Tom Brown’s Schooldays

Date: 1951
Director: Gordon Parry
Production Company: Talisman Productions

Stars: John Howard Davies, John Charlesworth, John Forrest, Max Bygraves
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, London, Warwickshire

Region(s): , ,

Storyline:

A young schoolboy, Tom Brown, is sent to Rugby public school, where he embarks on many escapades and comes across the bully Flashman.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Steve Randall

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
  • 27 Nov 2024

Tom Brown (John Howard Davies) sets off for Rugby school. George Inn, George Inn Yard, 77 Borough High Street, Southwark, SE1, which also appears in 'The Inn Way Out'.

Rather crowded with clientele and umbrella'd tables for a really decent angle. SJ

  • Capture 2
  • 27 Nov 2024

Tom's father (Francis de Wolff) waves him goodbye. George Inn, George Inn Yard, Southwark.

If not original, there are still railings in front. This are a couple of possibilities here for the exact spot but tables once again were in the way of a decent shot. SJ

  • Capture 3
  • 10 Dec 2024

Tom arrives at his destination. The Swan Inn, Village Road, Denham, Buckinghamshire, which can also be seen in 'Spellbound', 'Mr. Horatio Knibbles', 'Talk About Jacqueline', 'Dark Places' and 'The Square Peg'.

73 years later, Antony Blair took this rare view . . . the roadway clear of cars!

  • Capture 4
  • 10 Dec 2024

The coach guard (Max Bygraves) welcomes Tom as he disembarks. Outside the Swan Inn, Village Road, Denham, Buckinghamshire.

Looking towards the doorway to number 1 Wistaria Cottages, captured by Antony Blair.

  • Capture 5
  • 'Now' required

Harry "Scud" East has been asked to look after Tom on his arrival. Rugby School, Rugby, Warwickshire.

  • Capture 6
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School bully Flashman (John Forrest) walks past as they huddle against a tree. Rugby School, Warwickshire.

  • Capture 7
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Tom and East cross the quad. Rugby School.

  • Capture 8
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East shows Tom around Rugby School. The view from The Close looking towards the headmaster's office.

  • Capture 9
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The notorious "birching tower" at Rugby School. Corporal punishment ceased in the 1960s.

  • Capture 10
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The boys play rugby football at the ground in front of the school chapel. Rugby School. Rugby was born here in 1823.

  • Capture 11
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Tom runs an errand for Flashman. Rugby School quad.

  • Capture 12
  • 29 Dec 2025

The boys go for a swim. Site visitor Robert Palmer places this at Denham Court Estate, on the River Colne in Buckinghamshire. The mansion there was a boys' home for years but it is now owned by the Buckinghamshire Golf Club. Robert visited the spot in 2022 and the stone that the boys jumped off was still there.

Robert sent this photo from his visit which shows the rock and also on the extreme left the suspension bridge at Denham Court. The bridge can also be seen in 'Murder is Easy' and 'Wings of the Morning'.

  • Capture 13
  • 10 Dec 2024

At the end of term, East waves goodbye as Tom taks the coach home. Village Road, Denham, Buckinghamshire, looking northwest from the Swan pub.

Antony Blair stood outside the Swan for this shot.

  • Capture 14
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Tom reaches his home in the film's Berkshire. An unidentified location that could well be a set.

  • Capture 15
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At home, Tom gets boxing lessons in the stables. Unidentified location.

  • Capture 16
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Back at school, Flashman gets into a fight and falls in the river near the film's Barby Weir. Tom, East, and a younger boy, Arthur, try to save him. Comparisons to 'Hidden Homicide' and 'Hope and Glory' give a strong suggestion that this is Shepperton Weir in Surrey.

  • Capture 17
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We see more detail as the boys get out, but Arthur subsequently develops a fever. Shepperton Weir?

  • Capture 18
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The boys discuss Arthur's condition by the water fountain in Rugby School quad.