Backfire! (An Edgar Wallace Mystery)
Date: 1962
Director: Paul Almond
Production Company: Merton Park Studios
Stars: Alfred Burke, Zena Marshall, Oliver Johnston, Noel Trevarthen
Location(s): Surrey
Region(s): South East A-D
Storyline:
Arson as the only way out for a cosmetic business suffering from falling sales and financial problems after new partners are brought in.
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson
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- Capture 1
- 07 Jul 2020
A Bentley turns into the premises of fragrance manufacturer Venetia. Geoff Dodd advises that this is a, then, recently completed office block on Western Road in Mitcham, Surrey. Premises also seen in 'The Partner' and 'Hidden Face'.
A changed view now with properties on Lowry Crescent occupying the site. (PW)
- Capture 2
- 07 Jul 2020
This office block and forecourt, which also appear in 'The Partner', belonged to Carson Hadfields paint factory and the buildings standing beyond the wall on Western Road are part of Liberty School. Identification by Geoff Dodd.
The school can be seen between the buildings to the top right. (PW)
- Capture 3
- 07 Jul 2020
Owner of Venetia Bernard Curzon (Oliver Johnston) and his daughter Shirley (Suzanne Neve) get out of the car. Geoff advises that the factory was replaced in the 1980s by a residential development that includes Lowry Crescent and Gilpin Close.
Gilpin Close, as described. (PW)
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
Contacted by partner Mitchell Logan to 'help' Venetia out of financial difficulty, Willy Kyser arrives at his apartment.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
While arsonist Kyser makes his way into Venetia's store room, the Logan's hold a party which is attended by Bernard and Shirley Curzon. The location also appears in 'The Fourth Square' and 'Flat Two'.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
Willy Kyser (John Cazabon) leaves the factory after setting an incendiary device.
- Capture 7
- 07 Jul 2020
Crossing the road, Kyser telephones Mitchell to tell him when the device will go off. Located with Geoff's assistance, this is Western Road in Mitcham, facing the rear of the paint factory's offices seen earlier.
Looking across the same road from a similar position. (PW)
- Capture 8
- 07 Jul 2020
Leaving the telephone box, the pyromaniac walks away. In the background stands the Health Centre on Western Road, Mitcham. and Geoff Dodd advises that the building is still a surgery.
The surviving surgery. (PW)
- Capture 9
- 08 Jan 2023
When Pauline tells Mitchell that she's left her uninsured mink coat at the factory, he puts on a film for his Guests before driving to collect it. Peter Bywaters identifies this as Queen's Road, Wimbledon SW19 with Wimbledon Baptist church in the background. The church can also be seen in 'Man Detained', as can the Jaguar!
Peter's comparison shows that part of the church remains and is incorporated into the Centre Court shopping centre.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
As Venetia's premises burn, the Fire Brigade rush to the scene.
- Capture 11
- 07 Jul 2020
The following morning, the Commissionaire (Edwin Brown) opens the car door for Bernard Curzon when he arrives at the burnt out factory. Geoff Dodd advises that this is the entrance to Hadfields paint factory that stood opposite Liberty School on Western Road in Mitcham, Surrey.
Looking out of the former paint works entrance. (PW)
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
As the Police and Jack Bryce from the insurance company close in on their suspect, Kyser escapes down the fire escape from the building where he lives.