Three Men in a Boat (1956)

Harris (Jimmy Edwards) escorts Clara Willis (Adrienne Corri) around London Zoo. Various locations within the zoo have been used in many productions including 'The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer', 'Sabotage', 'Miranda' and 'The Shop at Sly Corner'.

The Reptile House still thrives at London Zoo. SJ

Mrs Willis (Martita Hunt) voices her displeasure when she discovers that Harris hasn't named the day for a marriage to her daughter. London Zoo in Regent's Park NW1.

After a holiday on the Thames is arranged, George (Laurence Harvey) arrives at J's house just as Ethelbertha (Noelle Middleton) is leaving.

They are looking up at the first floor window of 17 Stratford Road, (located by Jules). SJ

Jerome (David Tomlinson) and Harris appear at the window.

ipsissima: the very same. SJ

Montmorency the dog watches cases and bags pile up in the street as the Cabbie helps the three men with their luggage. Jules Ballantyne placed this as Stratford Road, between Abingdon Road and Allen Street, Kensington London W8.

This identical view by SJ replaces an earlier Google view by Jules.

Dogs follow the cab as the threesome set off. Jules found this further down Stratford Road in Kensington, London W8. (RL)

This will lead to Marloes Road where the old hospital has made many a cinematic appearance. SJ

Scenes of pleasure seekers enjoying the River Thames are seen before the camera moves to find Harris and J struggling in their boat. Tim Wingham settles the varied location suggestions telling us that it's only a couple of miles upstream from the Hampton Court Palace, on the Surrey bank of the Thames at Molesey. The opposite bank nearest the camera is in fact an island - Platts Eyot. In the distance is Sunbury in Middlesex. (RL)

Tim provides a comparative shot to support his identification. (RL)

The bus bringing George to join his friends arrives outside Hampton Court. The gateway to Hampton Court Palace on Hampton Court Way in East Molesey, Surrey. The location was seen in 'Baby Love'.

Howard Morgan presumed that an omnibus would not conveniently stop whilst he was there. (RL)

George alights and the bus departs. The Trophy Gates on Hampton Court Way, East Molesey.

It looks as though social distancing was carried to extreme during Howard's visit. (RL)

As Harris and J tie up the boat and head for the maze, George walks through the grounds of Hampton Court. This is the Barge Walk alongside the Thames.

Barge Walk at the time of the Hampton Court Flower Show. (RL)

Harris and J pay the Gatekeeper and enter Hampton Court Maze. The background building is a matte and other shots of the palace are sets with painted backdrops.

In between the inevitable downpours of rain, the days are quite idyllic. Hambleden Weir in Berkshire with Hambleden Mill in the right of centre background.

Essentially the same charming location. (RL)

Montmorency runs along the towpath as the boat enters a lock. Cynthia and Lionel Sear, their friend Julian and his trusted colleagues on matter "Thames" have concluded: That this is Hambleden Lock, looking upstream towards Greenlands (former home of WH Smith, Viscount Hambleden; now part of University of Reading). (RL)

A few cosmetic changes over the years. (RL)

A Lock Keeper opens the gates further up the river. Marsh Lock near Henley on Thames.

Access to the lock is restricted to boat crew only, as Andrew Price found, so the original capture could not quite be recreated. Andrew adds that Marsh Lock is now a popular stopping point for walkers on the Thames Path National Trail.

To the left stands Sagamore on Bolney Road, Shiplake near Henley on Thames.

Andrew Price provides this comparison shot with a close view of Sagamore.

More pleasure seekers are encountered at Boulters Lock. Boulters Island to the east of Maidenhead, Berkshire with Boulters Inn standing in the centre of the shot.

Boats of all sizes vie for position in the lock. Boulters Lock alongside Lower Cookham Road in Maidenhead, which can also be seen in 'King of the Underworld' and 'London Town'.

After almost capsizing in Boulters Lock whilst having their photograph taken, the three friends continue on their way. Cynthia and Lionel Sear, their friend Julian and his trusted colleagues on matter "Thames" have concluded: That is not Boulters Lock (the lock gates did not have balance beams at the time) but they don’t know where it is! (RL)

A Photographer (Robertson Hare) runs after the trio along the river bank. Cynthia and Lionel Sear, their friend Julian and his trusted colleagues on matter "Thames" have concluded: That is looking upstream towards Temple Lock. It shows the old lock on the left which remained in situ, before it was converted into a set of boat rollers to allow skiffs and punts to bypass the lock. (RL)

Crowds enjoy the Regatta before mayhem and calamity is caused when J, Harris and George row their boat into the path of racing Men's Eights. Looking down river at Henley Reach, Henley on Thames in Oxfordshire.

Continuing up river, another pub is encountered. Henley Bridge in Henley on Thames with The Angel public house on the left and St Mary the Virgin church to the right.

The rather splendid view now. SJ

Deciding not to let the opportunity pass, the boat is stopped for refreshment to be taken. Henley Bridge in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire was also seen in 'Half a Sixpence', 'Diamonds on Wheels' and 'The Killing of Sister George'.

Filled with seats for al fresco drinking at The Angel. SJ

Later that day, the boat is drunkenly steered to shore. To the left stands the Horse Bridge at Marsh Lock near Henley on Thames.

The three finally arrive in Oxford where they intend to watch a veteran's cricket match. Littleton Manor House with a matte obscuring Shepperton Studios. Littleton House has appeared many times in features including 'The Pure Hell of St. Trinians', 'The Earth Dies Screaming' and 'Left, Right and Centre'.

Baskcomb (Miles Malleson) and Crabtree (A.E. Matthews) come out onto the pitch after consuming a little too much port. Littleton Park House on Studios Road, Shepperton, Surrey.

On Ambrose Porterhouse's pleasure boat, Ethelbertha, Clara and Mrs. Willis join J and Harris as George enjoys the company of Bluebell, Primrose and Sophie at the stern.