Magic Box, The

During the titles, An elderly William Friese-Greene (Robert Donat) walks along the street to visit his estranged wife at the Bridge Hotel. Finally, the location has been established by Dave W, St. Stephens Gardens, London W2 (RL)

Dave provides the confirmation shot noting that the tree at the end has retained its shape through the years. (RL)

William clutches his latest experiments in a film can as he walks. 9 St. Stephens Square, London W2 as identified by Dave. (RL)

To help us avoid noticing the bike Dave points out that we see a new set of steps at number 9 where the previous stopping up of a doorway has been undone. (RL)

William Friese-Greene enters the Bridge Hotel. An unidentified location and also an unidentified actor playing the Organ Grinder. No 3 St. Stephens Square, London W2 says Dave W. (RL)

No longer an hotel in Dave's shot, even if it ever was. (RL)

In flashback, Edith Friese-Greene reminisces about meeting William. Unidentified location.

Edith Friese-Greene (Margaret Johnston) returns home. Alexander Smith identifies this location as Church Crescent, London N10 . . .

. . . . and also provides this image.

The Milkman tries to collect money from the ever penniless Friese-Greenes. Church Crescent, Muswell Hill can also be seen in 'School for Secrets'.

Despite the differences in front doors, Alexander Smith found the correct house at number 25.

During the First World War, the Friese-Greene boys run to watch soldiers march past. Lorna Cattell used to live in Muswell Hill and is able to identify this for us. Where Collingwood Avenue joins Grand Avenue, the building to the left is Tetherdown Primary School, London N10 (RL)

Other boys in the street come out of their houses to see the troops. Church Crescent in N10 identified by Alexander.

No 40 Church Crescent to the right by Alexander Smith.

A band leads marching soldiers through the streets. Alexander Smith found Church Crescent in Muswell Hill, where the road bends 90 degrees. The house on the left is no 24.

And Alexander provided this picture.

The band, followed by new recruits, marches past the Friese-Greenes home. Church Crescent in Muswell Hill.

Substantially more foliage now. (RL)

William and Edith watch from the window as their sons march to war. Church Crescent, Muswell Hill N10 identified by Alexander.

The best possible angle at ground level given the parking situation. (RL)

In another flashback, William remembers his first wedding to Helena Friese (Maria Schell). The Church of St. Cyriac on Church Street, Lacock, Wiltshire. The location was also used in 'Mr. Quilp'.

A clearer view without all those people. SJ

Confetti and best wishes. Church Street at the junction with Nethercote Hill in Lacock.

Daffodils match. SJ

The happy couple, Helena and William. Outside the Church of St. Cyriac on Church Street, Lacock.

Rather car-cluttered. SJ

A wedding guest waves the Friese-Greenes off. Church Street in Lacock.

Now. SJ

William runs to pawn photographic plates. French Row in the Market Place, St. Albans, Hertfordshire identified by Tonyk. The street is also seen in 'Hand in Hand' and 'Now and Forever'.

The same location. (PW)

William visits the grand home of William Fox Talbot.

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire by Russell Groves.

The carriage draws up to the front of Fox Talbot's home. Lacock Abbey, which was once William Henry Fox Talbot's home and now houses a museum.

Russell Groves replicates the same scene, also with blue sky. (RL)

William awaits admittance to Fox Talbots house. Lacock Abbey, Lacock near Chippenham in Wiltshire identified by Russell Groves.

Russell sends this shot to support his identification. (RL)

William Friese-Greene arrives at his premises on Piccadilly. In fact, not that far away says Dave W, Albemarle Street, London W1 as seen from Grafton Street with the Grecian pillars of the Royal Institution on the left hidden by the bus. (RL)

Dave provides this shot taken by him in support of his identification. (RL)

Williams business partner, Arthur Collings (Eric Portman) arrives at the Friese-Greenes house. Unidentified location.

William sets up his moving picture camera in Hyde Park.

One can't make out the Carriage way but it's there. But I have cheated here. I turned around from the shot that follows but need to check the film's continuity.

Friese-Greene's Cousin (Bernard Miles) with the Grand Entrance Screen of Hyde Park in the background. South Carriage Drive, London W2.

Now. SJ

William Friese-Greene captures his Cousin Alfred on film in Hyde Park. South Carriage Drive, London W2. The location features in 'Escape!', 'Toomorrow' and 'Joanna' with the screen visible from the other side in 'The Sandwich Man', 'The Optimists of Nine Elms' 'Wildcats of St. Trinian's' and 'The Lady with a Lamp' amongst other productions.

I tried to do this by trees: this was the only reasonable fit. SJ

One evening, William Friese-Greene develops the film taken in Hyde Park and achieves success. Tris recognised the west side of St. James Church on St James's Walk, Clerkenwell EC1. The tower also appears in 'Love, Honour and Obey' whilst the street below is seen in 'Dance with a Stranger'.

Looking up at the west side of St. James Church's tower from the churchyard captured by Tris.

An excited Friese-Greene runs out and asks a Constable (Laurence Olivier) to come and see what he has done. Studio set included for sake of completeness.

A film within a film. Friese-Greene astounds the Constable by showing him the moving picture. Studio set included for completeness but . . . . . the film being shown depicts the Grand Entrance Screen of Hyde Park.

Without the studio. SJ