Death Drives Through

Date: 1935
Director: Edward L. Cahn
Production Company: Associated Talking Pictures (ATP), Clifford Taylor Productions

Stars: Chili Bouchier, Robert Douglas
Location(s): Surrey

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

Kit Woods, a racing car designer, falls in love with Kay Lord. However, her father is against the relationship and Garry Ames, a racing car rival, comes onto the scene as competition for Kay’s affection.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Ray Edwards

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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 starts off with scenes at a race track with a competition in progress. Jules Ballantyne has found for us evidence that this was Crystal Palace Football pitch and Dirt Track that was also used for speedway racing. The existing National Sports Stadium was built on this site. (RL)

  • Capture 2
  • 19 Nov 2022

The story moves to another circuit, where the majority of the movie is set. This is Brooklands Race Track near Weybridge in Surrey. The Members Bridge over the race track was to allow access for visitors and participants to the centre of the circuit.

This was the closest Nick Boorman could get as the track was cordoned off.

  • Capture 3
  • 'Now' required

Kay Lord (Chili Bouchier) and Kit Woods (Robert Douglas) beside the plane they have just landed at Brooklands Race Track. The circuit can be seen in the background. By 1918 Brooklands was the site of one of the largest plane manufacturers in Britain.

  • Capture 4
  • 'Now' required

Kit and Kay, now out of their flying suits, take a stroll together. This is in the centre of the Brooklands circuit with the Vickers Ltd building in the background. The airfield, control tower and motor circuit at Brooklands have also appeared in other productions including 'The Rake's Progress', 'The Dam Busters', 'A Fire Has Been Arranged', 'Death Is a Number', 'Ask a Policeman' and 'Q Planes'.

  • Capture 5
  • 19 Nov 2022

Bitter rivalry between Kit and Garry Armes results in one of them heading off the track. Brooklands was notable for these high banked curves. This is Home Banking curve just before the Members Bridge.

Nick Boorman returned to find this section of the the circuit pretty well intact considering the 80 odd years since filming.

  • Capture 6
  • 19 Nov 2022

This is a view of one of the buildings in the paddock in the centre of the circuit.

Unfortunately, in Nick Boorman's comparison, the tree obscures most of the building which is currently being renovated, so lots of scaffolding and coverings.

  • Capture 7
  • 'Now' required

The racing teams prepare their cars.

  • Capture 8
  • 24 Jun 2020

Kit leaves the Laundry after being unable to collect his clothing. 7 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 with thanks to Alan F of filmdope.com Forum. (RL)

Antony Blair discovered that the cleaners appear to have moved next door.

  • Capture 9
  • 24 Jun 2020

Kay and the race crew head into town to find Kit. Identified by Antony Blair, this is Manor Road in West Ealing, just around the corner from the previous capture.

Taken at the same time of day, Antony proves the location with this view.

  • Capture 10
  • 'Now' required

Cars race along the Finishing Straight at Brooklands.

  • Capture 11
  • 'Now' required

The racers pass the Vickers Ltd building seen in an earlier shot. There's a clue to the location on the background building!

  • Capture 12
  • 'Now' required

Another view of one of the buildings in the Paddock. Brooklands at Weybridge in Surrey.