Laburnum Grove
Date: 1936
Director: Carol Reed
Production Company: Associated Talking Pictures (ATP)
Stars: Edmund Gwenn, Cedric Hardwicke, Katie Johnson, Ethel Coleridge, Victoria Hopper
Location(s): London
Region(s): London H-L
Storyline:
A quiet, residential address in one of the newer north London suburbs is where a decent, respectable businessman lives . . .
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Raymond Edwards and published by Phil Wilkinson
Dave Buckley has been researching the location(s) seen in the opening of this film but has ‘hit a wall’ and is wondering if his investigations might trigger some thought from those that might know the area(s) better. His work can be viewed here.
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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
Raymond advises that the majority of this feature was shot on sets, including some of the external scenes. The film opens with a driver's eye view of Laburnum Grove in North Finchley, a typical 1930s street lined with semi-detached houses. Antony Blair identifies the scene as either Corringway Road or Audley Road on the Haymills Estate, near Hanger Hill in Ealing W5. The estate is also seen in 'The Bailiffs' and 'It’s in the Air'.
- Capture 2
- 02 Apr 2019
At the end of the road stands a church with, it being Sunday, the congregation leaving after service. This is St. Stephen's Church in West Ealing W13 seen from St. Stephen's Avenue. Located by Richard Lovejoy.
Antony Blair advises that, 83 years on, the church has been turned into residential flats.
- Capture 3
- 02 Apr 2019
As the Vicar watches his flock, Mrs. Baxley (Ethel Coleridge) is seen leaving church. The doorway to St. Stephen's Church identified by Richard Lovejoy.
The same entrance captured by Antony Blair.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
With his daughter Elsie (Victoria Hopper) on his arm, George Radfern (Edmund Gwenn) walks along the suburban road towards the bus stop. Facing north-eastward from outside number 17 Corringway on the Hangar Hill Estate, Ealing located by Christopher Burton.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Later in the day, Elsie and her relatives run to catch the the number 26 bus. Ray tells us that this route never did visit North Finchley and Christopher Burton found the location some miles away . . . Beaufort Road near the corner with Beaufort Close on the Hanger Hill estate in W5.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
The bus from Laburnum Grove brings Elsie and her family to Highgate station. Ray tells us that this is not the Highgate of today, this is what we know as Archway station. The station stands at the corner of Junction Road and Highgate Hill N19 and was renamed in July 1939. Double shadows, flat looking fascia . . . this has the appearance of a very accurate set.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
A last shot of Mr. Radfern on the titular road. Christopher Burton identifies Beaufort Road in Ealing with the corner of Beaufort Close to the right.