Repulsion

Manicurist Carol (Catherine Deneuve) leaves work for lunch. Looking towards Thurloe Place, Thurloe Street, off to the right, and Harrington Road, off to the left, in SW7. Out of view to the right stands South Kensington station, which can be seen in ‘Amelia and the Angel’, 'Das Geheimnis der gelben Narzissen', ‘Something in the City’ and ‘The Crying Game’.

Now from Russell Grove.

The view north is much the same. SJ

She crosses the road with a view to crossing Old Brompton Road, London SW7.

Now.

For a clearer view of the background, I stepped a bit more to the east than I would've preferred. SJ

Once she is across we see South Kensington Underground Station to the left with Pelham Street and Malvern Court directly ahead.

Now.

A junction which has seen many roadworks and layout rethinks. This is the pedestrianised one which was established in 2009. SJ

A workman (Mike Pratt) says “Allo darling what about a bit of the other then”. He wouldn’t be permitted to say that these days. Looking towards Harrington Road left, and up Cromwell Place and the Natural History Museum behind the workman.

The workmen returned and made more changes to this junction. SJ

As she sits staring at her lunch at what was at the time Dino’s Restaurant, 1-3 Pelham Street, Colin (John Fraser) knocks on the window with a view to joining her. Looking towards Old Brompton Road.

The 'now' view from Dino's Restaurant.

Taken from outside an old Dino window. SJ

Having declined his invitation to eat better elsewhere, they leave. Thurloe Place, London SW7, the Victoria & Albert Museum in the background.

Now.

Rather closer on reflection but there's the V & A peeping over the Ismaili Centre. SJ

She declines his invitation to dinner that evening, and the following day, whilst turning to return to work. 29 Thurloe Place, London SW7

Now, outside 'La Chasse'.

And now, on reflection, less of an improvement and more of an update. SJ

That evening she returns home to the flat where she lives with her elder sister Helen (Yvonne Furneaux) and gazes out of the window of her room. Included for completeness for the mid-ground activity and background buildings are those of Nazareth House, 169-175 Hammersmith Road, London W6 with the nearly completed Linacre Court, Colet Gardens top right, whereas Wikipedia reports that “the interiors of Carol and Helen’s mansion flat were constructed on a small lot at Twickenham Studios.”

A wider view from another window as Michael (Ian Hendry), who has come to collect Helen, complains about “the bloody bell”. A children’s home at the time of filming now a residential care home still run by the Sisters of Nazareth.

After work the following day, Carol makes her way home. Looking towards Old Brompton Road, London SW7. Included to preserve Russell Groves comparative shot.

Now. Russell confirms the site.

Trees have thrived. SJ

She continues her journey. South Kensington Station to the left. Included to preserve Russell Groves comparative shot.

Russell found that building works were still in hand forty four years later.

The building works left behind a car-free area. SJ

And finally to preserve Russell Groves comparative shot. Thurloe Place.

Now. Picture by Russell Groves.

A moment's lull in the traffic. SJ

As was to have been expected Carol fails to meet Colin. Thurloe Place looking across Exhibition Road to the V&A Museum that was at that time visible.

Now, a much restricted view of the V&A.

The Ismaili Centre fills the corner now. SJ

About to get into his car, a 1964 Triumph TR4, Colin sees Carol on a seat and challenges her as playing “hard to get”. Exhibition Road with a light well of the underpass below prominent to his side.

Now.

A new coat of paint. SJ

Being somewhat uncommunicative, he suggests that he take her home. Thurloe Place looking towards Cromwell Place.

Now.

Looking west. SJ

These buskers were part of the central London street scene in the 1960’s and early 70’s. Thurloe Place looking towards Cromwell Place.

Now.

My July shot was a wider shot of the corner from the wrong side of Thurloe Road, so here's a better angle. SJ

They stop outside her mansion block. Kensington Mansions, Trebovir Road, London SW5 as per Tony Reeves book – ‘Movie London’

Now.

All remains the same, except for the parking. (RL)

After a short period of tension Carol flees from the car. The main gates to 43-54A Kensington Mansions on the opposite side of the road.

Now.

A growth in that bush, but that is about the only change. (RL)

The following morning Carol watches Helen and Michael drive off on holiday, leaving her alone. Looking down onto Trebovir Road and the gates of 43-54A Kensington Mansions opposite.

Now from ground level.

Within days her mind becomes becomes disturbed further, but she goes for a walk. Hammersmith Bridge with Digby Mansions and Lower Mall, London W6 in the background. Hammersmith Bridge appears in many films including ‘Burnt Evidence’, ‘Dunkirk’, ‘Curse of the Golem’ and many others.

Digby Mansions also seen in 'The Man who Never Was' and 'Theatre of Blood'. SJ.

We look back on the east side of Hammersmith Bridge with the sound score representing the torment of her mind. The days when road traffic was allowed on the bridge.

On the east side of the bridge. SJ.

Days later, Colin, concerned that he once again cannot make contact with Carol at the ‘phone, he goes into the pub……. Outside the Hoop & Toy pub, Thurloe Place.

Now.

The Hoop and Toy is still in business: I dropped in for a half pint but couldn't match the interior (as seen in the following capture) but then again it was very busy. SJ

……… where he meets two of his colleagues, John (James Villiers) and Reggie (Hugh Futcher). Inside the Hoop & Toy public house.

Whilst Colin is being teased by them, just avoiding a scrap, Carol is once again on Hammersmith Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge Road…….

Now on the west side with The Old City Arms still doing well. SJ.

While The Old City Arms maintains its attractions, the north end of the bridge does not. SJ

……she is clearly troubled and to preserve Simon’s comparative shot. Hammersmith Bridge Road, London W6

Now. SJ.

And I've managed to supply yet another comparative shot, which does show the ungainly street furniture at both ends (here the north end) of Hammersmith Bridge. SJ

She passes a road traffic accident outside Digby Mansions and the corner of Rutland Place.

Now.

An array of two-wheeled devices here. Sj

Helen and Michael return home from their Italian holiday……….. 1-12 Kensington Mansions.

Now, without the rain. SJ