Return of the Frog, The
Date: 1938
Director: Maurice Elvey
Production Company: Herbert Wilcox Productions
Stars: Gordon Harker, Una O'Connor, Rene Ray, Hartley Power
Location(s): London
Region(s): London R-S
Storyline:
A Scotland Yard Inspector and a visiting Chicago police officer hunt down the leader of a murderous dockland gang called The Frogs.
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson
Also known as ‘Nobody Home’ (US Title)
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- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
These grainy river scenes, along with a few establishing shots, are the only exterior locations appearing during this production based at British Lion Studios in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
In this sequence, the River Police take Scotland Yard's Inspector Elk and his Sergeant along the Thames as they search for a criminal known as 'The Frog'.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
As they continue upstream, Inspector Elk (Gordon Harker) directs the River Police as Sergeant Maggs (Cyril Smith) cuts free a mine that was caught in one of the launches lines.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
The mine floats free but remains in the path of shipping.
- Capture 5
- 01 Jul 2021
With the paddle steamer Golden Eagle nearing the mine, the launch swings around. Facing the Wapping bank of the Thames with King Henry's Wharf standing to the left and Gun Wharves to the right.
Looking across the river towards the same background. (PW)
- Capture 6
- 01 Jul 2021
Looking towards St. John's Wharf, Phoenix Wharf and King Henry's Wharf in Wapping E1.
A clearer view of the scene now. (PW)
- Capture 7
- 01 Jul 2021
Elk and the River Police desperately try to reach the mine before the Golden Eagle collides with it. Gun Wharves with Wapping Dock Stairs and Lower Gun Wharf to the right.
Wapping Dock Stairs can still be made out. (PW)
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
With Golden Eagle fast approaching, the Inspector hauls the mine onto the launch.
- Capture 9
- 01 Jul 2021
The paddle steamer passes safely as Inspector Elk discovers that the mine is actually a time bomb. Facing King Henry's Wharf, Wapping E1.
Almost as blurred is this comparison taken from across the Thames. (PW)
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
At Holloway Prison, Ma Oakes is woken up by a Warder. Holloway Prison on Parkhurst Road in N7 which also appears in 'The Flesh is Weak', 'The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery' and 'Stolen Face'.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
Looking for Leila and Golly Oakes, 'Chicago Dale' Sandford (Hartley Power) arrives at the docklands pub run by Ma. The frighteningly high calm water in this riverside location strongly suggests a set at Beaconsfield Studios.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Returning to the River Thames, aboard the vessel Seal of Troy, the Frog's identity is revealed. A silhouette of the Houses of Parliament in London SW1.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
As the production draws to an end, a lorry heads towards the docks. A dark and blurred view which may be somewhere within the studio complex.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
Conveying Inspector Elk and his Men, the lorry approaches the Frog's gang who are waiting to unload its cargo.