Stranger in Town

A stormy night and David Vernon is playing the piano during which Vicky Leigh (Anne Paige), his fiancé, enters the room from outside saying she must talk to him. It is the home of Captain Nash (Charles Lloyd Pack) and his daughter Geraldine (Betty Impey). Unknown location.

Given no reply and despite the rain she hastily leaves to visit a neighbouring house, That of Henry Ryland (Colin Tapley), guardian to Vicky Leigh and his wife Lorna Ryland (Mary Laura Wood), witnessed by Agnes Smith (Mona Washbourne). There, William Ryland (Bruce Beeby) brother of Henry makes the cynical comment “the course of true love not running smoothly?”

Later that evening Lorna returns home. The same house appears in 'Barbados Quest' and has been identified as 352 Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex. (SR)

Shortly afterwards, David, the pianist, is found shot dead. An overview of the village to set the scene. Chalfont St. Giles in Buckinghamshire, which also appears in ‘The Black Cat’, ‘The Big Job’, ‘Lost’, ‘No Smoking’, ‘Poison Pen’ and 1971’s ‘Dad’s Army’.

Antony Blair replaces Martin Underwood's Google image with an original ground level view.

The church where David, the deceased pianist is buried. Holy Trinity Church, Cookham, Berkshire.

This historic church is unlikely to show much change through the years.

Vicky lays flowers at David’s grave. Holy Trinity Church, Cookham.

Without "David's grave".

She is suddenly startled by the appearance of John Madison (Alex Nicol).

A moment without visitors.

They do not acknowledge each other as she leaves but it would appear he is there to pay his respects.

Those trees have grown.

Agnes Smith (Mona Washbourne) is concerned that Vicky is not getting over David’s death and advises that she will soon be starting her poetry readings which will help to take her out of herself.

No one there to give me advice.

Vicky drives into town. High Street, Harefield, Uxbridge in Middlesex with thanks to Phil Richards.

Phil confirms his identification with this shot of the High Street now.

As she parks up. The Green, Rickmansworth Road, Harefield, Uxbridge, found by Phil Richards. Harefield also features in 'Circus Friends', 'The Hostages', 'The Cherry Picker', 'Sons and Lovers' and 'Life for Ruth'.

And Phil found that the two benches, or their replacements, are very much in their original locations.

Once again she is confronted by John, who, after reading the report of the Coroner (suicide) in the offices of the local paper goes to the local photographer to obtain a copy of the picture of David shown in the newspaper. Vicky quickly drives off. Accessed from the right of Capture 10.

A comparative shot from Phil Richards revealing development to the rear, all a little less rural now.

Later that day, at home, Vicky sees John Madison about to call on her. A further shot of the house to help with identification. 352 Jersey Road, Isleworth. (SR)

Having met Vicky at home, visited Capt. Nash, declaring himself as a reporter on vacation seeking information regarding David on behalf of his Uncle in America, John heads off to see Agnes Smith. Unknown location.

John is booking out of his hotel when he is given a note to say that he does not know the whole story regarding David and asking him not to leave. He decides to stay on. What was the King's Head Hotel High Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill and now Grade ll listed. With an apparent chequered history it was a sad loss to those that frequented the bar(s).

Antony Blair took this view of the old Kings Head Hotel looking it’s best. The scaffolding came down at the beginning of October 2019 after the building received a makeover.

He first visits the vicar (Henry Vidon) to see how David was received, as he used to play the organ at the church.

John talks to the landlord (Willoughby Goddard) of the local pub. Tony Winzar has resolved this long outstanding location telling us that this is the Queen's Head in Pound Lane, Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

In support of his identification Tony provides this shot that he took, as it says, back in 2013.

He then visits the College where David was offered a job, that he refused. Islet Park House, Islet Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Also seen in 'Knock on Wood'.

Difficulties tracking this down but an interesting history and now converted into apartments. Best possible shot as it is surrounded with deep dense shrubbery.

Where he talks to the College Principal (Alan Robinson).

Only possible angle but at least I captured the white balustrade.

Vicky appears to have followed him there and enquires how the investigation is going. Islet Park House but not possible to enter the private property.

John and Vicky return home together by train. ‘Britannia’ Class 4-6-2 (Courtesy railwaymoviedatabase.com) This stock shot can also be seen in ‘Bond of Fear’ and ‘Impulse’.

They arrive back at “Linford” after their visit. Cookham Station in Berkshire.

It still retains some of its charm.

As they part company the station-master brings back tea from the café.

Now this is a sign of the times.

The café owner tells John that one day he directed David to a telephone box and when he returned he just sat staring out of the window. Fortunately, one of the boys remembered the occasion and was able to help John with further information. Unidentified location.

John catches the bus to “Cranleigh Cross”. Lower Road, Cookham.

Cars are a more favoured transport these days.

Where he alights with Mrs Woodham (Peggy Ann Clifford) Batchworth Heath, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, over 20 miles away.

"Ye Olde Greene Manne" still stands.

He learns that David had also used that bus but didn’t go to the pub…..the only place he could have gone to was ‘Matthews Farm’ some ½ a mile away. Eventually the farm comes into view. Bottom House Farm, Bottom House Farm Lane, Chalfont St Giles identified by Phil Richards.

Phil completes his identification with this comparative shot, for which he walked to the crest of the hill to recreate the view. Good to know that the farm still exists.

Arriving at the farm he is threatened by Matthews (Robert Reardon) who “talks to nobody”.

Phil Richards managed this shot of the farm as it is now unchallenged by shotgun.

Agnes Smith is murdered and with a hunch as to the killer John returns to her cottage. Thereafter, essentially all “indoor” locations.