Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter

The film opens with ariel views of Manchester . . . . we are told.

Pomona Docks lie in the centre of the shot with the River Irwell to the left and the Bridgewater Canal on the right. Manchester M16.

An ariel view of Manchester streets, then in Lancashire.

The camera finds Herman Tulley as he rides a motorcycle with his greyhound, Mrs. Brown, in the sidecar.

The young band member heads for the local greyhound racing stadium.

Paul Bruffell places this as Edge Lane Road, Oldham OL1 and advises that the northern section still exists but the southern section was dug up as part of the housing demolition programme. The terrace housing has been demolished leaving the semi-detached houses shown here. The stone wall in the screen capture was a retaining wall for the bus depot accessed via Henshaw Street, both of which have now been removed. (RL)

Lead guitarist Derek (Derek Leckenby) also heads to the stadium. The junction on Bournville Road SE6.

Looking west from the western spur of Adenmore Road. SJ

Karl (Karl Green) drives Barry (Barry Whitwam) as Derek catches up. Westdown Road in SE6 with the bridge carrying the railway between Catford and Nunhead above.

The scene now. SJ

The friends turn into the race track's approach road. The junction of Adenmore Road and Westdown Road in Catford SE6.

Road re-alignment. SJ

Keith (Keith Hopwood) cycles as the others catch up. The former approach to Catford Stadium running alongside the railway line.

Somewhere about here. SJ

Herman Tulley (Peter Noone) arrives with Mrs. Brown. Catford Stadium, which closed in 2003 and was damaged by a fire two years later.

Almost near completion of the new Catford Green and no sign of the stadium at all. SJ

As Mrs. Brown catches up with the hare, the boys run towards her. Catford Stadium with Holbeach School on Doggett Road in the left distance.

After a successful practice race, the friends leave the stadium. Catford Stadium in south-east London. The site is currently being redeveloped.

Herman nears home with Mrs. Brown. Paul Bruffell gives the location as Newark Street, Oldham in Lancashire which is also seen in 'A Kind of Loving'

Paul Bruffell gives the location as Newark Street, Oldham having passed the junction with Adelphi Street and approaching a side road providing access to Farnworth Street. He adds, "the road network in the local area was significantly revised following the demolition of the housing, resulting in all the street in the screen capture being dug up. The B6194 and Mortimer Street are in the background, the B6194 then having terrace housing frontages." Paul had provided full photo and map evidence (held on record) and submits this shot of Scafell Close which is about 20m north of where Newark Street met Edge Lane Road, looking down the hill showing the new housing constructed following the demolition of the old terrace housing. (RL)

The combination struggles up hill to where Herman lives with his grandmother. Rock Street, Oldham says Paul Bruffell. (RL)

Paul provides a shot of how it is today, looking along what would have been Rock Street from Beever Street down to Wallshaw Street. (RL)

Herman sets of for his interview for the position of Junior Assistant Accounts Executive. Rock Street, Oldham says Paul Bruffell. (RL)

Whilst providing the comparative shot, Peter Brown points out that this capture is virtually an identical shot of Rock Street as seen in 'A Kind of Loving'! (RL)

The young hopeful heads towards town. Oldham Parish Church of St. Mary with St. Peter's on Rock Street is prominent to the right. The church also appeared in 'The Whisperers'. To be exact, Paul advises that "the young hopeful" is heading along Edgerton Street passing the junction with Horsedge Street. (RL)

Paul Bruffell provides this photo as it is today, the church he says "is just about visible behind the trees. The side street is Horsedge Street." I agree Paul, you can on the larger shot! (RL)

The journey to the interview continues. Mumps Bridge in Oldham, Lancashire as seen from Bottom O' Th' Moor. The railway bridge was removed in 2011 when a new tram line was extended into the town and the area has drastically changed.

Paul Bruffell re-enforces the "drastic changes" that have taken place with this shot, thank goodness for the former Natwest Bank with its distinctive tower. He reminds us that the tower can also be seen in 'A Kind of Loving' . . . but not as clearly! (RL)

Herman arrives at Advertising House to see Mr. Oakshot. Great West House on Great West Road, Brentford in Greater London, still standing and now suitably refurbished for a more modern age. The building was also seen in 'Darling'.

It has undergone some modernisation during the years. (RL)

In another part of town, girls cycle past as Keith loads empty bottles onto a lorry. White City Road W12 with Wolfe House on the White City Estate in the background identified by John Barrowclough.

As the sign says, Wolfe House. I fear the angle's off but the rain suddenly attacked! I did return for another go but by then fresh blossom obscured the view, so I'll leave this for now. SJ

A case of empties smashes onto the ground as Keith eyes the 'birds'. John Barrowclough found White City Road, since renamed Dorando Close, in Shepherd's Bush.

This replaces my rain-sodden off angle shot from April '24 but by that time the blossom had arrived to obscure details. SJ

Herman prepares to tend his grandad's grave after failing to get the position at Advertising House. Steve Cook advises that this is St. Mary Magdalene church in Littleton in Surrey, adjacent to Shepperton Studios.

Grandad's grave stone must have been a prop as it is no longer there. SD

A Tramp (Lance Percival) wakes from his slumber in the grave yard. St. Mary Magdalene Church in Littleton, identified by Steve.

No tramps in the grave yard today, just a chap taking photos. SD

After asking for five shillings, the tramp introduces himself as the honorable Percy Sutton, gentleman of the road. The church yard of St. Mary Magdalene Church on Squire's Bridge Road, Shepperton. Located by Steve Cook.

And photographed by Stephen Dean. SD

Herman takes Percy home for dinner. Steve found St. Mary Magdalene Church which also features in 'The Jigsaw Man', 'The Smashing Bird I Used To Know', 'Dad's Army' from 1971, 'Craze', 'The Dock Brief', 'The Horror of It All', 'Adventures of a Private Eye' and 'Once in a New Moon'.

Here's a similar view now. SD

Mrs. Brown is entered into a race and when she wins Londoner George George Brown invites the boys to meet his wife and daughter. Catford Stadium SE6.

Herman talks with Judy Brown (Sarah Caldwell) when Mrs. Brown (Mona Washbourne) comes to collect her for the journey home.

That evening, Herman walks through town thinking of Judy. 31 Bridge Street, Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. (RL)

Some significant changes on the right hand side. (RL)

Smitten, the young vocalist sings whilst he walks amongst lovers in the street. 31 Bridge Street, Walton-on-Thames. (RL)

Now. (RL)

The band members wander through a building site as they discuss taking Mrs. Brown to a greyhound race in London.

Herman's Hermits agree to go to the event and set about raising the cash.

Tulip (Sheila White) walks with Herman as they arrive at Manchester's Piccadilly station to catch the London train. In reality, this is the footbridge that crosses Kings Cross station in London N1.

A replacement bridge. (PW)

Herman's ticket is checked. Kings Cross station on Euston Road. The terminus can also be seen in 'The Ladykillers', 'Anything to Declare?', 'Hoffman', 'Career Girls', 'Friday the Thirteenth' and 'The Flying Scotsman'.

From a similar position. (PW)

After a montage of London landmarks is shown, Barry looks for a name label in the collar of a silent Hippie Girl (Michele Cooke) who has followed the lads through London.

The band approaches a boarding house where the landlady mistakes the name Mrs. Brown as a woman and refuses to let them in.

When they can't find anywhere to stay, a Con Man (Dermot Kelly) takes £11 from Herman for 'accommodation'.

The accommodation turns out to be a fire station. Di Davies identifies this as Slough Fire Station on the A355, Tuns Lane in Slough, Berkshire.

This unaltered shot comes courtesy of Kevin Hale under Creative Commons Licence - Slough fire station (Kevin Hale) / CC BY-SA 2.0.

Derek gets carried away on an appliance when he's caught up with one of the crews as the alarm is sounded. Di Davies locates this as turning left out of Slough Fire Station in Berkshire. (RL)

This is an approximation of the same shot now. Image copyright Google Streetview.

Following a walk through back projected London, the Hermits stop for some food near where Percy is reading a newspaper. Tower Bridge stands in the background of this shot from St. Katharine Docks in E1. The location was seen in 'Man of Violence', 'The Diplomatic Corpse' and 'The Firm'.

Peter took this similar shot with The Shard conveniently hidden behind the right hand tower of the bridge.

Percy turns to see the boys and asks if they're here for the big race.

Finding out that the lads have nowhere to stay, Percy leads them through the dock.

The tramp takes them towards a warehouse. The 'B' Warehouse of St. Katharine Docks stands to the right with the Anchor Brewhouse in the distance. Identified in Simon James' London Film Location Guide.

The boys struggle with their luggage as they cross to the warehouse. The area was used in 'To Sir With Love', 'The Long Good Friday', 'Circus of Fear' and 'Attack on the Iron Coast'.

Percy introduces everyone to his fellow down and outs. Looking across St Katharine Docks towards The Ivory House.

The next morning, the group go to see G. G. Brown at his fruit and vegetable business in Covent Garden. London WC2.

The best aerial view Peter could get of the north east corner of Covent Garden.

Shots of market workers and traders are shown as the lads start working for Mr. Brown.

With impossible access, Peter took this shot is from Wellington Street on the west side of the Floral Hall which shows the same building design as the screen capture which was filmed from Tavistock Place.

A fight breaks out after a barrow collision is caused by G. G. Brown bawling to attract custom. Covent Garden in WC2 at the corner of Russell Street. A similar shot was seen in 'Frenzy'.

The same redeveloped corner by Peter.

Herman pushes his barrow into the street and the boys begin to earn enough money to enter Mrs. Brown into the race.

At the river side, Percy smokes the butt of a cigar dropped by a passer by. Looking across the Thames to the Houses of Parliament from Lambeth Palace Road in SE1.

The same location now by Peter.

G. G. Brown drives his Rolls Royce through town after picking up the boys after work.

Peter found the place but with everything rebuilt, including the traffic island.

The Rolls crosses the river on the way to G. G. Brown's house where he is holding a 'soirée' for friends. Facing west on Lambeth Bridge.

The same location now by Peter.

Percy is spotted and called over to jump into the car. In the background is the roundabout that forms the junction of Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth Road and Albert Embankment in SE1. The area features in many productions including 'The Cracksman', 'A Dandy in Aspic', 'European Vacation', 'School for Scoundrels', 'Unearthly Stranger' and 'Too Hot to Handle'.

Peter found that the area has been redeveloped.

The gang arrive at G. G.'s "cottage". Binfield Manor on Forest Road, Binfield near Bracknell in Berkshire identified by Steve Cook.

G. G. Brown (Stanley Holloway) takes everyone inside for the gathering where the Hermits meet Vince Hobart, owner of the Phonograph Club. Binfield Manor also appears in ‘Interlude’, ‘Tales that Witness Madness’, ‘The File of the Golden Goose’ and ‘See No Evil’.

Mrs. Brown is entered into the trials where she wins. White City Stadium in W12, which was demolished in 1985. Other views of the location can be found in 'The Green Cockatoo', ‘Clash by Night’. ‘The Turners of Prospect Road’, 'Crooks in Cloisters ', ‘Jumping for Joy’ and ‘Otley’.

Back at Advertising House, Mr. Oakshot reads of Herman's win. Great West House, Great West Road in Brentford.

The composition of the shot is the same even if everything else is different. (RL)

When Judy gets a modelling job in Rome, Herman accompanies the Browns to the station. Judd Street WC1 with the corner of Bidborough Street on the left.

Peter captured the location and recalls working in an office opposite Camden Town Hall where some of the antics were funnier than a Carry On film.

The frontage of St. Pancras station on Euston Road NW1 at the junction with Judd Street and Midland Road.

The same corner now from Peter.

Herman and Judy get out of the car with the greyhound as G. G. and his wife try to find a parking space. The forecourt of Kings Cross station with St. Pancras station visible in the extreme right background. The area was also seen in 'The Ladykillers'.

The forecourt has been improved. (PW)

The young pair walk towards the platform. Kings Cross station in London N1.

Yes, the platforms were numbered differently then. (PW)

Herman excuses himself to go and tie Mrs. Brown to a parcel barrow before saying goodbye to Judy.

Platform 9, on the suburban side of Kings Cross station. (PW)

Whilst the two say their farewells, the rake of barrows is driven away, along with Mrs. Brown.

I'm not claiming that this is exactly the same spot. (PW)

After the train has departed, Herman looks for the dog as the Hermits prepare for their appearance at Hobart's nightclub. The north end of Kings Cross station.

Platform 9 again. (PW)

Mrs. Brown can't be seen. The station can be seen in 'Hoffman' and 'The Ladykillers'.

A similar view now. (PW)

Panicking, Herman tells the Browns that the dog is missing. Kings Cross station in N1.

This is platform 8. (PW)

Herman runs through yards outside the station, calling for Mrs. Brown. The former Imperial Gasworks holders rise in the background. The location is used in ‘Herostratus’, 'Robbery' and 1966's 'Alfie' while the view from the top of the coal shoots appears in '30 is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia'.

Camley Street, unrecognisable today. SJ

As the rest of the band begins to play, Herman continues his search for Mrs. Brown. Camley Street in N1 as it runs under the Midland Main Line out of St. Pancras.

Also seen in the chase scene in Robbery. SJ

After the band are fired from the club when their lead singer fails to turn up, Herman and G. G. Brown return to the greyhound track. White City Stadium, Lime Grove, London W12.

The £100 entrance money is refunded. White City Stadium also appears in 'Jumping for Joy', 'Clash by Night', 'The Blue Lamp', 'The Turners of Prospect Road', 'Otley' and 'Foreign Exchange'.

With no jobs and no greyhound, the boys hitch a lift and return to Manchester.

Derek and Karl find work on a building site, but they aren't very good at it. Identified by Antony Blair, this is looking east towards Pankhurst House, previously Gordon Court, on Du Cane Road in East Acton W12.

Returning to the scene, Antony captures the building now.

A depressed Herman cycles towards home. White City Road in Shepherd's Bush W12 located by John Barrowclough.

A contrast of season. SJ

Meanwhile, in Rome, Judy's photo shoot is going well. In the background rises the dome of Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica) in Vatican City.

Never transmutable. SJ

Ponte Sant'Angelo (St. Angelo Bridge) over the River Tiber in Rome with Castel Sant'Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel) in the background. The view is also seen in 'Locker Sixty Nine', 'Rome Adventure' as well as the 2003 version of 'The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone'.

Been there for ages. SJ

After Percy turns up with a pregnant Mrs. Brown, Tulip and Herman talk about him returning to London.

Herman and the band return to the Brown's house and leave Mrs. Brown's puppy on the doorstep. Steve Cook finds an other use of Binfield Manor, Binfield in Berkshire. (RL)

G. G. opens the door and Herman waves back as the band, Tulip and Mrs. Brown drive away. As a result of Steve's identification of the previous capture they must be driving away from Binfield Manor, Binfield. (RL)

The minibus pulls over when Judy is spotted on the front cover of a magazine in a newsagents window. The Singer shop was a clue that led Steve Cook to recognised Staines upon Thames in Surrey and Simon Wheatcroft pinpointed the location as Clarence Street. The street also makes an appearance in 'The Night Caller'.

Nick Boorman provides this comparison shot.

Herman's Hermits drive off and the end credits roll. Staines, Steve Cook tells us, with Tesco at 2-8 High Street, now The George public house, and Debenhams on the junction. The town became Staines-upon-Thames in May 2012. (RL)

The same junction captured by Nick Boorman.