Brief Encounter (1945)

Acknowledging that this film's page requires updating, we add here an additional capture and comparison from Gareth Williams which shows the iconic clock from the production.

Gareth's 'now' shot assures us that a clock remains in place at the station.

Carnforth Station. which I'm sure is actually Watford Junction - where all the high speed run-through were filmed. Carnforth was used for the scenes that required the cast ~ Michael

Same station, waiting room.

Now. Carnforth Station,Steve Hatton

A repeat of Capture 2

Tony Baird provides a more accurate comparison shot some 10 years or so on. (RL)

Beaconsfield. Yes indeed, and Phil Richards picks up some features that told him that it is Station Road looking north from its junction with Maxwell Road. (RL)

Phil captures the spot with far less 'shoppers'. (RL)

Station Road in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire which also appears in 'The Fast Lady', 'John and Julie', 'Don't Talk to Strange Men', 'Press for Time' and 'Please Turn Over'.

Now. Beaconsfield - Burke's Parade, location by Tony Reeves, photo by John Harriman.

Carnforth Station

Tony Baird provides an up to date view of the station dressed for the part. See Header Section: Peter Brown (2) points out that this shot is of the tea room on the old Platform 3, the new Platform 1 and believes the capture is a set. (RL)

Station Parade, Beaconsfield

Now. Beaconsfield - and do remember that there are two Beaconsfields, old and new - about 2 miles apart - and this is New Beaconsfield, Station Parade, location Tony Reeves, photo John Harriman.

Returning to the location 80 years after filming to update the record, Antony Blair found that the parade of shops remains intact.

Station Parade, Beaconsfield

Now. Same street, slightly different view, thank you John.

Station Parade in Beaconsfield.

The same location, remodeled. (PW)

Carnforth Station See Header Section: Peter Brown (2) believes this to be a set as Carnforth Station did not have any steps. (RL)

Beaconsfield

Now. Same as picture 4, good identification John.

Station Road in Beaconsfield.

The very busy junction where Station Road, Burkes Road, Gregories Road and Maxwell Road meet. (PW)

Beaconsfield

Now. Tony Baird

Beaconsfield.

Looking from Maxwell Road onto Station Road in New Beaconsfield. (PW)

BFI handbook, Richard Dyer, 19??. Beaconsfield. The shops and street are all real, and still exist - although the shops have all been rebuilt, so they look rather different now. - Peter E Davies (Friends of Carnforth Station). It would appear that Phil Richards is absolutely correct in viewing this as a break in filming rather than a film capture in its own right. The film is on our list to be re-addressed when we will positively find out. Location? Station Road, Beaconsfield looking south from it junction with Maxwell Road. (RL)

Phil provides the comparative shot whatever the status of the capture. (RL)

A Set

A set, and yes, it fooled us! This picture of Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard striding out, is in fact on the set at Denham Film Studios. The building to the left (the steps) is in fact a film set "flat" and only extends perhaps another 30 or 40 feet to the left. The curved street seen behind the two characters was a set from an earlier film, which just happened to be there - so David Lean re-used it. - Peter E Davies ( Friends of Carnforth Station) ....first used in "Perfect Strangers". Jules Ballantyne draws our attention to the fact that the set was also used in 'Carnival'. (RL)

Carnforth Station

Carnforth Station now by Steve.

P. Meaker provides this updated view and advises that the station clock has been removed.

A set.

Regents Park Lake, London.

This is also seen (slightly further away) in The Nanny. SJ

Regents Park Lake, London. Again

Now. Tony Baird

Carnforth Station

Now. Carnforth Station. Another fiver to Steve.

A set. Peter Brown (1) points out that this same set was used in 'Love in Waiting', Capture 2. (RL)

A set

A set

Laura (Celia Johnson) and Alec (Trevor Howard) drive into the country. An additional screen capture from Justin. The location he say is 'in Ambleside in the Lake District. Best landmark would be the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. There are two bridges that cross the river, one for cars and one for walkers. It’s the smaller bridge for walkers that you want'. Detailed enough for me Justin. (RL)

Justin's own brief encounter with the bridge. (RL)

Carnforth Station. See Header Section: Peter Brown (2) believes this to be a set as Carnforth Station did not have any steps. (RL)

The set

The set