Face of a Stranger (An Edgar Wallace Mystery)
Date: 1964
Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Production Company: Merton Park Studios
Stars: Jeremy Kemp, Bernard Archard, Rosemary Leach, Philip Locke
Location(s): London, Surrey
Region(s): London E-G, South East E-L
Storyline:
Released from prison, a man falls in love with the blind wife of a cellmate whom he promised to visit.
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Can you help:
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
- 'Now' required
Towards the end of his sentence, a knife if found in John Bell's possession during a search results in a loss of 90 days remission. This shot of Wandsworth Prison in London SW18 also appears in 'The Criminal'.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
Leaving Bell to serve the extra time, Vince Howard (Jeremy Kemp) discovers from Mrs. Holden (Elizabeth Begley) that his wife Grace had moved away six months previously.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
When the landlady closes the door while fetching Grace's forwarding address, Vince turns around to see a small Child staring up at him.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
Avoiding a dog, Vince makes his way up the stairs of Eastside Buildings.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Vince walks along the balcony towards his wife's flat.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
Leaving her new partner Harry in the living room, Grace (Jean Marsh) opens the front door when her husband rings the bell.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
Realising where he's not wanted, Vince travels into the country to visit Bell's blind wife Mary as promised. Looking south-west towards Oxshott station on the New Guildford Line in Oxshott, Surrey. Colin Watts from the website Blood and Custard explains that with access gained from the adjacent Heath Road, the camera picks up BR-designed 4 EPB unit, number 5311, one of just fourteen fitted with electric horns which is historically interesting as these were quickly replaced.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
A Young Woman reaches to open the compartment door as the train pulls into the station.
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
Stepping onto the platform, the Young Woman spots her Boyfriend. Oxshott station on Warren Lane, Oxshott.
- Capture 10
- 01 May 2022
Vince looks around the station after alighting. Facing north-east on the Up platform at Oxshott station with the bridge carrying Warren lane in the left background. Colin Watts advises that the train is 4 EPB unit number 5343.
John Harwood took two shots of the station, one with a train, one without. This one shows more detail of the bridge. (SJ)
- Capture 11
- 01 May 2022
Taking his ticket from his breast pocket, the ex-con approaches the station exit. The Up platform at Oxshott station in Surrey.
And here's one from John Harwood which features a train. (SJ)
- Capture 12
- 01 May 2022
The Ticket Collector (Keith Smith) calls Vince back to give him the return half of the ticket. Looking through the booking hall at Oxshott station.
A slighter wider shot of the booking hall from John Harwood. (SJ)
- Capture 13
- 01 May 2022
Vince asks for directions to Park Gates Cottage. Oxshott station in Oxshott.
John's update includes a poster for "Operation Mincemeat" (2021) reminding us that we covered "The Man Who Never Was" quite some time ago. (SJ)
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
Finding that the only taxi wasn't available until that evening, Vince walks the four miles to Mrs. Bell's home.
- Capture 15
- 'Now' required
When she hears footsteps approaching, Mary Bell (Rosemary Leach) makes her way to the front gate of her garden.
- Capture 16
- 'Now' required
Having been mistaken for her husband after saving Mary from being knocked down by a car and forming a relationship with her over the following weeks, Vince takes the train to London.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
On arriving at Waterloo station, a Stranger (Jack Carter) asks the agitated Vince for directions.
- Capture 18
- 'Now' required
Vince turns to make his way to a garage as part of his plan. The concourse of Waterloo station in SE1.
- Capture 19
- 28 Oct 2022
The Garage Proprietor (Alec Bregonzi) tells Vince that its 30/- a day for the car. Peter Bywaters advises that this is part of Merton Park Studios at the back of Merton Park Garage and can be seen in two other Edgar Wallace features, 'Downfall' and 'The Partner'.
Peter was able to get a representational shot of where the large window and garage entrance would have been. Behind the wall the rest of the building would have been on what is now the communal garden area for Warwick Court in Kingston Road.
- Capture 20
- 01 May 2022
John Bell (Philip Locke) walks free from prison. Wandsworth Prison on Heathfield Road SW18. The prison appears in many productions including ‘There Was a Crooked Man’, ‘The Cracksman’, ‘Out of the Fog’, 'Saloon Bar' and 'The Ringer'.
Cars have been replaced with a prison service van. SJ
- Capture 21
- 'Now' required
Happy to see Vince, John smiles as the pair greet each other.
- Capture 22
- 'Now' required
The two pals get into Vince's rented car.
- Capture 23
- 'Now' required
Vince drives John to pick up the proceeds of his last job.
- Capture 24
- 01 May 2022
Leaving a coffee bar after collecting a key, John tells Vince that they need to go to Waterloo. Outside the shop next to the Billiard Halls at the corner of Balham High Road and Marius Road in SW17, found with assistance from Steve Mowbray.
Goodness, where has that tree come from! SJ
- Capture 25
- 01 May 2022
"What was so special in there?" Standing in the right background, Steve Mowbray recognised the Constitutional Club, later the White Eagle Club and now Hamilton House, at 211 Balham High Road SW17.
Swivelling to my right eastwards, this is across Balham High Road and that window behind the olive van matches nicely. SJ
- Capture 26
- 19 Jul 2023
Using the key to retrieve a bag from a left luggage locker, the two leave the station to drive into the country where they count the money inside. Waterloo station, London SE1.
John Harwood has gone for this angle to capture the shed roof. (SJ)
- Capture 27
- 06 May 2022
A train pulls into the station near Park Gates Cottage and Vince alights alone. Facing north-east on the Down platform at Oxshott station. Coming into the station is SR-designed 4 EPB unit number 5106, recognised by Colin Watts.
John Harwood revisited for an improved shot to replace his from a few days earlier. (SJ)
- Capture 28
- 06 May 2022
The Ticket Collector says "Hello, Mr. Bell" as Vince hands over his ticket. The Down platform and footbridge at Oxshott station on Warren Lane in Oxshott, Surrey.
Another one from John (SJ)
- Capture 29
- 'Now' required
When he arrives back at the cottage, Mary embraces Vince . . . . as Michael Forrest watches through the trees.