Business Affair, A

Students ask Alec Bolton (Jonathan Pryce) to sign his new novel for them as he leaves after appearing at their college. University College London on Gower Street WC1. The location can be seen in several productions including 'Wicked as They Come', 'Raising the Wind', 'The Lost Language of Cranes', ‘Thunderbirds’, ‘Doctor in the House’ and ‘The Man Who Never Was'.

Some lighting adornments have been added to the base of the columns. SJ

The author agrees is asked if he will address another audience as his wife Catherine Swallow (Carole Bouquet) approaches. On the steps of The Wilkins Building at University College London on Gower Street WC1.

A graduand or just then a graduate adds to the college atmosphere. SJ

Cate returns to the Soho flat where she lives with her husband. Tisbury Court W1, which can also be found in ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘Say Hello to Yesterday’.

Not such a colourful view. (PW)

The offices of Vanni Corso, where the American publisher and Alec Bolton meet to sign a new contract. It was once again, 'the reflection', that clinched it for Dave W and guided him to 9 Tufton Street, London SW1 which is confirmed by Steve Randall who adds that "Wikipedia identifies it as the Tufton Street drill hall, now occupied by the Westminster School Music Centre". (RL)

The Manoukian Music Centre opened in 2005. SJ

Vanni Corso (Christopher Walken) and his PA Judith (Sheila Hancock) run to board the boat for a publicity trip showcasing Alec. Lambeth Pier off Albert Embankment SE1.

With the publisher aboard, the boat sets sail. The River Thames off Lambeth Pier with the Houses of Parliament on the Westminster bank.

This replaces my shot taken in Sept '21 with a better angle from a vantage point on Lambeth Pier. SJ

Vanni recognises Alec's wife to be the model he was taken by in a high end fashion shop.

On the voyage, Cate and Vanni talk about the book she has submitted to his firm. Lambeth Bridge with Thames House on Millbank SW1 to the top.

Boat-free. SJ

Distant bells chime as Alec telephones an empty flat while his wife and Vanni spend the evening together.

Alec arrives home by cab to find that Cate has a book contract. Wardour Street with Shaftesbury Avenue in the right background and the fence of St. Anne’s Churchyard on the left. The churchyard fence and gateway also feature in ‘The Optimists of Nine Elms’.

There's certainly no escaping from the churchyard now. (PW)

Whilst playing golf with Clients, Vanni's game is interrupted when an angry Alec appears demanding answers as to why he has agreed to publish Kate's book. Moor Park Golf Club in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. The location is seen in 'Jassy', 'Metro-Land', 'The Hellfire Club', 'Brothers in Law’ and ‘The Vampire Lovers’.

After Cate and Alex lose their unborn baby, Vanni discuss the design for her upcoming book over tea at The Ritz before pushing his room key towards her. Facing The Ritz hotel on Piccadilly W1.

Some flag additions. SJ

As the affair between publisher and author continues, Cate and Alec go out to dinner with Vanni and his companion Fawn . . . who has a certain je ne sais quoi. Harrods, Brompton Road W7, at the junction with Hans Crescent. (SR)

Clearer but less illuminating in daylight. SJ

With her relationship with Cate in ruins, Kate considers accompanying Vanni to Rome.

Deciding that a spot of salmon fishing will save their marriage, Alec returns home to an empty flat. Dave W has been 'tickling' the waters and eventually landed the identity of the location; 29 Kensington Church Street, W8 on the corner with Holland Place. If you are wondering about that reflected name plate, it was that of 'Oliver-Sutton' Antiques, 34C Kensington Church Street, to whom reference can still be found today. (RL)

Fishing out the corner today. SJ

While Vanni heads to see Cate in Soho. Alec takes a cab to Vanni's house. Looking towards the junction of Knightsbridge and Sloane Street in SW1 with Harvey Nichols to the left, the entrances of Knightsbridge Underground station on either side of the corner and Brompton Road heading away to the right.

Looking west into the sun. SJ

Arriving outside her flat, Vanni calls Cate but there's no answer. Old Compton Street at the junction with Wardour Street.

Preparing for service on Old Compton Street. (PW)

Alec looks up at Vanni's luxury property after calling out his name at the gate... Clifton Villas, W9. (SJ)

Opposite no12 Clifton Villas close to the corner of Warwick Avenue. SJ

Believing his wife to be inside with her lover, Alec starts to climb into the garden before a Policeman arrives . . . followed by Vanni... London Movie Guide puts this as 12 Clifton Villas, W9. (SJ)

The ivy would make a climb more slippy now. SJ

In Spain, Carmen (Marisa Benlloch) drives Cate to the ranch outside Malaga that she shares with Alec's old friend Bob. Steve Randall's research came up with Cortijo de las Aldehuelas Bajas to the south-east of Montellano in the Spanish province of Seville, Andalusia.

The shot pans left with the Land Rover until it disappears behind a whitewashed wall. Since filming took place, the name of Cortijo de las Aldehuelas Bajas has been changed to Finca La Rata.

Bob (Tom Wilkinson) brings beers from the house.

The three discuss the situation between Kate and Alec. Cortijo de las Aldehuelas Bajas near Montellano located by Steve Randall.

Bob drives to the local bar where Alec is waiting. Steve Randall discovered Venta El Potaje in Montellano, Andalusia.

Steve Randall sent in this comparison as he happened to be passing the location.

A bullfight takes place where local hero Matías is the star. Cortijo de las Aldehuelas Bajas advises Steve Randall.

Bob introduces Cate to Matías (Alfonso Galán). Confirming the location by the small hill in the distance, Steve Randall identifies this as Cortijo de las Aldehuelas Bajas near Montellano in Seville, Andalusia.

Alec arrives at the bullring where he finds Matías waiting. The Bullring at Ronda in Málaga, Andalusia located by Steve Randall.

Complaining that he isn't a cheap gigolo, Matías is paid to make love to Cate. Steve Randall found the Bullring in Ronda.

Holy Week sees a festival take place in the town. Calle Real, Ronda in the province of Málaga identified by Steve Randall . . . .

. . . who, less than a month later, nipped over to Spain to get this comparison shot.

The penance procession proceeds along the street. Steve Randall found Calle Real in Ronda, Andalusia.

The proof, also provided by Steve.

After learning that Alec had followed his wife to Malaga, Vanni arrives to find Cate with Matías.

Returning to London after his plans backfire, Alec visits his barrister friend Mason to arrange a divorce. Nigel Matthews identifies this as Tufton Street SW1 facing the corner of Great College Street with Westminster school in the background.

And indeed identified in London Movie Guide (2007). Also seen from the other side in "Without a Clue." SJ

Jaboul (Bhasker Patel) opens the door to a Removal Man as he brings Cate's belongings into Vanni's home.

Taken from the front gate rather than the front door looking north-west. SJ

Vinnie tells Cate what to wear and how he expects her to behave when the two entertain important guests one evening.

No12 from ground level. SJ

As cracks begin to appear in their romance, Vinni and Cate attend a concert with his Mother. The Royal Albert Hall in SW7, which appears in many productions including 'Follow Me', 'Seven Keys', ‘The Knack . . . and How to Get It’, ‘Interlude’ and 'The Mutations'.

I thought this was going to be tricky but then I spotted the two upper windows. SJ

An embarrassing scene between Vinnie and Mrs. Corso is witnessed by Alec and his companion Caroline Parsons. The Royal Albert Hall on Kensington Gore in Kensington.

Just to the west of the north door (no6). SJ

Leaving the house on a drizzly day, Cate finds Alec waiting outside the gate.

The gateway today. SJ

Alec explains that he was just taking a walk and got lost.

Just capturing St. Saviour's Church on the left. SJ

When Vinnie and his Mother show their disgust at Cate's cooking, she takes it to a grateful Alec who has been surviving on meat pies. The corner of Wardour Street and Tisbury Court in W1.

Same corner, same business. (PW)

Cate moves into a flat on the film’s Kingsley Road. 16-18 Ladbroke Crescent W11. (SR)

After writing to several commissioning editors, Cate's latest work is published. Hatchards window at 187 Piccadilly W1.

A different display but it still catches the eye. SJ

Alec and Cate walk through Trafalgar Square after he attends her book signing.

I probably should have stepped into the fountain but that would be frowned upon. SJ

The two kiss passionately before parting company. Trafalgar Square in WC2.

Lacking the depth of camera focus, I plumbed for a general shot of the architecture of Waterstones at the corner of Trafalgar Square, Strand and Northumberland Avenue. SJ