Galloping Major, The

The titles appear as advertisements on a bus that is becoming overloaded with bookmakers. Dave W only bets on certainties and here provides us with the winning location. Looking north over the prefab roof of 28 Chancellor's Road W6 towards a four-storey block of the Peabody Estate in Hammersmith Square with its distinctive tall chimney stacks. (RL)

The Peabody Estate is no longer visible from the camera position. (RL)

A list of guest stars are displayed on the rear of the London Transport RT. Dave is less certain here, Chancellor's Road but the orientation is less certain. He believes that it is the same street direction as Capture 1, because, on the right there is a good match to the roof and chimney stacks of Yeldham Buildings on the other side of Fulham Palace Road. And I agree with him. (RL)

Chancellors Road, now without prefabs.......or a bus. (RL)

The producers name passes by on a number 10. Here Dave identifies that they move to another location. The bus brings temporary darkness to 11 Yeldham Road W6, with the two chimneys of Fulham Palace Road Electricity Generating Station seen beyond the rooftop.

A clearer view without buses or leaves. (RL)

And a 25 brings the directors name onto the screen. This time Yeldham Buildings at the south-west end of Yeldham Road, here, the 25 would be facing the 10 in Capture 3. Thanks Dave. (RL)

Window sill metalwork seems to have been discarded with the passage of time. (RL)

As RT500 continues along the road until it disappears from view, the Narrator (E.V.H. Emmett) tells us that "Sometimes, in the very heart of London, the persevering explorer will stumble upon a quiet backwater, recalling the days when the busy Capital was but a village." Here, looking north-east along Yeldham Road W6. (RL)

High rise apartment blocks substitute for chimney's these days. (RL)

"Lambs Green" continues the Narrator, "How tranquilly rural it sounds . . . " Dave finds that 'Lambs Green' is indeed a movable feast in this story, for this shot we are back in Chancellor's Road. Relative dimensions of the window panes and the projecting ledge suggest the view is of numbers 58 and 60 as evidenced by the existing terrace. (RL)

The enhanced greenery obstructs the important background notwithstanding parked vehicles and street furniture. (RL)

When a whistle shrieks, the camera pans speedily left to reveal a factory across the road from the street sign. Remaining in the area here we have, on the left, 97 and 99 Chancellor's Road, and on the right the two square-section chimneys of Hammersmith Distillery. The distillery can also be seen in "Tiger by the Tail'. Another thanks to Dave. (RL)

All now gone in favour of an apartment block with shop premises. (RL)

"The ponies and traps and the lambs themselves may have been displaced by the ruthless march of progress but the modern inhabitants, to this day, are a closely knit community." The former Holloway Road bus garage in London N19.

Outside the Rivoli Cinema, commissionaire Sergeant Adair (Julien Mitchell) directs the putting up of a banner to advertise the next attraction. Actually, the Star Kinema, Broughton Road Approach, SW6, demolished in 1961 and now a branch of 'Howdens'. See also Captures 11 and 27 (RL)

Howdens thrives on the site. SJ

Although there's no longer merry dancing around the maypole, Lambs Green still has its green and there is still a warm welcome for the passer by. Facing north on Belsize Lane in London NW3 with Belsize Place in the top left of centre and the eastern end of Belsize Terrace on the right identified by John Tunstill.

The same, very recognisable location.

Susan Hill (Janette Scott) runs past the Sergeant as she heads to find her friend Bill Collins when debt collector Harold Temple calls on her father, Major Arthur Hill. The Star Kinema, Broughton Road Approach looking towards Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6. The site is now occupied by 'Howdens' and the adjacent shop(s) by a chemist. (RL)

Looking west towards the corner chemist. SJ

The young girl approaches the garage where Bill is employed a bus driver. Holloway Road bus garage in Archway N19.

Having collected her 15/3d savings from Bill, Susan runs back to her father's pet shop. Holloway Road bus garage with properties on Holloway Road in the background.

The same building seen standing in the left background of the screen shot from Paul Canty.

Susan runs past two men making a delivery to a beauty parlour , , , , , Belsize Lane in Belsize Park NW3.

Denis Hoare spent some time in Belsize Park solely for the benefit of ReelStreets. Was that telephone box a prop or real? (RL)

. . . . . and crosses the road outside the pet shop. The junction of Belsize Lane, Belsize Place and Belsize Terrace in NW3.

Denis's up to date shot shows some significant changes to that junction. (RL)

Mr. Leon (Sydney Tafler) leaves the Corner Cafe to place a bet with Charlie the Newsboy (Alfie Bass) while word spreads of a likely winner as Susan, Bill and his conductress Pam Riley sit inside talking about Montana Miss running in the 2.30. The corner of Belsize Crescent and Belsize Lane.

Denis shows us that "high street" shopping still survives in this area. (RL)

A queue forms as those feeling lucky wait to place a bet on Montana Miss with Charlie. Belsize Crescent in Belsize Park.

It would seem Denis that the queue has left the shop with nothing to sell. (RL)

Sam Fisher (Charles Victor) misses his chance of placing a bet when a Policeman approaches and Charlie makes himself scarce. Looking along Belsize Crescent from the corner of Belsize Lane.

Denis found a very similar scene albeit with many more cars. (RL)

With Harold Temple and Major Hill in the crowd, the 2.30 race gets underway. Ralph Spearpoint spotted Alexandra Park in Haringey N22 as the first racecourse. The venue closed in September 1970.

After winning and settling his debt with Harold, Major Arthur Hill (Basil Radford) learns that Montana Miss is for sale.

Discussing the purchase of Montana Miss, the Major and Harold Temple (Hugh Griffith) walk back to the pet shop. Belsize Lane with properties on Belsize Terrace crossing the background.

It was impossible for Denis to avoid street furniture. (RL)

Lucky punters crowd around Charlie to collect their winnings. Looking towards the corner of Belsize Crescent and Belsize Lane.

Denis found no crowd to photograph. (RL)

A syndicate is formed to raise money to buy Montana Miss and Susan helps by selling the £1 shares to her school friends. The corner of Belsize Terrace and Belsize Lane.

Is that really a 'Banksy' Denis? (RL)

Maggie (Joyce Grenfell), the waitress from the Corner Cafe visits Buckingham Palace to ask George, a Palace Guard, if he can assist. Buckingham Palace in Westminster SW1.

Waiting for the mass of tourists to clear, Neil Kenny points out that the sentry box has noticeably moved to a position within the perimeter railings.

With the syndicate raising £300 to purchase Montana Miss, the horse is paraded at auction.

After he bids on the wrong horse and buys Father's Folly, the Major and his daughter leave the pet shop to face the anger of the syndicate members. The corner of Belsize Lane and Belsize Terrace with Belsize Place in the left background.

Fortunately there were no customers to prevent Denis taking his shot. (RL)

With most of the Lambs Green residents demanding that Father's Folly be sold, schoolgirls march with their banner urging that the horse be kept. Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6 looking towards Broughton Road Approach with what was the Star Kinema to the right and the Methodist Chapel to the left, now a Health Center. (RL)

Bridge House has replaced the chapel and the chemist the corner of the Star Cinema. SJ

The syndicate leaders arrive at Westcote Training Stables where Captain Peters tells them that Father's Folly is highly strung and fails to concentrate.

With Montana Miss running in the same race as Father's Folly, spectators gather at Alexandra Park.

A horse drawn cart bring more punters to the course. Alexandra Park in London N22 with the Alexandra Palace television transmitter in the top left background.

Cars bringing even more racegoers make their way to the car parks.

The Major and Harold speak with their jockey, Charlie Smirke (Himself) as Susan spots Father's Folly.

Sir Robert Medleigh (A. E. Matthews) and Susan look at the runners board.

The grandstand fills up as the start of the 2.30 race approaches. The ornate Victorian grandstand at Alexandra Park Racecourse.

The race gets under way. To the right, in the distance beyond the railway line running south from Alexandra Palace to Hornsey, stands one of the gasometers belonging to Clarendon Gas Works in Wood Green.

Father's Folly falls back as Charlie Smirke has trouble with his mount. In the centre distance stands the spire of St. Michel's church on Bounds Green Road in Wood Green N22.

Lagging behind, Father's Folly rounds the curve to the east of the compact course before jumping over one of the rails. Alexandra Park racecourse with the New River Reservoir in the background and the Great Northern Main Line beyond.

Having discovered that Father's Folly is a 'jumper', Major Hill and the syndicate leaders change their horse's name to 'The Galloping Major' and begin to train him for the Grand National. Its a blurry image but there's what could be an early 4SUB Southern Railway EMU approaching from the right. Dave W provides the location, based on childhood memories, as Wandsworth Common, London SW12 near to Wandsworth Common Station. (RL)

Indeed says Dave, the EMU is approaching Wandsworth Common station, with end of terrace 103 Ravenslea Road seen beyond the railway lines. (RL)

Training continues in the park alongside the railway line. Wandsworth Common looking towards Wandsworth Common Station. (RL)

Looking towards Wandsworth Common station and its footbridge. The tree on the right appears to be a leftover from 1951 despite severe haircuts and the loss of its neighbours. Overall this is not a location where one can rely on individual trees as historical markers but Dave found the vital clue. (RL)

Fences are built from scrap and branches. Wandsworth Common with the railway behind us, looking at the rooflines of Balham Park Road. Dave has vanquished unhappy thoughts of compulsory school football endured here. It was a long time ago, he keeps reminding himself. (RL)

The Galloping Major races a train. looking across the railway towards the rear elevations of Ravenslea Road, circa No 57. (RL)

Dave provides this shot, looking across the railway towards the rear elevations of Ravenslea Road, circa No 57. (RL)

When passengers begin rapping on windows, Bill and his colleague return to their vehicles after watching The Galloping Major's progress.

Bellevue Road SW17 and the bridge over the railway, with St James' Drive to the right. All within neighing distance of Wandsworth Common. Did Dave really risk life and limb in the middle of the road for us? (RL)

After racing through Hyde Park at over the 20mph limit, training returns to the park beside the railway where Council Officials frown upon the muddy conditions being created by the horse. Looking up the Southern Railway incline from Wandsworth Common towards the next stop Balham Station just beyond the curve. (RL)

Undergrowth and overgrowth make a match to the capture shot for Dave impossible but by holding the camera at a gap in the fence he managed to approximate it. No trespass upon the railway was undertaken here. A horse would have been useful for extra height he says. (RL)

A prolonged cold winter causes training to come to a halt while The Galloping Major is kept indoors.

The citizens of Lambs Green gather to read news bulletins when their horse catches pneumonia. Looking into Belsize Park Mews from Belsize Lane.

Denis shows us that the arch has been removed as well as the line of washing. (RL)

To the joy of local gardeners, manure is used in the Lambs Green allotments. They have to travel some way as that is Hammersmith Bridge in the background.

The trees certainly appreciated the allotment feeding. SJ

Spring brings brighter weather and a bumper crop of cauliflowers from the allotments. Belsize Lane with the entrance to Belsize Park Mews on the left.

Once again Denis found a much quieter scene. (RL)

The steeplechaser wins a few races before being entered into the Grand National but on the night before setting off for Aintree he escapes from his stable.

Denis Hoare took this wider view to provide a better understanding of the bridge location within the scene. He waited patiently for a horse to cross Westbourne Terrace Road Bridge and took this picture from the towpath of the canal on the side of the Canal House. The horse is pictured coming away from that in Capture 51. The bracket for the lamp attached to the house shown in the original capture is still there, although renewed, and can be seen in the new capture against the blue of the bridge. (RL)

As the morning brightens, The Galloping Major pauses to graze. Richard Green identifies this as Little Venice alongside Delamere Terrace in W2 and recalls watching filming take place when he was a boy. 

Denis found that the gateposts on the left are still there and in use, although rebuilt to their original pattern, but today are hidden somewhat by a brick built refuse area. The Canal House as shown in Capture 51 would be behind the camera. (RL)

The alarm is raised when the horse is found to be missing. Belsize Park Mews off Belsize Lane.

It was fortunate for Denis Hoare that it was a damp day, so no washing being hung to dry across the mews to obscure his view. As expected, all the ex-stables/garages now converted to residential. (RL)

The Galloping Major continues to enjoy his freedom. This is the Paddington Branch of the Grand Union Canal in W2 with Canal House to the top right located by RL,

The view of the Canal House has been obstructed by a white 'facilities' building for use by boat residents. Yes Denis, it is a pity that your shot is spoiled by that rubbish. (RL)

The camera pans with the horse to bring Delamare Terrace into view. The gate opens onto the road almost opposite Blomfield Villas.

This shot from Denis shows the rebuilt gate posts and the added refuse area. The boat resident's white 'facilities' building and the tree in full leaf completes the obstruction of the view of the Canal House.

Leaving the canal side, The Galloping Major makes his way towards the story's Rosedale Film Studios. 'Rosedale Film Studios' indeed, Tony Winzar tells us that these are Teddington Film Studios. (RL)

A pan right brings more of the studio gateway into view. Part of the studio complex at Teddington, other views of which feature in 'Crime Unlimited', 'They Drive by Night' and 'They Met in the Dark

The Gatekeeper (Clifford Cobbe) turns to see The Galloping Major walk into the studio as one of the Crew mistakes him for the horse wanted for a film entitled 'Elizabeth & Raleigh'. Teddington Studios on Broom Road, Teddington in Middlesex.

After The Galloping Major is sprayed grey to match the production's needs, he is loaded into a horsebox. Confirmed by Richard Farmer, this is Teddington Film Studios.

The horsebox is driven from Rosedale Film Studios and sets off to a filming location near Chester. Found by Tony Winzar and confirmed by Richard Farmer, this is Teddington Film Studios on Broom Road, Teddington in Middlesex.

Tony provides a Google Earth View to support his selection. (RL)

On the morning of the race Charlie appears at the Corner Cafe's door as he delivers newspapers. Peering out onto Belsize Lane from the story’s Corner Café.

With thanks to the shopkeeper for allowing Denis to take the shot from inside. (RL)

Pam Riley (Rene Ray) stands by as Bill tells Susan she must go to school while he takes an announcement to the BBC. Looking into Belsize Terrace from Belsize Lane.

Denis found that there was now a changed traffic system. (RL)

Spotting a grey sprayed horse in a newspaper, Susan recognises him as The Galloping Major before Pam, Sue and other residents make preparations for a journey to Chester when Maggie recalls seeing an article about filming taking place there. Belsize Terrace with the junction of Belsize Avenue, Belsize Park Gardens and Belsize Park ahead.

Denis's last shot of the day found another place where they park cars around there. (RL)

Bill drives a veteran bus into view to collect passengers for the ride to Chester. This is the access to Holloway Road bus garage in Archway. Although reduced by the construction of a new building, the access road still exists to serve as a footpath to new properties on an extended Kinver Road.

Denis Hoare provides the "now" shot and believes that the piece of old wall on the right is the original and marked where the canopy support was. As stated in the capture tex the original view of the bus garage roof is replaced by the new houses in Kinver Road. (RL)

Holloway Road N19 with the brickwork and roof line of Holloway Road bus garage in the right background.

Denis's shot shows the new building squeezed into the entrance to the old bus garage referred to in the capture text. The building to the left of that is original and would have been the corner with Holloway Road. (RL)

The residents of Lambs Green climb aboard the old bus. Paul Canty advises that this is a London General 'B type' bus turning into Holloway Road. The shop in the background is 640-642 Holloway Road which has since been demolished.

The film shows the bus turning right (north) into Holloway Road from the bus garage entrance, and as stated, numbers 640 ~ 642 have been demolished. The replacement building, in the process of being completed, in is captured by Denis. (RL)

As other, more modern, buses load their passengers in Lambs Green, the trip to Chester sees bus number B340 hurtling along the road and overtaking cars.

The, then, forty year old bus begins to overheat. Facing south-east on Church Street in Chiswick W4 with St. Nicholas' church in the background. Location found by Antony Blair.

The same location captured by Antony.

In a village on the road to Chester, shoppers browse goods as the Stallholder (Harold Goodwin) makes a sale. Identified by Tristan Greatrex this is The Square in Shere, Surrey which, along with other parts of the village, is also seen in ‘The Earth Dies Screaming’, ‘On the Fiddle’, ‘Trouble with Eve’, ‘The Ruling Class’, 'My Wife's Lodger', 'Bachelor of Arts', ‘Calamity the Cow’, 'The Late Edwina Black', ‘Dick Barton Special Agent’, ‘Bullseye’, ‘The Holiday’ amongst many other productions.

Very popular with visitors and their cars. SJ

The speeding bus approaches. Shere Lane with The William Bray public house in the background located by Tristan.

There's been new building to the right. SJ

The market stall is knocked to the ground as the bus passes. Tristan Greatrex recognised Middle Street, Shere with The White Horse public house to the left.

Looking north from The Square. SJ

More buses follow through the village. Middle Street crossing Tilling Bourne as it passes through Shere in Surrey located by Tristan Greatrex.

St James's Church remains fairly obscured even in winter. SJ

Grand National spectators start to arrive at Aintree. This is Aintree Sefton Arms station, renamed to simply Aintree in 1968, on Park Lane in Aintree, Lancashire.

Following the arrival of a special train more punters make their way to the course. Opened in 1849, Aintree Sefton Arms is now a station on Merseyrail's Northern Line.

Outside the station, police manage the traffic as a tram disgorges passengers. Facing The Sefton Arms Hotel opposite the eastern end of Park Lane at the junction of Ormskirk Road and Warbreck Moor in Aintree. The hotel can also be seen in 'The Fire Raisers'.

Bill struggles onward with the ageing bus. Antony Blair identifies this as looking north-west on Church Street in Chiswick.

The proof from Antony.

The stands fill up. Aintree Racecourse in Aintree, Lancashire with the since demolished cooling tower belonging to the power station of Courtaulds rayon factory in the left distance.

From in front of the stands, where spectators were dispersing after the last race. (PW)

After Bill arrives at the filming location and retrieves The Galloping Major, a police escort ensures that they all make it to Aintree.

The convoy continues towards Liverpool. However this is filmed in Dorking, Surrey, at the intersection of South Street and Junction Road. (SR)

Peter Bywaters found that all the chimneys have disappeared!

An announcer at Aintree gives an account of The Galloping Major's progress as crowds line the streets to see the horsebox pass through Birkenhead. Looking down at South Street Dorking from Victoria Terrace, with the spire of St Martin's Church in the background. (SR)

Apart from the shop fronts, little has changed in Peter Bywaters' view.

The convoy passes beneath the River Mersey. This is the view leaving the Kingsway Entrance of the Queensway Tunnel in Liverpool, Lancashire with Wellington's Column in the centre distance and the Art Deco ‘central lighting pylon’ to the right. The ‘pylon’ was removed in the 1960s.

Various shots of Liverpool are seen as the horsebox Driver looks for a sign to direct him to the races.

A multitude of confusing directions litter the streets.

With just half a mile to go, level crossing gates start to close against the horsebox and escort. Jonathan Horswell advises that the level crossing at Bollo Lane in South Acton W4. To be precise, it is the Kew line level crossing and the adjacent Richmond line level crossing is about 20 yards off camera to the left. The bridge just visible at the top right of the capture carries the District Line between Chiswick Park and Acton Town stations.

A fire engine leads the short procession as the Signalman reopens the crossing gates to the road.

The Galloping Major nears the racecourse and arrives just in time to compete.

The white flag is up as the horses come under orders for the start of the Grand National.

Traffic comes to a halt in Lambs Green as a Constable on point duty listens to the race on a car radio.

A fluke result sees The Galloping Major win the Grand National. The rear of the County Stand at Aintree Racecourse in Aintree, now in Merseyside.