Dangerous Voyage (aka Terror Ship)
Date: 1954
Director: Vernon Sewell
Production Company: Merton Park Studios
Stars: William Lundigan, Naomi Chance, Vincent Ball, John Warwick, Jean Lodge, Kenneth Henry, Beresford Egan, Peter Bathhurst, Richard Stewart, Stanley Van Beers, High Morton, Armand Guine, John Serret, Monti DeLyle, Frank Hawkins, Reginald Hearne, Frank Henderson, Michael Ingrams
Location(s): London, Normandy, Paris, Sussex
Region(s): France, London C-D, South East A-D
Storyline:
Whilst cruising in their yacht, Gelert, John Drew and his sister Joan encounter a dismasted vessel drifting helplessly and take it in tow. Darkness falls as they approach the harbour, but the two men aboard the stricken yacht can be clearly seen in the rays of a searchlight. On entering the lock, however, the men are found to be missing and there is no clue aboard the vessel as to her port of origin or destination. She has no name and no papers of any kind. In fact, the only article of interest is a man’s left shoe.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Richard Lovejoy
Director Vernon Sewell’s yacht Gelert was used in this film having also appeared in his Ghost Ship in 1952.
An interesting and amusing interview transcript with Vernon Sewell held by www.historyproject.org.uk can be read there in full but here is an extract relevant to this film.
Vernon Sewell: ‘Dangerous Voyage’ and William Lundigan arrives and he’s got to be put up at the Dorchester. We have dinner at the Dorchester – mind you, on Monday we’re starting the movie, on location. On location in Deauville. And Lundigan says, “Why have I only got a reservation at the hotel for the weekend? I reckoned, I thought I was gonna be here for three weeks!” And I couldn’t but laugh that off. Anyhow, I said “Come with me,” and he came [round the corner] and there is the yacht, all ready with steam up, and he arrived with hockey sticks and all you could think of! Some of his luggage was unbelievable! Anyhow, he was a bit drunk, and he says, “What am I doing on this f***ing ship? What’s this got to do with motor car racing?” [Laughing] I said, “Mr Lundigan, what film have you come to make?” He said, “I’ve come to make (so-and-so and so-and-so) about racing cars.” I said, “Well you’re not, you know.” He said, “Let me off this f***ing ship!” I said, “Can you swim?” He said, “What do you mean?” I said, “Well come on deck” Because I’d given my crew the tip that – steam engines make no noise, you see – we were two or three miles out to sea! And anyhow, in the end we got – he was a very nice chap and we got very friendly – It was a very amusing movie! Bill Lundigan…
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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
- 05 Apr 2022
A policeman (Reginald Hearne) pulls off Albion Street, Southwick, Sussex into Lady Bee Marina.……….
The pub was the Shipwright's Arms which, along with the adjoining buildings, was demolished in 1962 to make way for the redevelopment of Southwick. (SD)
- Capture 2
- 12 Jul 2022
…….to enter Shoreham Harbour dockside to meet with Peter Duncan (William Lundigan)…..
In the 1930's a boatyard owner named Haworth bought up the Southwick boatyards and amalgamated them into one company which he named Lady Bee after his own yacht. This replaces my previous shot with an improved version. (SD)
- Capture 3
- 05 Apr 2022
……who has just gone aboard the ‘Gelert’. Shoreham Harbour looking SSW, the 'MacKe...' building remains.
The shipbuilding yard has been redeveloped as the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre. (SD)
- Capture 4
- 05 Apr 2022
“Hello there!” ..…he asks Peter and to go with him to meet with his Inspector Neal (Kenneth Henry) at the police station. Shoreham Harbour.
The area between the shipbuilding yard and the dry dock has been filled in to become a commercial estate with offices, studios and workshops. (SD)
- Capture 5
- 05 Apr 2022
His “what I refuse to come”……. The corner of Brighton 'B' power station can be seen in the top right hand.
The quay where the 'Tosca' was moored is now a parking area situated between the commercial units. The building on the top right is the pump house which is to the west of the power station. (SD)
- Capture 6
- 05 Apr 2022
…….prompts the response “I doubt if that situation will arise…..”. Shoreham Harbour also appears in ‘Rogue’s Yarn’, ‘Ghost Ship’ and ‘Shadow of Fear’ (1963)
Now with workshops replacing the demolished buildings. (SD)
- Capture 7
- 05 Apr 2022
Having heard from Inspector Neal the story behind the boat that he is interested in buying he goes to talk to the owner John Drew (Vincent Ball) of the salvage company that has a claim on it. Director Vernon Sewell’s luxury yacht ‘Gelert’ also seen in ‘Ghost Ship’, therein named as ‘Cyclops’.
The wharf where the 'Gelert' was moored is now the car park for the Lady Bee Marina. (SD)
- Capture 8
- 05 Apr 2022
John tells the story of events of how they came across a drifting boat with two men aboard, towed them into Shoreham harbour only to find that they had both gone missing between the entrance. Finally docking, how the next morning they, John and his sister Joan (Naomi Chance) go aboard with the police sergeant to make a proper search. Brighton B Power Station in the background, itself hiding Brighton A Power Station except for its two chimneys.
Viewed from beside the slipway seen in Captures 3 and 4. Brighton B Power Station has now been replaced by Shoreham Power Station. Brighton A was demolished in 1977. (SD)
- Capture 9
- 05 Apr 2022
Peter is keen to see the boat once more, as they disembark the ‘Gelert’ they meet with Walton (Peter Bathurst) who had been fishing.
Facing east in the Lady Bee Marina car park, with The New Port Arms in the background. (SD)
- Capture 10
- 05 Apr 2022
Having found details of the boats background they return despondent from advising Inspector Neal who cannot do anything as no boat or persons have been reported missing.
Another view of the Lady Bee Marina car park, facing south west, with the pump house in the background. (SD)
- Capture 11
- 21 Oct 2022
Peter books himself into the ‘local pub’ and invites John and Joan to dinner and proposes, at his expense, that the following day they sail to Deauville, France, to trace the history of the boat that he is interested in buying. The Dog & Duck public house, Dorking Road, Horsham in Sussex.
Graham Lelliott stopped off at the 'Dog & Duck' for us on a rather inclement day to take this shot of the pub as it is nearly 70 years on.
- Capture 12
- 05 Apr 2022
With Shoreham Harbour behind them they set off.
The wharves of Shoreham Harbour viewed from the middle pier by the harbour entrance. (SD)
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
Arriving in Deauville, Normandy with Quay Louis Breguet in the background right.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
Taking the motor dingy, they cross the harbour, landing with HDS Hotel Trouville Le Beach and the Casino on Quai Albert 1er, in the background.
- Capture 15
- 'Now' required
Having sought direction they head off for their destination walking along the quayside. Property on the corner of Boulevard Fernand Moureaux and Rue Notre Dame in the background.
- Capture 16
- 'Now' required
Leaving the pavements of town to walk along the shore. Properties either side of Rue Jules Ferry junction with Quai de la Touques in the background. Foreground buildings now given way to gardens.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
“This cannot be the place its derelict.”…they seek further guidance. I believe that we are looking across to Boulevard Fernand Moureaux.
- Capture 18
- 'Now' required
They try an alternative. Rue Amiral de Maigret looking towards Rue Charles Moxin
- Capture 19
- 'Now' required
On the opposite side of the road they show the driver of a horse drawn carriage where they wish to be taken. Rue Amiral de Maigret
- Capture 20
- 'Now' required
They are driven along Boulevard Fernand Moureaux. Casino, Hotel Saint James, Trouville-sur-Mer in the background.
- Capture 21
- 'Now' required
At the boat builders Peter asks where the office is. The church of Saint Gatien in the background. Quai de la Touques before re-development.
- Capture 22
- 'Now' required
They walk over to ‘le bureau’ to find that the boat was built there but, of a different design. Once again looking across to Bouevard Fernand Moureaux. The square building centre background still stands on Boulevard d’Hautpoul.
- Capture 23
- 'Now' required
Given the address of the first owner they make a visit. Unknown location.
- Capture 24
- 'Now' required
Well, Peter makes the visit while John and Joan go to lunch, cancel lunch “were off to Paris”. Unknown location.
- Capture 25
- 'Now' required
We needed to set the location. The Eiffel Tower from circa Trocadero Gardens, Paris
- Capture 26
- 'Now' required
Acting on whatever Peter was told they make their way. Paris, or perhaps somewhere closer. Only to find out that this owner had supposedly just sold the boat two weeks before to someone in Honfleur. Unidentified location.
- Capture 27
- 'Now' required
Off they go to the bus station and to the address in Hornfleur that they were given. Unknown location.
- Capture 28
- 'Now' required
Shortly to arrive in Honfleur, Normandy. Quai de la Quarantaine looking north from the harbour. Looking across to Rue Montpensier
- Capture 29
- Pre 2008
- 31 Jul 2026
Leaving the bus they walk to their destination. Quai de la Quarantaine looking north from the harbour with La Lieutenance, Quai Sainte-Catherine behind them.
Mike Randall acknowledges that this is slightly off angle but sends this shot taken in September 2005.
2026 version. (SR)
- Capture 30
- 31 Jul 2026
Turning into a narrow street, Rue de la Prison. Quai Saint-Etienne with the Musée de la Marine to their left.
The Restaurant de Vieux Honfleur has added a wooden terrace. (SR)
- Capture 31
- 31 Jul 2026
They soon realise that it is only a short street. Behind Joan and John is what is now Musée de Vieux Honfleur.
The museum is still going strong. (SR)
- Capture 32
- 31 Jul 2026
Wanting No 12 they enquire at No 8, “Non”. Rue de la Prison.
We can now see what's behind the door. (SR)
- Capture 33
- 31 Jul 2026
Maybe they were given the wrong address. Rue des Petites Boucheries
Now the stonework has been cleaned up. (SR)
- Capture 34
- 'Now' required
A shot is fired at them from a window above. I don’t believe that this is Rue des Petites Boucheries so a sharp eyed wander around town might be worthwhile.
- Capture 35
- 31 Jul 2026
Peter says that he will telephone Inspector Neal and tells John and John to go and tell the French police. Quai Sanit-Etienne looking across to La Lieutenance.
Taken closer to the bollard, but much the same view today. (SR)
- Capture 36
- 'Now' required
Peter goes to the local telephone office. Inspector Neal writes the instance off. Unknown location.
- Capture 37
- 'Now' required
John and Joan arrive at the police station. The whole incident is lost in the translation and/or understanding. Between Rue Saint-Antoine and Quai de la Quarantaine.
- Capture 38
- 'Now' required
They return to the second owner only to find that she has moved out. Unidentified location.
- Capture 39
- 'Now' required
Having made no progress they return to the ‘Gelert’ in Deauville to set sail. Quai Louis Breguet and the entrance to Bassin Flot in the background.
- Capture 40
- 'Now' required
John advises his first mate to prepare the boat for going home. Looking towards Quai de la Marine and Quai des Yachts
- Capture 41
- 'Now' required
As they leave port it would seem that the crowds are there to watch the filming. Deauville Harbour.
- Capture 42
- 05 Apr 2022
During the journey Joan finds out that Peter is apparently a writer and is only interested in events for the purposes of a story, eventually returning to Shoreham Harbour.
The Prince George Lock. As close as I could get to replicating the view without a boat. (SD)
- Capture 43
- 05 Apr 2022
With events returning to Shoreham we see the local Constable (Frank Hawkins) leave the Station……... Tarmount Lane, Shoreham. Now the 'Sunshine Nursery'.
The decorative hoarding is due to building work which is currently taking place. The old police inspector's house has been demolished and an extension to enlarge the nursery is to be built on the site. The police station, which closed in 1973, was also seen in 'Ghost Ship'. (SD)
- Capture 44
- 05 Apr 2022
……..and cycles off up Tarmount Lane……..Looking east.
On the left, the wall around Shoreham-by-Sea Methodist Church has been moved to widen the road. On the right F.A. Barnes & Son, a builder and decorator, has been replaced by flats which are currently obscured by a hoarding belonging to a building contractor. (SD)
- Capture 45
- 05 Apr 2022
…………. to follow up information that the children had found a body in the water. Shoreham Harbour and the River Adur looking back to 'The Schooner Inn' and Shoreham Harbour buildings.
The waterfront was extended some time in the late 1960's. (SD)
- Capture 46
- 05 Apr 2022
Having finally acquired the boat Peter, with the help of John and Joan start to take the boat apart, board by board, to establish what was being smuggled. Shoreham port buildings and the tower of ‘Old Town Hall’ that still stands.
Since 1974 the Old Town Hall has been used as a warehouse and offices. The Nab Cruising Club building now benefits from a covering of modern cladding. (SD)
- Capture 47
- 05 Apr 2022
That evening they pull a drowning girl from the water, the girl from Paris, but she is taken from their care by a ‘doctor’ who just happen to be on the spot at the right time. The following morning they all have ‘a peculiar rash’ and after the doctor visits, Mr Carter (John Warwick) from the ‘Tollingham Research Laboratories’ pays them a visit. Shoreham Harbour and Brighton 'B' Power station and the chimneys of 'A' station in the background.
Shoreham Power Station viewed from the Lady Bee Marina car park. The first section of Brighton B Power Station was opened in 1952. During the filming of 'Dangerous Voyage' and 'Rogue's Yarn' a second section was under construction which opened in 1958. Brighton B was demolished in 1988 leaving the west chimney which was demolished in 1998. Shoreham Power Station, which opened in 2000, was built on the site of the second section of Brighton B. (SD)
- Capture 48
- 01 Sep 2022
Meanwhile, the girl from Paris, Vivian Bolton (Jean Lodge) turns out to be the dead mans sister, shut in a remote attic, she starts a fire to draw attention to her plight. Shiremark Mill, Capel, Horsham, Surrey identified by Paul Osborne of www.shorehambysea.com. Built in 1774 as a corn mill it finally burnt down in 1972 and only the base now survives heavily overgrown. The windmill also featured in 'Battle of the V-1'.
The remains of the mill is on private land but Graham Lelliott was given permission by the owner to photograph the brick base. The house in front of the mill has been demolished but the base can still be seen. (SD)
- Capture 49
- 05 Apr 2022
A radio active substance in the top of the mast that they cut off is the problem, but it is now missing. Who is implicated? Vivian draws a picture of Walton who is making a hasty escape. Shoreham Harbour.
The slipway has been filled in and the area is now the Nautilus House Car Park. (SD)
- Capture 50
- 'Now' required
Peter and the whole party needs to return to the to the 'Dog & Duck' to find out where fisherman Walton is, “fisherman, scoundrel and cad” he has stolen a statue! This is supposed to be the garden of the Dog & Duck, Dorking Road in Horsham, Sussex, but Graham Lelliott has had a look around that location and he is not convinced these scenes were shot there as none of the buildings etc match. This is actually the garden of Merton Cottage, 27 Church Path, Merton Park, London SW19. Behind the wall on the left can be seen the lodge in John Innes Park. (SD)
- Capture 51
- 05 Apr 2022
Walton and accomplice make their way along the coast. Brighton A and B power stations in the background. Shoreham Harbour.
Now with the Outer Lay-by Terminal on the eastern arm of the harbour. (SD)
- Capture 52
- 05 Apr 2022
Despite being x miles away in the garden of the Dog & Duck, Hartnell (Beresford Egan) hears the boat making its way and he rushes to view. Shoreham Lighthouse. It looks as though the shore has been re-modelled as there is no such wall there now.
Hartnell was standing on top of a public toilet block which was situated in front of the lighthouse. There is now just a concrete slab where the toilet block once stood. (SD)
- Capture 53
- 05 Apr 2022
From where he sees Walton heading out to sea to where the action ends. Shoreham Harbour.
The harbour entrance was widened in 1957 with a new East Breakwater and Inner Breakwater replacing the East Pier. (SD)
- Capture 54
- 'Now' required
Peter and Joan go off for their future together on a 2-WIM electric multiple unit, one of the four sets that operated the West Croydon to Wimbledon line. I believe this to be Merton Park Station in SW19. Merton Park tram stop now overlaps the site of the station. The Croydon platform also appears in the 'Frozen Dead' and 'Horror Hospital' and the station in 'Hidden Homicide' and others.