Mr. Beamish Goes South

Scenes of waves breaking on a shore are cut short by a scream from a derelict building. The ruins of the Metropole Hotel at the corner of West Parade and Marina in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, seen through the gateway of the path leading from the Promenade.

In London, everyone is going about their usual business. Facing the Houses of Parliament in SW1 from Westminster Bridge.

Rather a busy day for the bridge. SJ

Newspapers carry headlines reporting that the wealthy Lady Amelia Frobisher had mysterious vanished while on holiday in Sussex. Westminster Hall and the Houses of Parliament seen from the junction of Parliament Street, Bridge Street, St. Margaret Street and Great George Street in Parliament Square.

Quite an unusual angle but nevertheless also seen in First Days. SJ

At Scotland Yard, accountant Edward Potter prepares his cat Mr. Beamish for their upcoming vacation. Looking east along Derby Gate through Scotland Yard towards Victoria Embankment SW1.

Works are still in progress here with shrouding on the left but this is a reasonable view. SJ

With his interest piqued in the case, Potter and Mr. Beamish head south to the seaside resort of Bowville to investigate Lady Frobisher's disappearance. Western Parade at Holywell, Eastbourne, Sussex which is also seen in 'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging'. (SD)

Holywell beach now. (SD)

Potter and his cat check into his hotel, much to the consternation of Mrs. Gainsborough's pet dogs. Dave W delved into "the periphery of memory" and came up with 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1, St. James' Court, the tower of Westminster Chapel, top right, confirming it for him. The courtyard of St. James' Court was seen in 'Howards End'. (RL)

From what I can make out, there have been alterations to this entrance. SJ

Outside the hotel, Mrs. Gainsborough (Catherine Campbell) suggests that Major Dorman (Peter Bathurst) plays croquet with the approaching Mr. Potter rather than her. The King George V Colonnade above the Promenade at Bexhill-on-Sea.

Not too much has changed as can be seen from Keith Prested's comparison.

Convinced that she may be a serial killer's next victim. Edward Potter (John Laurie) walks after Mrs. Gainsborough as she makes her way towards the promenade. The Colonnade at Bexhill-on-Sea.

The Colonnade now by Keith Prested.

On the promenade, Mrs. Gainsborough meets with Henry (Derek Sidney), the head waiter at the hotel. The Promenade below the Colonnade in Bexhill-on-Sea.

A retail opportunity fills Keith Prested's shot.

The pair walk away arm in arm, followed by Potter. The King George V Colonnade with the Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion to the top left. The Colonnade can be seen in 1995's 'Richard III' as well as 'Double Confession' in which the De La Warr Pavilion also appears.

Returning 72 years later, Keith Prested captures the scene that includes additional steps to the left.

Emily Carrington (Molly Raynor) catches up with Potter, offended that he chose to pursue another woman after arranging to meet with her. The Promenade in Bexhill-on-Sea with the De La Warr Pavilion in the left background and the Colonnade to the right.

Keith Prested explains that the lighter area of paving once housed a sort of 'sprinkler' system which activated randomly to surprise and amuse children.

Forgiving Mr. Potter, Miss Carrington points to a hotel that she's thinking of buying and asks for his assistance in looking it over. The Metropole Hotel in Bexhill-on-Sea stood derelict after being hit by a bomb in 1941 and was demolished in 1955.

All that remains of the hotel taken by Keith Prested, part of a wall at the boundary with the De La Warr Pavilion.

Through one of the smashed windows, Potter sees Henry leading Mrs. Gainsborough towards the ruined hotel. Looking down onto the pathways between the Metropole Hotel and the Promenade with the beach crossing the top of the shot.

Taken from ground level by Keith Prested.

Discovering an acid bath in one of the derelict hotel's rooms, Potter returns to his hotel to tell Mrs. Gainsborough that she's in danger. As per Capture 6, Dave W found St. James' Court, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1 (RL)

As in cap 6, I think there have been alterations. SJ

After the murderer is unmasked and apprehended by Inspector Harry Greenaway, Mr. Potter leaves the derelict hotel with Miss Carrington carrying Mr. Beamish. Outside the ruins of the Metropole Hotel in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.

Keith Prested looked seaward from the same location.