True as a Turtle
Date: 1957
Director: Wendy Toye
Production Company: The Rank Organisation
Stars: John Gregson, Cecil Parker, June Thorburn, Keith Michell
Location(s): Brittany (France), Dorset, Hampshire, London
Region(s): France, London T-Z, South West
Storyline:
Honeymooners join a variety of friends for a weekend voyage to France.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson
Jimmy Snow worked on special effects at both Pinewood and Denham Studios but a name that often remained uncredited, as with this film. An interesting Biography and her Memories of him has been written for us by his granddaughter Brigitte, all of which can be read here.
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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
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At Hyde Park Corner in London W1, a car pulls out onto Piccadilly. The same location was seen in 'The Man in the Road', 'Genevieve', 'Perfect Friday' and 'The Fourth Protocol'.
- Capture 2
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The MG TD joins the main road's traffic. The camera pans to bring more of Piccadilly into view with Apsley House to the left and the trees of Green Park in the right distance.
- Capture 3
- 06 Oct 2008
Tony Hudson (John Gregson) brings the car to a halt as he and Jane (June Thorburn) discuss their forthcoming marriage. Looking back along Piccadilly with Apsley House now centre right.
Risking life and limb for Reel Streets at Hyde Park Corner. SJ.
- Capture 4
- 06 Oct 2008
Jane isn't happy that they are to spend part of their honeymoon with Dudley Partridge and his Wife. Facing south-west on Piccadilly in London W1.
A quiet moment on the same street. SJ.
- Capture 5
- 01 Mar 2017
Happiness reigns once more as agreement is met and Tony draws away after coming to a stand behind a queue of ranked taxis. More of Piccadilly with Green Park foliage across the background.
No cabs in the middle of the road in Peter's comparison.
- Capture 6
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Following the wedding, the couple arrive at the yacht club where they are to join the Partridges with their son Paul and Niece Susan and friends Harry and Ann for the sailing trip. Steve Randall identifies this as Salterns Marina at 40 Salterns Way in Poole, Dorset.
- Capture 7
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A Rolls Royce draws up outside the club and Sir Harold Brazier (Charles Clay) gets out. Salterns Marina on Salterns Way in the Lilliput area of Poole located by Steve Randall.
- Capture 8
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At the club's entrance, Tony's boss and his wife Lady Brazier (Betty Stockfeld) pause as they see the newly-weds arrive. Steve Randall advises that this is outside the recently demolished hotel at Salterns Marina in Poole,
- Capture 9
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Tony points to 'Liberty', Sir Harold's luxury motor yacht. Salterns Marina on Salterns Way in Poole, Dorset found by Steve Randall.
- Capture 10
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Wikipedia tells us that the vessel playing the part of 'Liberty' is MY Rinansey.
- Capture 11
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Harry Bell (Keith Michell) watches as Tony and Jane approach the quay with their belongings. Salterns Marina in Poole identified by Steve Randall.
- Capture 12
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A glamorous looking Ann (Elvi Hale) arrives with a mountain of luggage. Steve Randall explains that the redevelopment of Salterns Marina began in 2021.
- Capture 13
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Tony and Jane turn as Harry cringes at the sight of their inappropriately dressed friend. More of the hotel at Salterns Marina, towards its end styled as Salterns Harbourside Hotel, discovered by Steve Randall.
- Capture 14
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Ann walks along the quay before Tony suggests that she removes her high heels. Salterns Marina at 40 Salterns Way in Poole, Dorset located by Steve Randall.
- Capture 15
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The four friends row out to 'Turtle' in time to catch the tide. Tony Wright recalls "As a 17 year old apprentice I watched some of the scenes being shot on the river to the rear of the Fairey Aviation factory in Hamble, Hampshire."
- Capture 16
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After a fraught voyage across the Channel, Turtle heads towards land. On the rights stands Solidor Tower in Saint-Servan, Brittany.
- Capture 17
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It's all hands on deck as Dudley gives the orders. Port Saint Père in the former city of Saint-Servan.
- Capture 18
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As Dudley steers Turtle into port the locals call out that the water is too shallow, but the captain knows best. The Solidor Tower, standing at the estuary of the River Rance.
- Capture 19
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The residents of the town attempt to help Jane as she ties the bow rope around a ring. Cale Solidor in Saint-Servan.
- Capture 20
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While the tide is out, the opportunity is taken for some touching up of Turtle's paintwork. Port Saint Père below Cale Solidor.
- Capture 21
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A shady looking character signals to Harry on the ketch. The archway stands beneath Solidor Tower on Cale Solidor.
- Capture 22
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Working for Monsieur Charbonnier, the Man approaches Harry on the quayside. Cale Solidor with Cale Saint-Père as the background and Quai Sébastopol to the right.
- Capture 23
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In a lowered voice Harry tells the Man that they "haven't brought them". Saint-Servan merged with Saint-Malo in 1967.
- Capture 24
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Harry makes his way to the beach where he joins the women. Plage de Bon-Secours in Saint-Malo, Brittany.
- Capture 25
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Telling the girls that he needs some cigars, gets dressed following a swim. Plage de Bon-Secours with the ramparts of Saint-Malo crossing the background.
- Capture 26
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Harry climbs the steps towards a small kiosk. At the top of the steps, to the right, stands La Porte Saint Pierre.
- Capture 27
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After glancing back toward the beach, Harry walks past the kiosk. In the top background stand buildings on Rue de la Crosse that overlook Jardin des Petits Murs.
- Capture 28
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Acting furtively, Harry heads off to make a phone call. La Porte Saint Pierre leads to Place du Guet in Saint-Malo.
- Capture 29
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Jane and Ann return to the quay where they find Susan's mother, Mary Hyde (Gabrielle Brune). In the background rises Solidor Tower in Saint-Servan.
- Capture 30
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With Paul's assistance, Mary is lifted onto Turtle by the bosun's chair. Chemin de la Corderie stands on lower slopes of La Cité d'Alet in the background.
- Capture 31
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Harry returns to discover a suspicious Ann holding the cigars that he left on the beach. Cale Solidor below Solidor Tower.
- Capture 32
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That evening, Harry and Ann become better acquainted during a visit to the casino with Tony, Jane and the Partridges.
- Capture 33
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Following a visit by Monsieur Charbonnier from the casino, Harry is ordered to leave Turtle before Dudley Partridge (Cecil Parker) and Tony go ashore. Looking along Quai Sébastopol from Cale Solidor.
- Capture 34
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Dudley attempts to recruit a new crew member. Place Saint-Pierre with Solidor Tower in the distance.
- Capture 35
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On such a hot day, a few drinks were needed to cool down. Quai Sébastopol with the corner of Rue d'Alet to the left.
- Capture 36
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A little worse for drink. Tony 'pipes' Dudley aboard Turtle. Looking across to the rear of properties on Chemin de la Corderie overlooking Port Saint Père.
- Capture 37
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When Dudley asks Ann if the spy has gone ashore, she retorts that Harry is an investigator who looks into things when people break the law. Cale Saint-Père occupies the background.
- Capture 38
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The crew set sail for England. In the background, for the last time we see Port Saint Père and the Solidor Tower in Saint-Servan, Brittany.
- Capture 39
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Turtle takes on water and all but Tony and Jane are rescued by Sir Harold Brazier aboard Liberty, which ends up in a small harbour after the night's thick fog. This looks more than a little like a model.
- Capture 40
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After being rescued from Liberty by the Coastguard, the Braziers and the Partridges are brought into harbour.
- Capture 41
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As Sir Harold and Dudley talk about retrieving Liberty, towards the rear of the lifeboat, Harry draws Valerie Partridge's (Avice Landone) attention to a small yacht lying against the quayside ahead.
- Capture 42
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The lifeboat approaches Turtle . . . .