Circle of Danger

American Clay Douglas travels to London from Florida in an effort to find out the truth behind his brother’s death during World War II. This is Horse Guards in SW1.

A ground level shot provided by Peter who was grateful to the armed police for keeping the central aisle free for him. Well, we like to think that that was what they were there for. (RL)

Duplicate screen capture. (RL)

We do not normally duplicate "now" shots when someone is "pipped at the post" but this is unusually different. Nigel Matthews took this shot on the same morning and clearly earlier, as Peter took his. As a result Nigel was one of those that was keeping the aisle free for him! (RL)

A taxi turns in the rain soaked road outside the War Office. Whitehall in London with the statue of Field Marshal HRH George, Duke of Cambridge to the right.

Nigel Matthews captures the scene from street level. (RL)

The cab drops Clay outside the War Office where he enters for a meeting with Colonel Fairbairn. Facing south on Whitehall SW1.

Nigel provides a similar shot of the old "War Office" that is now awaiting planning permission to convert to an hotel. (RL)

At the film’s Coellyd Colliery in Wales, Clay begins his search by visiting Pape Llewellyn, a former Commando who knew his brother. Steve Randall discovered the Windsor Colliery, Abertridwr, near Caerphilly in Glamorgan.

Given an address by the Welshman, Clay heads to Scotland.

Having been collected from the station by Angus (Archie Duncan), Clay Douglas (Ray Milland) arrives outside the house of Major Hamish McArran. Peter Robinson advises that 'Picturegoer' magazine of 3rd May 1951 quotes the location as the "Western Highlands". (RL)

Margaret McArran tells Clay to go into the house as she tries to get her bees under control. While 'Picturegoer' mentions the Western Highlands, Christopher Matheson found an old newspaper dated 31 August 1950 that indicates the "film unit will spend four days shooting other scenes on various parts of Dartmoor." The article continues that they are keeping quiet as to where they will be filming because they want the landscape to appear deserted and hundreds of sightseers would spoil the effect. Christopher comments that "I must imagine the scenes said to be Scotland are probably Dartmoor. However, I suppose they could have gone to Scotland too." Christopher has found further material with regard to the location dilemma that can be viewed via the Header Section. (RL)

Having obtained a list of names and one address from the Major, Clay leaves Scotland.

Clay arrives at the home of Sholto Lewis on the story’s Riverview Terrace in Hammersmith. Chiswick Mall in London W4. The building was also seen in 'Howards End' and 'Victim'.

Without the post box it is quite hard to establish the right place. (RL)

Having been told the whereabouts of the two remaining men on the list, Clay arrives in Covent Garden. To the south-west of London’s Covent Garden Market with The Piazza and Bedford Chambers to the top left.

From ground level. (PW)

Bert Oakshott (Michael Brennan) is located but unable to help. Looking towards the end of King Street from Covent Garden in WC2. The location has featured in many productions including 'Frenzy', 'Mrs Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter' and 'The Intruder'.

A different entertainment fills the location now. (PW)

Clay is given the whereabouts of Jim Stoner by Bert and soon arrives at Shepperton Lock. Shepperton Lock on the River Thames in Surrey.

Access to the opposite bank is not possible. (RL)

Jim Stoner (Philip Dale) recalls the war. This is on the Middlesex bank of the Thames at the tailgates of Shepperton Lock.

I may have selected the wrong end of the lock so I stand to be corrected. (RL)

Clay is given the name of Captain Reggie Sinclair who has not been mentioned previously. Shepperton Lock with Lock House standing on Lock Island in the right background. The location was seen in ‘Model for Murder’.

All done now with the press of a button. (RL)

Elspeth Graham (Patricia Roc) opens the door to her London house in Ebury Mews South as Clay pays the Cabbie. Unfortunately, there is no Ebury Mews South and this is likely to be a set. Whilst it looks like it could be a set Ron and Ray Glenister have established that there is actually an Eaton Mews South, London SW1. (RL)

And this is the western branch of Eaton Mews South, and, given that many mews doors and windows have been altered, there is a good possibility that no set was involved. SJ

After speaking with Reggie Sinclair, Clay returns to see Sholto Lewis. Chiswick Mall in London W4.

It is difficult to do the shot justice as the river side gardens are now strictly private and inaccessible. (RL)

Clay is told that Mr. Lewis is in Birmingham at the Regent Theatre. Chiswick Mall with the Thames beyond the background hedges.

More or less the correct place given the established locations in Capture 10 and 17. (RL)

As the evening draws in, Clay returns to the City. Looking along Hammersmith Broadway with Shepherd's Bush Road (was Brook Green Road) off to the left. (RL)

A completely redeveloped junction, with little remaining from the film. The policeman would not survive there now. (RL)

Getting later for his date with Elspeth, Clay is held up at a road junction. Christopher Matheson identifies the junction as Hammersmith Broadway and what is now Shepherd's Bush Road. Lilley & Skinner were at No.9 Broadway, ABC at No.7, the Chemists at No.11 he says were Timothy White. (RL)

And that is where there were back in 1951. (RL)

The American arrives at Elspeth's house to find the place in darkness. As established by Ron and Ray Glensiter in cirda015, Eaton Mews South, London SW1 looking towards its junction with Eccleston Street. The two windows and railings support the identification.(RL)

Windows and railings in Eccleston Street are looking very good indeed. SJ

When more questions are answered at the Regent Theatre, Clay continues north to Scotland.

The car is parked outside Major McArran's house.

Clay walks towards the house where he find Elspeth.