Ghost Train Murder, The (A Scotland Yard supporting feature)

In scenes taken from previous stories, a Man (Norman Mitchell) comes across the corpse of a Girl on a beach as Edgar Lustgarten begins "A murder is always dramatic. The discovery of the victims body may take place in the most ordinary surroundings . . ." This scene is taken from 1957's 'Night Crossing'.

". . . but that never lessens the sudden shock of astonishment and horror." Footage borrowed from 'The White Cliffs Mystery' has a body thrown from an express train as it thunders through a country station. Grateley station at Palestine to the west of Grateley in Hampshire with the Railway Hotel in the left background.

Ghost train operator Mr. Blair (David Browning) listens as Jean (Carole Ann Ford) reports that she saw a body inside the ride while her boyfriend Harry Johnson (John Kelland) remains unconvinced.

Within an hour of the local police being called, Superintendent Duggan (Russell Napier) and Detective Sergeant Adams (Gordon Needham) arrive at the fairground.

When a foreign inscription is discovered on the dead Woman's necklace, help is sought from the European Service of the BBC. Bush House, 30 Aldwych in WC2.

Replacing SJ's blurred shot, at his request, Neil Kenny took a clearer view of the building.

A Language Expert tells the Superintendent that the inscription is Hungarian. The Grade II listed Bush House on Aldwych.

Bush house looking as sharp as ever. SJ

Next, Superintendent Duggan visits the Aliens Department of the Home Office and learns that the young Woman was Anna Bartory. The since demolished and replaced Princeton House on High Holborn WC1, opposite Red Lion Street.

Princeton House occupied 271-277 High Holborn on the south side. The rebuilt block looks like this now. SJ

A car brings Superintendent Duggan and Sergeant Adams to the house in Paddington where Miss Bartory was lodging. Clarendon Street SW1 located by Dave W. who rightfully points out that it's a long way from Paddington.

Looking north-east as Clarendon Street bends into Warwick Way. SJ

The Detectives approach the front door which is answered by Mrs. Williams. Outside number 9 Clarendon Street, found by Dave W.

In the corner is Warwick Square Mews, the entrance to which, shot from inside the mews, is seen in "Innocent Sinners." SJ

After an engagement ring is found that once belonged to Anna, Sergeant Wallace (Eric Corrie) conducts enquiries at various jewellery shops. The sign in the window suggests Ludgate Hill and there was once a Bravingtons at 71 Ludgate Hill EC4.

Roughly where no71 was, opposite Limeburner Lane. SJ

The Sergeant makes his way to the next jewellers.

On his visit to Fulton's jewellery shop in Victoria, Sergeant Wallace is told that a young man named John Benson bought the ring on easy terms.

Superintendent Duggan and Sergeant Adams call on Mr. and Mrs. Benson at their flat in Pimlico and question their son Johnny about the ring. The large number indicates that this is Block 9. The ninth floor of Lutyens House on the Churchill Gardens Estate SW1 identified by Dave W. who explains that we're looking across to Ripley House and the "castle" playground of happy memory. The blocks were named after icons of art, literature and science. Some are less iconic and have to be looked up! "I can't imagine that Westminster City Council would have allowed numbered blocks, these being considered too Soviet."

A great view looking towards the Thames. SJ

Salesman Frank Warner (Jack Taylor), another of Anna's male friends, is quizzed about his movements.

Policewomen Brown (Angela Browne) and Collins (Mavis Greenaway) of Scotland Yard's "shadow squad" take up residence in a flatlet overlooking Mrs. Williams' lodging house. Dave W. tells us that architectural details and supporting images from LMA suggest the stake-out will be based at 5 Clarendon Street SW1.

Looks good to me. SJ

Watching from the window, Policewoman Collins spots Sally Burton (Jill Ireland) leave the house. Dave W. advises that enough architectural details and supporting images from LMA confirm a view of 9 Clarendon Street. Interestingly, this shot shows a cement/stonework 1st floor balcony at number 7, not as current nor in 1974.

From ground level standing outside no5. SJ

Policewoman Brown follows the red headed girl to the Strand. The corner of Strand and Bedford Street in WC2.

To have less scaffolding makes a change! (PW)

The undercover officer keeps her distance. Outside the Civil Service Stores at 425 Strand.

The inspection cover confirms the location. (PW)

Miss Burton disappears into one of the thoroughfare's biggest stores. The Civil Service Stores at 425 Strand WC2 which closed in 1982.

I'm sure that the service is just as civil. (PW)

Elsie Davies and Gwen Watson, also residents of the lodging house, shoplift in a number of stores across London. Selfridge's on Oxford Street W1.

Outside the lodging house, Cabby (John Tatum) loads a trunk into his taxi for Mrs. Williams. Dave W. identifies the pavement in front of 9 Clarendon Street SW1, looking towards the ventilation tower of the Western Pumping Station in Grosvenor Road.

The ventilation tower can also be spotted from Grosvenor Road in "Hunted." SJ

At a busy London terminus, Mrs. Williams (Mary Laura Wood) tells a Porter to take the trunk to the luggage office. The Carriage Road at Waterloo station SE1.

Not so b/w nowadays. Sj

Mrs. Williams makes her way the station's Luggage Hall.

The stone work left and right survives. SJ

Alerted by Policewoman Collins, Superintendent Duggan, Sergeant Adams and Sergeant Wallace arrive at the station. The concourse at Waterloo station.

A little bit of a guess here but it seemed silly not to have a go while I was here. SJ

The Detectives witness Mrs. Williams deposit the trunk before entering the buffet. The Left Luggage office at Waterloo station.

It's not particularly easy to match architectural details with the additions in the way. SJ

Warner takes the luggage ticket from Mrs. Williams before leaving the buffet. Waterloo station in London SE1.

I took shots of several possible exits but this was the best match. SJ