Once in a New Moon

"Imagine a village whisked off into space by some strange, unearthly influence . . . What would happen in this little new world, this Shrimpton-in-the-Universe formerly Shrimpton-on-Sea?" The Residents of the coastal village go about their business on set at the studio.

After reading news of a dead star approaching Earth, Harold Drake (Eliot Makeham) passes Edward Teale (John Clements) as he hurries from the Post Office to warn Viscount Bravington.

The Postmaster arrives at the village hall where Viscount Bravington's Chauffeur tells him that his Lordship has returned to the manor.

Following the cataclysm during which the gravitational pull of the dead star dislodges the village, causing it to break away into space and become a small satellite in orbit around the Earth, Viscount Bravington and his Wife are driven to the church. Squire's Bridge Road, Littleton in Middlesex.

John Harwood was not keen to step into the busy road. (SJ)

The Reverend Rupert Buffett (Richard Goolden) appears from the church as Colonel Fitzgeorge (Gerald Barry) tells Viscountess Bravington (Mary Hinton) and Mr. Pilkington-Bigge (Harold Saxon-Snell) about the severing of the railway line. The gateway of St. Mary Magdalene church on Squire's Bridge Road in Littleton.

John found the same wall and a couple of matching crosses. (SJ)

As the sun sets unexpectedly, the Honourable Bryan Grant (Derrick De Marney) leaves the manor and cycles to see Stella Drake. The column suggests Littleton Park House at Shepperton Studios in Littleton, Middlesex.

In London, newspapers carry headlines about the disappearance of Shrimpton-on-Sea. Dave W read the 'small print' and came up with Victoria Embankment as seen from Sion House in John Carpenter Street, London EC4. Sion House has seen some architectural changes since the film. (RL)

Having identified the location Dave sends us this photo that he took back in March to support. It provides evidence that the substantial changes seen on this corner are more of a long-term thing, including the sad loss of the tram lines on Victoria Embankment. (RL)

Stella Drake (René Ray) and her Father set off to look for proof that the village has been torn away from the Earth. This appears to be Langney Point at Crumbles between Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay in Sussex with Martello Tower number 66 in the background and numbers 64 and 62 in the distance. The area has since been developed as Sovereign Harbour.

The BBC broadcasts a bulletin in which the wrenching of Shrimpton-on-Sea into space is connected with the passing of the dead star. Broadcasting House on Portland Place viewed from Langham Place W1 with All Souls' church to the right.

In February '23, I wrote along with a comparison, "Pity the church is shrouded and the traffic light is hiding the Eric Gill statue of Prospero and Ariel above the BBC's entrance, though the latter has become controversial recently." This closer shot took the traffic light out of the picture but the statue is now shrouded. SJ

Listeners gather around radio sets to hear the programme.

Harold Drake and Viscount Bravington (Morton Selten) discus the war that almost broke out between them following an election.

The Union Jack is raised on the village church after the return of Shrimpton-on-Sea to Earth as an island. The tower of St. Mary Magdalene church on Squires Bridge Road, Littleton in Middlesex. The church also features in 'Craze', 'The Dock Brief', 'The Jigsaw Man', 'Adventures of a Private Eye', 'The Horror of It All' and 'Once in a New Moon'.

A sunny outing for John H. who took this from the road rather than the studio. (SJ)

Instructions from London are read out that free transportation will be arranged for anyone wishing to return to England. Beyond the boundary wall of Shepperton Studios stands St. Mary Magdalene church.