Best House in London, The
Date: 1969
Director: Philip Saville
Production Company: Bridge Productions
Stars: David Hemmings, Joanna Pettet, George Sanders, Dany Robin, Warren Mitchell, Bill Fraser
Location(s): London, Surrey
Region(s): London A-B, South East A-D
Storyline:
When a rise in street prostitution begins to upset trade in Victorian London the government is prompted to sanction a French style ‘maison de tolérance’.
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson
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
- 'Now' required
The film opens with Lord Tennyson (Hugh Burden) running over the lines of 'The Lady of Shalott'. In the background stands Littleton House at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
In London, Lady Josephine Pacefoot (Joanna Pettet) leads an anti-prostitution campaign. This view may seem familiar . . . it's the 'Oliver!' set built a couple of years earlier at Shepperton Studios.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
Lady Josephine and her rescued Girls carry Benjamin Oakes (David Hemmings) back to the Social Purity Alliance hostel after an altercation in the street. Most of the film's outdoor scenes feature other sets built for 'Oliver!' which are also reused for 'The Creeping Flesh', 'I, Monster', 'Mr. Quilp', 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' and 'The Looking Glass War'.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
As Lady Josephine and Benjamin walk together after lunch, the journalist offers his help to rescue fallen women. More images from the 'Oliver!' sets at Shepperton can be found on the Avengerland web site.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Sir Francis Leybourne (George Sanders) leaves Babette Laroche (Dany Robin) for an appointment at the Chinese Embassy. Brompton Square SW3.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
A row of carriages carry gentlemen away from their afternoon visits to their kept women. Brompton Square.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
The Home Secretary hears that the streets of London are being overrun with prostitutes. Burlington Arcade running between Piccadilly and Bond Street in W1. The arcade also appears in 'You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger', 'The File of the Golden Goose', '101 Dalmatians' and 'Patriot Games'.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
Persuaded to open a licensed brothel to solve the problem, Belgravia Hall is sold to the government by Sir Francis Leybourne. A matte shot creates the scene.
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
The belongings of Belgravia Hall's previous occupants are removed from the building.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
While Sir Francis is away in India, his son Walter and Mademoiselle Babette install themselves into Belgravia Hall. This is a matte shot above a set and, incidentally, the pantechnicon also appeared in 'Oliver!'.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
Procuring "workers" for the Hall, Walter purchases a Girl for £15 from a Beggar Woman (Queenie Watts).
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Unaware of the government's involvement with Belgravia Hall, Inspector MacPherson (Bill Fraser) purchases a newspaper from a Vendor (Tommy Godfrey) and reads of women being purchased like commodities. Much of 'Mr. Quilp' was shot on the same sets which also appear in 'I, Monster', 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' and 'The Creeping Flesh'.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
The Inspector seeks out airship designer Count Pandolfo who has employed one of the girls mentioned in a newspaper report.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
Constables are briefed by Inspector MacPherson before a raid on Belgravia Hall.