Hanover Street
Date: 1979
Director: Peter Hyams
Production Company: Hanover Street Producations
Stars: Harrison Ford, Lesley-Anne Down, Christopher Plummer, Patsy Kensit, Alec McCowen
Location(s): Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, London, Oxfordshire
Region(s): London H-L, Midlands, South East E-L
Storyline:
An American pilot stationed in Britain during World War Two falls in love with a married nurse.
Additional Information:
Page compiled by Steve Randall
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
- 29 Apr 2024

This looks like St. George's Church, Hanover Square, London W1, but...

The real thing at the best angle without neighbouring buildings obscuring too much. SJ
- Capture 2
- 29 Apr 2024

... as the camera tilts down we see the intricate set built on the back-lot at Elstree Studios. Here Lt. David Halloran and Margaret Sellinger's first meeting is interrupted by a German air raid.

Again the real St George's on St. George Street taken on the corner of Maddox Street just south of Hanover Square. SJ
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required

David (Harrison Ford) is an American bomber pilot flying frequent missions. These scenes were filmed at the disused Bovingdon Airfield, Hertfordshire.
- Capture 4
- 23 May 2024

The fictional Hanover Street Piccadilly Line station, where David returns between missions hoping to meet Margaret again, is represented by part of the Elstree set.

And once again, the real St. George's Hanover Square looking down Maddox Street with set-like scaffolding to the left. SJ
- Capture 5
- 09 Mar 2024

When they finally meet again, David whisks Margaret (Lesley-Anne Down) away to a Cotswolds inn and the affair starts. It didn't take long for Michael Lost to recognise this as The Old Hunters Lodge on the B4540 at Whipsnade, Bedfordshire.

Had to cross the road to get an unobstructed view. (SR)
- Capture 6
- 20 Feb 2024

Margaret takes her daughter Sarah (Patsy Kensit) Christmas shopping. Motcomb Street, Belgravia SW1.

A little obscured by outdoor dining. SJ
- Capture 7
- 20 Feb 2024

They walk a little further down the street. Motcomb Street is also seen in 'If This Be Sin' and 'Scandalous'.

A clearer view than the previous comparison as we look north-east. SJ
- Capture 8
- 20 Feb 2024

Margaret and Sarah approach their lavish home. Wilton Crescent SW1, which appears in a number of films including 'Murder is Easy', 'If This Be Sin', 'The Assassination Bureau Limited', The Fallen Idol', '23 Paces to Baker Street', 'Crossplot', 'Stolen Face' and 'The Paradine Case'.

An elegant crescent. SJ
- Capture 9
- 20 Feb 2024

The front door of the Sellinger abode. 4 Wilton Crescent SW1.

Some internal renovations were at play on my visit. SJ
- Capture 10
- 20 Feb 2024

The scene moves to St. James's Park, SW1.

Without a crane, this was tricky to match but I think I've caught the shape here and the leaning tree to the right. SJ
- Capture 11
- 20 Feb 2024

Margaret's husband Paul (Christopher Plummer) and Major Trumbo Marty Lynch (Alec McCowan) discuss an upcoming mission. St. James's Park, SW1.

Duck Cottage enjoyed some restoration in 1982, a couple of years after filming, so there are differences. SJ
- Capture 12
- 20 Feb 2024

The two end their lakeside walk at Horse Guards Road SW1.

That must be the same tree in the forgeround. SJ
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required

Paul and David find themselves on the mission together, each one unaware of the other's involvement with Margaret. After being shot down over France they make their way to a farmhouse, as yet unidentified.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required

The farmer's daughter is in the French resistence and gives them a place to hide.
- Capture 15
- 'Now' required

Disguised as German officers, Paul and David head for the Gestapo headquarters.
- Capture 16
- 17 Apr 2024

The Gestapo HQ is heavily guarded. The Town Hall, Market Place, Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Woodstock also features in 'Frieda', 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' and 'Cemetery Junction".

Ground-level with more cars and less Nazi vehicles (SR)
- Capture 17
- 17 Apr 2024

Paul and David pull up at the entrance. Market Place, Woodstock.

More colourful and floral nowadays. (SR)
- Capture 18
- 17 Apr 2024

Returning at night, they park the vehicle and approach on foot. Outside the Star Inn, Market Place, Woodstock.

Today's view in daylight. (SR)
- Capture 19
- 'Now' required

Margaret goes to the airfield hoping for news of her husband. RAF Bovingdon control tower. Also seen in 'Silver Dream Racer', '633 Squadron' and 'Mosquito Squadron'.
- Capture 20
- 'Now' required

Having carried out the mission, Paul and David escape back to the farm, but the farm owner betrays them and they are on the run again.
- Capture 21
- 'Now' required

Pursued by German troops they ride out into the country.
- Capture 22
- 'Now' required

Paul and David climb gangways towards a rope bridge.
- Capture 23
- 'Now' required

As they cross the bridge Paul is badly injured, but they make it safely into the hands of the Resistance on the other side, returning to England for the conclusion of the tale.

