Fast Lady, The

An almost constantly sounding horn causes Murdoch Troon (Stanley Baxter) to look back at the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud following him. Peter Adams tells us that this is looking north west on Britwell Hill Road, Watlington in Oxfordshire. The location is confirmed by Bob Clark, who contacted us almost at the same time as Peter, and the hill can be seen in 'Scrooge' (1970) and 'Oliver!' as well as 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. (RL)

David Fost provides this comparison view of the location which features it's own 'Fast Lady'.

In the front garden of the lodgings shared with Mr. Troon, Freddie Fox (Leslie Phillips) glances back to landlady Mrs Staggers when she asks for last weeks rent whilst continuing to walk towards his latest girlfriend Jackie (Irene Barrie) as she waits in a Lincoln Continental Convertible borrowed from the showroom where he works. Rob Beckwith identifies this as the Pinewood Green Estate, officially Iver Heath Housing Estate, in Buckinghamshire which stands near to Pinewood Studios.

Antony Blair captured the view looking across the road from number 86 Pinewood Green.

Turning back to Jackie, Freddie comments that she is his sister. Philip Hughes adds that this road is named Pinewood Green while Tim Sanderson points out that the estate also appears in 'Carry on Camping' among other productions including 'Carry On at Your Convenience', 'Carry On Behind', 'Carry On Cabby', 'The Early Bird' and 'Go for a Take'.

Taken from the end of the driveway outside number 86 by Antony.

An injured Murdoch arrives home on the back of a truck after being forced off the road by the irate Rolls Royce driver.

Antony turned again for this image, looking across to number 83.

In the garden of his rather expensive house Ferncliff, Charles Chingford (James Robertson Justice) mows his precious lawn. Rob Beckwith identifies this as Huntercombe Manor on Huntercombe Lane South in Cippenham, Berkshire which is currently known as Huntercombe Hospital - Maidenhead, a specialist children's and young person's hospital.

Tracing the address from the Silver Cloud's registration plate, Murdoch arrives at Ferncliff. The entrance to Huntercombe Manor on Huntercombe Lane South identified by Rob.

Revisiting the gateway, Antony Blair found that the lighting has been improved.

Murdoch cycles towards the property. Huntercombe Manor in Cippenham, Slough which was part of Buckinghamshire when filming took place.

Antony Blair captured the rather less inviting location now.

Finding the Commander, Murdoch lists the damage to his bike and the cost. Huntercombe Manor on Huntercombe Lane South in Cippenham, which became part of Berkshire in 1974.

Claire Chingford (Julie Christie) walks towards the two men as they continue to argue. The grounds of Huntercombe Manor.

When her father walks away to consult his solicitor, Claire offers Murdoch a drink and the two begin to chat. Identified by Rob Beckwith, in the background stand the front gates to Hunterscombe Manor on Huntercombe Lane South, Cippenham.

Claire gives Murdoch a lift home after a pleasant afternoon getting to know each other.

As they near Mrs Staggers's lodging house there’s a commotion in the street. Pinewood Green in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.

Antony Blair took this view from the centre of the road outside number 86.

Claire admires the old car parked outside Murdochs’s home. Pinewood Green on the Iver Heath, Housing Estate.

Antony remained outside number 86 for this shot.

Noticing Claire looking over the 1927 Bentley, Freddie appears from the house. Pinewood Green, Iver Heath.

Outside numbers 86 and 88 Pinewood Green, taken by Antony.

Much to Murdoch's consternation, Freddie takes Claire for a spin in ‘The Fast Lady’. Facing west on Pinewood Green, Iver Heath.

Antony Blair points our attention to the manhole cover.

Troubled as he falls asleep, Murdoch dreams of competing against Graham Hill and John Surtees at Silverstone.

Richard Winchester provides this shot of the changed location.

Murdoch swings The Fast Lady around the circuit before disaster strikes. Raymond Baxter's commentary suggests that this is Woodcote Corner at Silverstone motor racing circuit near Towcester in Northamptonshire.

Convinced to take driving lessons, Murdoch avails himself of a free lesson offered by the Kingscombe School of Driving where instructor Major Basil Wentworth (Eric Barker) leads him to a car. Al Brown advises that this is 7 The Broadway on Penn Lane in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire adding that "My father had a furniture shop C. L. Brown which was taken over for the outside shots of the driving school." The bakery 'Jungs' currently occupies the site.

Phil Richards confirms the proposed opening of 'Jungs' in the original filming aspect ratio. (RL)

The Major warns Murdoch that some people develop a power complex when they get behind the wheel of a car. The Broadway on Penn Lane in Beaconsfield located by Al Brown.

Phil was hampered by cars similarly parked. Presented in the original filming aspect ratio. (RL)

A little way along the street, another learner car belonging to Ken Kingscombe crashes into a parked Rover. Penn Lane, opposite The Broadway in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire where Al Brown identifies the petrol pumps of Yolland's garage to the top left.

"Don't Drink and Drive" came to Phil's mind when he saw that 'Beaconsfield Motors' had become 'Majestic Wines'. The property next door remains reassuringly the same. Presented in the original filming aspect ratio. (RL)

Motorcyclist (Alf Mangan) looks back at Murdoch after his hand signal to pull away hits him in the face. Mike Garfield proposes that this capture, along with several other street views, are in reality an outdoor set at Beaconsfield Studios and has provided evidence in support which can be accesses via the header of this page.

Murdoch begins his first lesson with the Austin A40 kangarooing towards a Morris Cowley.

Had there not been a parked car I am sure that Phil would have been only too happy to have taken this shot from grund level. Presented in the original filming aspect ratio. (RL)

Releasing the handbrake, Murdoch pulls away.

South of the railway on Station Road Phil Richards provides this shot, in the original filming aspect ratio, advising that 'Hughes' garage referenced in the following capture can be seen in this Capture, highlighted by the 'BP" signage. (RL)

Once on his way, the novice driver tells Wentworth that its "Awfully easy, isn't it?". Peter Adams has identified this for us. The B474 Station Road, Beaconsfield with the car turning into Grove Road. A few frames earlier he says can be seen the garage of M J Hughes Ltd, now a very large Mercedes dealership. The brick wall and trees are the only survivors. Opposite the other Station Road/Grove Road junction is National Films Studio School. (RL)

Malcolm Tinnelly revisited Beaconsfield New Town where the junction is much the same but Hughes of Beaconsfield now dominates the view.

After being told to slow down, Murdoch's arrogance appears when he begins to complain about a cyclist ahead. Peter is on a roll now, this is Hill Avenue, Amersham in Buckinghamshire, man on the bike being followed by car is going up Hill Avenue and signalling right into Sycamore Road, then in the next capture in Chesham Road he is still turning right only he is going back into Hill Avenue the Road he is supposed to be coming out of! But in film land we are not supposed to know that. (RL)

Malcolm Tinnelly returned to Hill Avenue, where the feature bay windows on the right survive but, sadly, the Express Dairy sign has long gone.

The Cyclist turns off as Murdoch shouts "Do you think you own the road?" Peter may not own it but he knows that it is the A416 Chesham Road, Amersham with the man turning right into Hill Avenue. He adds that there is a zebra crossing there now, about where the man is in the capture and that it is same junction, just about 100 ft to the left of the previous capture, the car goes straight on to Sycamore Road. (RL)

Using the hedge and fence as a guide, Malcolm Tinnelly captured this view adding "I wasn't sure that either are original, however, the background houses have been replaced by more recent properties."

The shot follows the Austin as it passes a red traffic signal. Chesham Road at the junction of Sycamore Road as seen in the previous capture. There are two mini roundabouts at this junction now Peter tells us. (RL)

With Hill Avenue behind him, Malcolm Tinnelly found that a charity shop now occupies the mock Tudor premises.

Whilst out driving, the Commander catches up with Murdoch. Sycamore Road, Amersham in Buckinghamshire, advises Peter. (RL)

Sycamore Road looking back towards the junction from the previous capture where, fortunately, Malcolm Tinnelly found the original buildings in the distance.

Gaining on the learner in front, Commander Chingford sounds his horn. Yes, Sycamore Road, Amersham, Peter repeats himself. (RL)

Malcolm Tinnelly remained on Sycamore Road for this comparison where again, the distant roofline aided finding position.

Wentworth suggests pulling over to let the car pass as the Silver Cloud continues to intimidate Murdoch. Take a guess . . . quite correct, Sycamore Road, Amersham. (RL)

With a low sun casting shadows over the scene, Malcolm Tinnelly took this shot.

The Commander attempts to pass without success. Go on Peter, tell us where this is . . . "Sycamore Road, Amersham." and David Rawsthorn brings to our attention that the Austin A40 here, 841 RPF also appears in 'Nurse on Wheels'. (RL)

The distant telephone kiosk had long since been removed by the time Malcolm Tinnelly arrived on the scene.

In front of Murdoch, an elderly Lady (Esma Cannon) begins to cross the road. Mike Garfield advises that this is the street set at Beaconsfield advises and Martin Underwood explains that the area is now covered by the south side of the Oswald Morris Building.

Richard Winchester points out that the windows of the large building at the back of the street scene are still clearly visible.

When Murdoch slams on the brakes, Chingford’s Silver Cloud clips the back of the A40. This is part of the set built at the front of Beaconsfield Studios as noted by Mike Garfield. (RL)

Commander Chingford returns home to discover that his daughter is the reason that Murdoch is learning to drive. Hunterscombe Manor on Huntercombe Lane South in Cippenham, Slough.

From ground level by Antony Blair.

Prompted to buy The Fast Lady for £500, Murdoch begins learning to handle the Bentley on an outing with Freddie.

Peter has identified another one for us, Amersham Road A355, just left of exit Maxwell Road. Whilst the road remains the same it is a newer bridge and very much overgrown as witnessed in the Google Earth View. (RL)

Speeding along country lanes, Freddie tells Murdoch to slow down when they approach a set of traffic lights.

With a Motorcycle Policeman following, Murdoch's instruction continues. Looking north-east on High Street in Lewknor, Oxfordshire recognised by Graham Smith.

Graham's photographic memory returned him to the location to capture the scene now.

Murdoch tries to shake off the following Officer and inadvertently passes a no entry sign to enter a one way street. Gorwell in Watlington, Oxfordshire identified by Dings.

Avoiding the parked cars, Graham Smith moved into the road for this view.

The Fast Lady is manoeuvred to dodge the approaching traffic. Couching Street in Watlington identified by Bob Clark.

As soon as the identification was made, Antony Blair headed for the Watlington.

More oncoming cars head for Murdoch and Freddie. This is High Street, Watlington advises Bob.

An additional building has been constructed to the left in Antony's view.

With the Motorcycle Policeman keeping up his pursuit, The Fast Lady continues to cause traffic chaos. Again, Bob Clark locates this as High Street in Watlington.

From ground level by Antony Blair.

As Freddie pleads with him to stop, Murdoch eventually pulls over. More of Watlington's High Street found by Bob.

Antony took this from a similar position.

The following Officer parks his machine in front of the Bentley. High Street in Watlington, Oxfordshire now correctly identified by Bob Clark. Dennis Williams adds that the shot is taken from beside Varleys newsagent and just beyond the petrol pumps is the old Post Office where my Dad, Goronwy Williams, worked as a postman.

Replacing Martin Underwood's Streetview capture, this shot is from Antony Blair.

The Motorcycle Policeman (Terence Alexander) approaches Murdoch and Freddie.

As part of the deal when purchasing The Fast Lady, Freddie gives Murdoch additional tuition in order that he can drive the Bentley to take Claire out at the weekend. Paul Atkinson advises that this is Finmere Airfield in Buckinghamshire, which was also used as a skid pan for London bus drivers.

Freddie accompanies Murdoch to Ferncliff before being driven away by his latest girlfriend Brunhilde (Heidi Erich) in a showroom MG A. Huntercombe Manor on Huntercombe Lane South in Cippenham, Berkshire.

Antony Blair found no classic cars in sight when he visited.

When the Commander forbids Murdoch to take Claire out unless he can prove that he can drive The Fast Lady, the Scotsman appears from a garden whist changing a tyre during a challenge to reach Wilmington Golf Course within 55 minutes.

With time ticking away, Murdoch and the Commander arrive on a busy street. The very busy set at Beaconsfield Studios on Station Road, Beaconsfield, now National Film and Television School, as explained by Mike Garfield in his article that can be accessed from the film's header above. (RL)

Managing to pass through the heavy traffic, Murdoch speeds on his way . . . . through a garage forecourt. Peter is now out on the open road, the A4010 Great Kimble in fact, adding that this is now where Grange View houses are built and next door to Askett Nurseries, approximately 3/4 mile down the road from capture 52 on the opposite of the road. The old house opposite the Garage is still there but now behind tall trees. The garage was one of the last in the area where they came out and put petrol in the petrol tank for the customer, this would have been mid to late 1980s'. With or without a shot of 'Redex' as well I suspect. (RL)

Malcolm Tinnelly took this view of the same section of road now.

Travelling at 90mph, Commander Chingford advises Murdoch that they have been travelling in the wrong direction for the last three miles. The Bernard Arms public house at the corner of Aylesbury Road, Church Lane and Little Kimble Hill in Great Kimble, Buckinghamshire.

Graham Smith's comparison shows that the Bernard Arms has been demolished.

Murdoch sees an opportunity to turn around. Passing The Bernard Arms in Great Kimble, another pub that has since closed.

Whilst out walking, Malcolm Tinnelly passed the boarded-up site of the former pub.

The Bentley is spun around in a pub car park to regain the right direction. Outside The Bernard Arms on Little Kimble Hill in Great Kimble between Stoke Mandeville and Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire.

The dropped kerb for the pub's car park is still evident in Malcolm Tinnelly's view.

After running out of petrol, Murdoch pushes the heavy car to the nearest garage. This petrol station stood on Reading Road in Pangbourne, Berkshire as identified on Twitter by Podders who adds that his father remembers filming taking place.

Graham Smith captured the replacement service station.

Bringing the car to a stand, Murdoch asks the Attendant for 22 gallons. A Regent garage forecourt, located by Podders on Twitter as Reading Road in Pangbourne, where, in the top right background, you can see his grandparents’ outside lavatory.

A shop now occupies the site of the garage as Graham Smith discovered.

With just 2 minutes left to complete the challenge, the Commander accepts Murdoch's counter challenge to drive back to Ferncliff in 30 minutes.

After being caught up in a hill climb, stalling when getting stuck in ford and losing the challenge, Claire's father agrees that Murdoch can take his daughter out. The entrance to Huntercombe Manor on Huntercombe Lane South in Cippenham.

Courting Brunhilde, Freddie watches Murdoch's progress with Claire through binoculars. Frensham Ponds near Farnham in Surrey suggests IMDb . . . . as does the script as well as David O'Donogue who recalls the location as his parents took him there many times throughout the fifties and early sixties.

David returned recently to take this view explaining that "The pond and surrounding common is now in the care of The National Trust who roped off sections of the beach and allowed them to regenerate naturally from the seventies onwards, which is why the view is not immediately recognisably the same spot."

On the day of Murdoch's driving test, examiner Bodley (Allan Cuthbertson) leads his examinee towards The Fast Lady. Again at the studio says Mike Garfield adding that the small arched window to the right can be seen in an image on the National Film and Television School's website. (RL)

Dave Jones confirms that the studio was dressed for filming. The shot also shows the main building dressed as part of the set with the same strip of windows running horizontally across the top background. (RL) This view of the Oswald Morris Building replaces the Google image provided by Dave. (SD)

Murdoch clumsily opens the passenger door for Bodley. Beaconsfield Studios on station Road, Beaconsfield. Other views of the studio as a location can be seen in 'The Wrong Arm of the Law', 'Time Lock’, ‘Seven Keys’, ‘You Lucky People’, ‘Orders are Orders’ and 'The Solitary Child'.

Coloured screens obscure even more of the original main studio block. (SD)

The driving test begins. This is Queen's Square in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Andrew Hewkin points out that that The Fast Lady has just passed Woolworths at numbers 5 and 6 and that the North Thames Gas Board next door occupied numbers 3 and 4.

Taken in last winter's snow, Ian Crease provides this view showing the former gas show room as it appears now.

The camera pans with Murdoch as he proceeds along the High Street. This is Church Street in High Wycombe, the north side of which carries numbers 1 to 4 for Queen's Square with RL advising that W & R Cousins Ltd, Tailors, traded at number 2.

Phil Richards brings us up to date with the changes. The two shops are now 1 and provide the local 'Wycombe Food Hub' (food bank) and the third shop in the screen capture became the entrance to the compact 'Chilterns Shopping Centre'; this itself, has seen better days with only a few outlets now open. (RL)

A Constable (Victor Brooks) assists pedestrians across a zebra crossing as Murdoch and his examiner return to the test centre. Looking towards Station Road from Beaconsfield Studios in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Beaconsfield Studios see also Capture 21. (RL)

Freddie is horrified to see that Murdoch has the wrong examiner just as Robbers emerge from a nearby bank. Contrary to other erroneous identifications, Mike Garfield confirms that that this is Beaconsfield Studios . . . (RL)

. . . and Jon Wennington provides the comparison.

The Bank Robbers make their getaway in a Mk. VII Jaguar. The area at the front of Beaconsfield Studios on Station Road.

The white Jaguar speeds from the scene. Station Road outside Burke's Court in New Beaconsfield which is also seen in 'Brief Encounter', 'John and Julie', 'Don't Talk to Strange Men', 'Press for Time' and 'Please Turn Over'.

The same junction now.

With the Constable commandeering The Fast Lady, Murdoch and Bodley set off in pursuit. Al Brown tells us, and Paul Hogarth confirms, that this is the corner of Station Road and Maxwell Road in Beaconsfield.

Panning right to find the corner.

On a side road, a Workman (Frankie Howerd) takes a smoke break as the Jaguar heads towards him. Paul Hogarth found Burkes Road, Beaconsfield looking toward the shops at the junction with Station Road.

The same location with changes evident, including the apparent removal of the manhole from the centre of the road. (PW)

The chase continues along quieter roads. Phil Richards found this 'quieter road' to be Candlemas Lane at the rear of the Beaconsfield Studio complex that was also seen in 'Chain of Events'. (RL)

Phil provides the comparative shot with trespass. (RL)

Ambulancemen carry an ailing Patient to their ambulance. Candlemas Lane, Beaconsfield as identified by Phill, opposite point of view to previous shot. (RL)

Phil Richards noticed, that like so many other locations, front gardens have been converted to off street parking. (RL)

The Patient (Bernard Cribbins) is dropped in the road and the Ambulancemen run for cover as the Jaguar approaches. Candlemas Lane looking towards the rear of Beaconsfield Studio complex that featured in 'Chain of Events'. (RL)

With no oncoming traffic Phil took a similar shot. (RL)

The Fast Lady keeps up with the Villains as they pass through the next town. Martin Underwood, identifies this as looking along Couching Street in Watlington, Oxfordshire,

Antony Blair provides this original to replace Clive's Google image.

The Fire Brigade attempt to rescue a Man from a burning building ahead. Facing the junction of High Street and Couching Street in Watlington with the Town Hall in the left background. Dennis Williams continues that his Dad Goronwy was also a part time fireman and was upstairs in the building at the time of filming.

Antony took this view to replace Andy Greenland's Streetview shot.

The Crooks drive onward, causing the Fire Brigade's safety net to be dropped. Facing south-west on Couching Street in Watlington.

No Rolls Royce on the street when Antony Blair turned up.

As he posts an important letter about his discovery, a Man with Microscope (Martin Miller) avoids being run down by the vehicles that have joined the chase. Andrew-John Catton identifies this as looking along Dark Lane in Tilehurst, Berkshire from the junction with Long Lane with the estate, seen here under construction, now complete.

Andrew-John provides this capture to prove the previously unknown location. Image copyright Google.

The Crooks lead the chase towards a motorway.

The Jaguar completes the turn followed by Murdoch, Bodley and the Constable in The Fast Lady with Freddie, the Commander, Claire and the Man in his R Type Bentley and a number of Police cars bringing up the rear.

The Jaguar is eventually brought to a stand and the Crooks are arrested. Carrying out research using Ordnance Survey maps from 1962, Brian Malaws has identified this as the view looking west from the central reservation of the Maidenhead by-pass section of the M4 motorway under construction. Beyond the bridge, traffic travelling eastwards on the Maidenhead by-pass can be seen leaving the motorway and heading up the slip road to the Huntercombe Spur leading to the A4.

It would be illegal, if not suicidal, to take a comparison shot so Brian provides this capture of the previously unidentified location as it appears now. Image copyright Google.

With the Criminals taken into custody, Claire accelerates away in The Fast Lady with her "Willie Waucht". Brian Malaws explains that this is the view looking west from the section of motorway under construction. Again, beyond the bridge, traffic travelling eastwards on the Maidenhead by-pass can be seen leaving the motorway and heading up the slip road to the Huntercombe Spur leading to the A4.

Left alone on the motorway after Charles Chingford drives off, Freddie thumbs for a lift and a Young Lady driving an Austin-Healey stops. Looking east along the section of motorway under construction. Brian Malaws points out the bridge being built for a bridleway. The pylons carry an electricity line crossing the route of the motorway, shown on the 1962 map.

The Young Lady asks Freddie to "Jump in." Brian Malaws identifies this as looking northwards across the section of motorway not yet open to the public. As if to confirm this, the low-loader lorry is carrying a bulldozer to the construction site to the east and above the lorry's trailer can be seen houses on Mercian Way in Cippenham, Buckinghamshire.