Day to Remember, A

The evening before their day trip to France, members of the Hand & Flower darts team meet for a drink. Looking along Gloucester Terrace in W2 with the spire of the since demolished Holy Trinity church in the right distance. The pub and its ornate lamp are seen from a distance in 'Meet Mr. Lucifer'.

At least the terrace remains. (PW)

Stan Harvey (Harry Fowler) meets with his Accomplice (Harold Lang) who gives him a specially constructed dartboard. Outside the Gloucester Arms public house at the corner of Gloucester Terrace and Ranelagh Bridge.

No welcoming doorway to the pub now. (PW)

Jim Carver (Donald Sinden) and Vera Mitchell (Joan Rice) say goodnight to Stan. The Gloucester Arms was demolished when alterations were made to the approach to Ranelagh Bridge when Westway constructed in the late 1960s.

A vacant plot at the same redesigned corner. (PW)

With their relationship on the rocks, Jim and Vera walk together before parting for the evening. Lord Hill's Bridge in W2 which also features in 'Two Gentlemen Sharing' and 'Herostratus'.

Facing south on Lord Hill's Bridge in W2. (PW)

Next morning, the day-trippers gather at Victoria station. Victoria Station in SW1.

The Boat Train carries the day trippers to the coast. Jonathan Horswell advises that this shows a ‘King Arthur’ N15 Class 4-6-0 passing Esher in Surrey with an express and adds that "This erroneous depiction of a French boat train is a stock shot that first appeared in the 1950 movie 'Chance of a Lifetime'.

With the Hand & Flower's darts team on board, TS Dinard sails for France. Looking back at Dover from the English Channel.

Passengers line the deck as the ferry approaches the French port. The port of Boulogne-sur-Mer in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The location is seen in 'The Scapegoat' and 'Mr. Nice'.

TS Dinard maneuvers to dock. The port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The vessel was launched in 1924 and was scrapped in 1973 after being sold and serving in Åland from 1958.

The gangway is placed in position. The port of Boulogne-sur-Mer with the spiral roadways of the car loading area in the background.

Mr. Robinson (Edward Chapman), Jim, Fred Collins (James Hayter), Charley Porter (Stanley Holloway), Alfred 'Shorty' Sharpe (Bill Owen) and the other members of the team walk through the port and head into the city.

Fred and Charley follow after being approached by a local who suggests that they visit Club Zaza.

Leading the band of friends, Percy Goodall (Peter Jones) spots the bar where they have booked to have lunch. Place Dalton in Boulogne-sur-Mer with Rue Adolphe Thiers across Grande Rue in the background.

Andrew Walters, who now lives in Boulogne, went on an expedition through his adopted home town and took this view of Place Dalton at the junction with Rue Thiers Derriere as it looks now.

Percy approaches the café with suspicion. Place Dalton.

While Charley enters the bar for a drink, Percy, Fred, Bert Trip (Meredith Edwards) and Shorty decide to go sight seeing. Place Dalton in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Jim Carver leaves the others. Looking into Place Dalton from Grande Rue with Eglise Saint-Nicolas to the left.

Grande Rue taken by Andrew Walters.

The war veteran enters a florists. Facing north-east on Grande Rue with Basilique Notre-Dame de l'Immaculée Conception in the distance.

With a bouquet of flowers, Jim visits a nearby War Cemetery. Julian Neal recognised the British Military Cemetery at Bayeux War Cemetery in Bayeux, Normandy.

The view towards the Cross of Sacrifice today. (SR)

Jim lays the flowers on the grave of his fallen friend. The Bayeux War Cemetery at 1945 Boulevard Fabian Ware, Bayeux located by Julian Neal.

From the cemetery, Jim catches sight of the spire of the church at fictional Bonrecourt.

Approaching the farm where he was stationed during the war, Jim sees a young woman. Michele Feneley advises that this is La Ferme du Here in Pittefaux in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region.

Michele contacted the local newspaper, La Voix du Nord, who published the screen captures and three people emailed to identify the location. The dovecote is now missing, also one of the brick pillars by the gate - possibly knocked down by the tractor driver?

Recognising Sergeant Jim from years before, Martine Berthier (Odile Versois) takes her old friend to meet her parents and fiancé, Henri Dubot. Michele Feneley identifies La Ferme du Here in Pittefaux which was built in 1641.

Michele visited the farm to take comparison shots and met the current owner and his wife who knew nothing about the filming but were absolutely fascinated to hear about it.

In town, Percy reads from a guide book. Looking from Boulevard Eurvin towards the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception beyond Porte Neuve.

A car drives through the gateway that Percy appears to be describing. Porte Neuve with Rue de Lille passing through.

Percy continues reading before a resident tells him that they are looking at the wrong gate. In the background is the junction formed by Boulevard Auguste Mariette, Rue de la Porte Neuve and Boulevard Eurvin.

The background buildings still stand in Andrew's modern view of Boulevard Auguste Mariette.

Back in London, Vera and her friend May (Patricia Raine) wait for a couple of GIs to arrive. Westminster Pier below Victoria Embankment in SW1.

Really rather tricky to reproduce without losing the background. SJ

May introduces Al (Arthur Hill) as his pal Marvin pairs up with Vera. Westminster Bridge stretches across the Thames in the background.

An obliging bus passed over but there's a lot of clutter here. Potentially there would be a better shot at low tide. SJ

The two couples catch the boat to Hampton Court. The landing stage near The Vine House at Hampton Court, East Molesey with Hampton Court Bridge in the distance. This part of the Thames is also seen in 'Madame Louise' and the landing stage is now in private ownership, renamed as Pier 3.

John Harwood with this shot. Odd that the chimneys have altered height in the far distance. (SJ)

Marvin (Vernon Gray) and Vera start to get along as Al leads May off into the house. Outside Hampton Court Palace in Surrey. The frontage is seen from a distance in 'Baby Love'.

A glorious autumnal match by John H. (SJ)

Vera and Marvin find that they have much in common. The Great Fountain Garden with Hampton Court Palace in the background.

I discovered after my visit that this shot was required, which is why the fountain is not lined up in the correct position. (SD)

In Boulogne, Stan heads for a rendezvous to collect a consignment of watches. Café Les Marronniers at the corner of Boulevard Eurvin and Rue Framery.

Café Les Marronniers now by Andrew Walters who adds that "The current patron of the bar 'Le Marroniers' showed me a photocopy of a page from the book 'Boulogne Commerces en Images' which featured an identical photograph to the screen capture."

With the language barrier causing misunderstanding, Fred is sold more cigars than the one that he wants. Place Navarin with Rue Saint-Louis in the left background.

Taken by Michele in Place Navarin. "The dingy-looking building in this and the next comparison helped to identify the location!"

Happy with his single smoke after the intervention of a Woman, Fred is coaxed into Club Zaza. Facing south-west on Place Navarin.

Michele Feneley provides the proof.

Hoping for a lively political discussion, Bert approaches a group of men arguing. Place de la Résistance in Boulogne.

Discovering that the men are arguing about the marriage of their respective offspring, Bert storms off to find Shorty in a nearby bar. Place de la Résistance with the still extant Café de la Mairie to the left.

Michele points out that Cafe de la Mairie is still in business and has doubled in size, taking over the tobacconists next door.

A drunken Shorty leaves the bar after telling Bert that he's going to join the Foreign Legion. Place de la Résistance.

From a similar position by Michele Feneley.

Unsure of the way, Shorty sets off to find the recruiting centre. Place Godefroy de Bouillon with Place de la Résistance and the Palais de justice de Boulogne-sur-Mer in the left background.

Shorty walks past the arguing men as Bert comes out of the bar. Place Godefroy de Bouillon with the Hôtel de Ville to the left.

Michele says "The town hall has not changed at all and what was an auberge is now a medical laboratory."

Finding Charley, Bert spots Shorty asking a Policeman for directions.

Seeing Charley and Bert, Shorty makes a run for it.

Charley and Bert pursue their friend. The corner of Rue de Pressy and Enclos de l'Évêché.

Michele comments that "This view has changed somewhat with the building on the right now a car park. A further building has been demolished but you can see the same shape of the windows and the levels on the wall."

Shorty turns a corner to see the Foreign Legion's fort. The corner of Rue de Bernet and Rue du Château with Rue de l'Oratoire on the right.

The same corner captured by Andrew Walters.

Charley follows Shorty towards the gateway. Château-musée de Boulogne-sur-Mer on Rue de Bernet.

Andrew provides this shot of la Porte Rue du Chateau, an almost unchanged location.

Shorty looks down on marching Legionaries before entering the building. Inside the 13th Century Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer with the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in the top distance. The Château has housed the Boulogne museum since 1974.

Martine drives Jim into Boulogne. Peugeot 402 Outside Basilique Notre-Dame de l'Immaculée Conception on Parvis Notre Dame.

Michele Feneley found that the building in the middle has gone but has been replaced with one of the same size and shape. The railings remain the same.

The two enter Basilique Notre-Dame de l'Immaculée Conception. This doorway opens onto Parvis Notre Dame.

Outside the Cathedral, Mr. Robinson finds Percy who is already homesick and in need of a cup of tea.

Carrying a package containing watches, Stan looks for a safe place where he can transfer them into the hollow dartboard.

Picking up a watch dropped by Stan, a Passer-by hands it over to a Policeman.

Meanwhile, Martine shows Jim around the city walls. Looking to the north-east along Rue du Puits d'Amour from Porte des Degrés.

The view from Porte des Degrés now by Michele Feneley.

With the hours before the return ferry ticking by, Martine and Jim discuss their feelings after a kiss.

Mr. Robinson appears in an archway as Martine leaves Jim to return home. Porte des Degrés on Rue du Puits d'Amour.

Unfortunately a parked car spoils the view in Michele Feneley's shot.

Four o'clock strikes and Marvin asks Vera if she would like to go dancing later that week. Alongside the Thames at Hampton Court.

John Harwood had to be a little closer with this one. (SJ)

At a café, Mr. Robinson finds Jim deep in thought.

At the Foreign Legion fort, Charley enters the fort to speak with Shorty before the train for Marseilles departs at six.

Charley returns to the city looking for Fred. A general view of Place Navarin.

From ground level by Michele Feneley with trees and a bus-stop obscuring some of the buildings.

Outside Club Zaza, the Local from the quayside tells Charley that his friend is inside.

Michele found the same but very tatty pillar which marked the entrance to the club.

Back at the docks, Percy attempts to board the ferry.

Martine leaves Henri Dubot's office after telling him that she cannot marry him. Waiting on Rue du Puits d'Amour is a Peugeot 302 recognised by Paul Thomas.

Michele Feneley discovered that this spot has hardly changed! And upon closer inspection it houses the office of a "notaire" (lawyer) so some things don't change!

Jim makes his way back towards the docks and the journey home. Porte des Dunes leading to Place de la Résistance from Grande Rue.

Just after Jim crosses the road, Martine drives past on her way to Bonrecourt. Facing south-west on Grande Rue with the junction formed by Rue des Pipots in the centre distance.

Martine continues homeward, unconvinced that she is doing the right thing.

Jim reaches the quayside. The port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais.

Having turned the car around, Martine races toward the docks. Approaching the corner of Rue de la Gare on Rue du Dr Brousse in Saint-Étienne-au-Mont, Pas-de-Calais.

As she approaches a level crossing, the barriers begin to lower. Facing north on Rue de la Gare in Saint-Étienne-au-Mont. The level crossing no longer exists and the road ends at the railway line.

Martine pleads with the crossing keeper to let her pass. Rue de la Gare with Rue du Dr Brousse in the distance.

The Railway Employee indicates that an express train is approaching. The level crossing at Pont de Briques station on Rue de la Gare in the commune of Saint-Étienne-au-Mont.

The train speeds past. Manuel Gurtner recognised one of the famous "Pacific Chapelon Nord" 4-6-2 locomotives of the SNCF, a class 231 E based at the depot at Paris La Chapelle. This was, at that time, the standard traction for boat trains between Paris and Calais Maritime.

Carrying the dartboard full of watches, Stan approaches passport control at the port entrance.

An Official calls to Stan after he makes it through the control point.

As Stan throws the dartboard into the harbour, Martine continues her race to catch Jim. Rue de la Porte Neuve with Basilique Notre-Dame de l'Immaculée Conception in the right background.

Rue de la Porte Neuve at the corner of Avenue Charles de Gaulle with Rue de Wicardenne straight on and Avenue de Lattre de Tassigny in the centre right background.

Rue de la Porte Neuve Avenue et Charles de Gaulle derrière Rue de Lattre de Tassigny sur la droite. Image de comparaison par Andrew Walters.

Oncoming traffic is negotiated at speed. Looking south on Rue de la Porte Gayole in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

A lorry momentarily blocks the road.

Martine reaches the port just as the ferry departs.

Waving from the upper levels of the loading area, Martine catches Jim's eye.

Moving onto the quayside, Martine and Jim shout to each other and arrange to meet again. Boulogne-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais, France.