The Oracle’ and ‘Give My Regards To Broad Street’.
Without the crowds.
- Capture 2
- 14 Jul 2016
Footsteps are heard approaching the camera, those of Jean Bridges killer. Crisp Road, Hammersmith W6 with St James Street going off left by “The Chancellors” public house. Also seen in 'The Long Arm', 'Wheel of Fate', 'Cosh Boy' and 'Delayed Action'.
I seem to be a frequent visitor to this location.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
Having been introduced to each other at a club by Ronald Parker (Henry Kendall) Hugh Allen (Edward Underdown) takes Alycia Roche to a river/lakeside location. Unknown location, that looks as if it might be the ruins of a small building.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
The following morning we start the day at the home of Jonathan Roche (James Robertson Justice) and his wife Alycia. Unknown location.
- Capture 5
- 14 Jul 2016
They agree to travel to London together and Alycia drops Jonathan off outside the theatre where his new production is being held. Charlotte Street. London W1.
Some post war rebuilding.
- Capture 6
- 14 Jul 2016
Waiting to interview Jonathan is his friend Inspector Thornton (Garry Marsh) together with Sergeant Baker (Sam Kydd). Outside what was the Scala Theatre on the corner of Charlotte Street and Tottenham Street, London W1
No theatre and no personalities.
- Capture 7
- 14 Jul 2016
The police leave the theatre after an unhelpful and uncooperative interview. Shot included as much for historic record.
Unlikely to be recorded for historic record.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
Meanwhile Alycia goes to see Hugh at his apartment. With thanks to Christopher Matheson and his website www.londononlocation.co.uk telling us that this is Kensington High Street, London W14 with Warwick Gardens to the right of the capture. (RL)
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
Alycia and Hugh go punting and return to his country home, supposedly, Bray, Berkshire.
- Capture 10
- 14 Jul 2016
Action returns to the BBC where Hugh is to read a weekly story, written under a pen name by Jonathan. The program to be entitled “The Voice of Merrill”.
Captured before the leaves obscured the building.
- Capture 11
- 14 Jul 2016
As popularity for the program escalates speculation abounds as to who the voice and writer of, “Merrill” really is. After a broadcast the paparazzi catch up with Hugh as he leaves the BBC. Langham Place, London.
I was the only "paparazzi" that day.
- Capture 12
- 26 Jul 2016
With Jonathan proposing to expose Hugh as the murderer of Jean Bridges via his last radio story Alysia spikes his medication and his death is announced. Ronald Parker goes to buy a newspaper.
Chandos Street, London W1. I should have taken a little more to the right but it was from memory. With thanks to Peter for drawing my attention to the fact that "sandgrounder" on Britmovie had provided the location.
- Capture 13
- 26 Jul 2016
He crosses the road to his offices. A pan left from 012.
Re-developed 9, Cavendish Square, London W1 With thanks again to Peter and "sandgrounder".
- Capture 14
- 14 Jul 2016
A post mortem proves that he did not actually take the drink but died of natural causes, however, the script of the story Hugh reads divulges evidence that only the murderer would have known. Alycia is run over whilst rushing to tell Hugh “everything will be all right” and Ronald decides to admit to the police that Jonathan was the real author of the story. Langham Place, London.
Without the drama.