Dog Outwits the Kidnappers, The

Date: 1908
Director: Lewin Fitzhamon
Production Company: Hepworth Manufacturing Company

Stars: Cecil M. Hepworth, Barbara Hepworth
Location(s): Middlesex, Surrey

Region(s):

Storyline:

A dog chases a kidnapper’s car and while he is in a pub, drives it home.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

 

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The kidnapper drives towards a house in a well to do area of town.

Facing south-west on Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey. SD

A Child (Barbara Hepworth) plays outside the house as the Kidnapper (Cecil M. Hepworth) approaches.

Broadwater House on Oatlands Drive was demolished in the 1930s and has now been replaced by First Church Of Christ Scientist Walton & Weybridge. SD

Having taken the toddler, the kidnapper returns to his car.

Just inside the gate to the drive leading to the house was a lodge which has now been replaced by Broadwater Place. SD

When the car is driven away, the family dog sets off in pursuit. Possibly Russell Road heading away from Shepperton.

This stretch of Russell Road was also seen in 'Bond Of Fear'. SD

The kidnapper continues his flight with the child. Chertsey Road at the junction with Church Lane, Shepperton in the Spelthorne hundred.

The building to the right has now been replaced by riverside houses. SD

And Rover follows close behind. All riveting action! Chertsey Road facing Church Square, Shepperton in Middlesex with St Nicholas church in the left background.

Just to the right of the petrol station seen in 'Bond Of Fear'. SD

The kidnapper pulls up outside a public house and goes inside. Outside what was the previous incarnation of The Anchor Hotel in Church Square, Shepperton.

The right side of The Anchor Hotel was rebuilt to match the left side. SD

Rover catches up, jumps into the car and drives away! Church Square, Shepperton.

Even Lassie couldn't do that! SD

Methinks there is a bit of motion picture trickery going on as the dog sets off towards home. Church Square once more, which appears a number of times in other productions including 'Mysterious Island', 'The Navy Lark', 'Paul Temple Returns', 'Find the Lady', 'The Man Who Loved Redheads', 'Glad Tidings' 'Bond Of Fear' and 'Emergency Call'.

Try and get out of the car park now Rover! SD

Rover drives the child back to her distraught mother and all ends well. This appears to be Russell Road in Shepperton, Middlesex with the River Thames on the right. The location was also seen in 'Tilly the Tomboy Visits the Poor' from 1910.

Barbara Hepworth and Blair (as Rover), also starred in 'Rescued By Rover' in 1905. SD