Two Gentlemen Sharing

From a call box alongside the Thames, solicitor Andrew McKenzie phones about a flat advertised in the press. A back projection of the River Thames as seen from the western landing of Westminster Bridge outside County Hall in SE1.

Development over Charing Cross station adds to the skyline. SJ

Turned down for the accommodation after explaining that he's from Jamaica and black, Andrew McKenzie (Hal Frederick) crosses out the address and leaves the phone box. Westminster Bridge Road SE1 with Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament behind the Grade II listed South Bank Lion.

No boxes now. SJ

Andrew crosses the river. Facing east on Westminster Bridge with a blurred County Hall in the left background.

A sharper view. SJ

The bowler hatted lawyer makes his way home. Parliament Square in London SW1 with the Houses of Parliament to the right.

Flags out for Commonwealth Day. SJ

Andrew's attire stands out as he reaches a less fashionable part of town. Lord Hill’s Bridge crossing the Great Western Main Line out of Paddington in W2. The bridge can also be seen in ‘Herostratus’ and ‘A Day to Remember’.

Tris found that the once uniform colour of the bridge has been replaced by typical 21st century shabbiness.

Along untidy streets, Andrew walks towards the steps of the house where he lodges. Aidan McManus identifies this as looking south along Ledbury Road in W11 with the long demolished St. Stephen's Gardens to the left.

In a slightly better state. SJ

In another part of town, a sports car is washed. Looking towards Montpelier Walk on Montpelier Place SW7 with the southern end of Sterling Street to the right.

Taken at roughly the same time of day and season. SJ

Across the road, an electric milk float whines to a halt. Montpelier Place, facing The Nelson public house at the corner of Sterling Street. The pub has since closed.

The colour scheme is roughly the same. SJ

Roddy Pater (Robin Phillips) appears at his door to pick up two pints just left by the Milkman. Outside number 22 Montpelier Place.

Fifty years on and reassuringly similar. SJ

In West London, Andrew calls Roddy to ask about the flat share he has advised about by a chap called Maxwell. Aidan McManus recognised Ledbury Road W11 with it's gentle curve increased by the camera's focal length.

Trees and sunlight conspire to confuse the shot. SJ

While the two converse, the camera scans the neighbourhood. Our Twitter followers Ivor Wilkins and Norm led research to Notting Hill where Aidan confirms this street as Ledbury Road.

A polished terrace today. SJ

Children playing in the street, on steps and balconies are picked out as Andrew asks the advertising man if has found someone yet. Highly likely to be the upper floors of houses on St. Stephen's Gardens W11.

About here looking east from Ledbury Road. SJ

Explaining that no one has been found, Roddy asks if Andrew would like to see that flat. The south-west corner of St. Stephen’s Gardens and Moorhouse Road. With acknowledgements to flashbak.com whose page "Peter Rachman and Photos of a Run-Down Notting Hill in 1974" has been invaluable.

After Andrew agrees to share the flat, Roddy visits Ethne Burrows (Hilary Heath) at her riding school. Elvaston Mews in SW7 identified by Simon James in the 'London Movie Guide'

Behind the wisteria or ivy is the same drainpipe arrangement. And some of the windows are still the same. SJ

Led by Derek, the Children on horseback leave the mews. Elvaston Mews with Elvaston Place beyond the arch located by SJ.

Crikey, the scaffolding's still there after all this time! SJ

A Harrods van makes deliveries outside Roddy's home. Facing west on Montpelier Place in Knightsbridge.

The Nelson, 24 Montpelier Place, was converted to residential use in the 90s. SJ

At the other end of the street, Mutt (Thomas Baptiste) and Jeff (Linbert Spencer) arrive with Andrew and his belongings in their 1958 Oldsmobile 88. To the left stands The Talbot public house at the corner of Montpelier Place and Montpelier Street in in SW7. Renamed The Tea Clipper in its final years, the hostelry closed in 2014. The corner can be glimpsed in 1955's 'Stock Car'.

Another pub gone. SJ

Roddy arrives home that evening to be confronted by his neighbour, Mrs. Ashby-Kydd. Montpelier Place with Christ Church to the right.

Also known as Deutsche Evangelische Christuskirche. SJ

Andrew prepares to bat. Westminster School Cricket Field in Vincent Square SW1. The location can also be seen during 'The Warrior Strain', ‘To Catch a Spy’ and 'Daemon' while many of the buildings on the surrounding square appear in ‘In the Doghouse’.

My work privilege allows me access to the square which looks a picture. SJ

Spectators clap politely as Andrew hits a six. In front of the Pavilion at Westminster School Cricket Field.

I couldn't quite manage the angle as the sightscreens were too much effort to move away. The more modern extension in the centre of the picture was demolished in June 2021. SJ

Catching the returned ball, the Bowler (John Snow) aims for the wicket again. Westminster School Cricket Field, Vincent Square in London SW1.

The three towers of the old Department of the Environment have long gone. SJ

Taken to a jump-up by Andrew and his girlfriend Caroline, Roddy leaves with Jane Archer (Judy Geeson). Shoreditch Town Hall on Old Street in EC1. Martin Green advises that interior shots were filmed at Finsbury Town Hall on Rosebery Avenue EC1, now a Grade II* listed wedding and civil partnership venue.

Taken from outside the former Old Street Magistrates' Court, now the Courthouse Hotel, seen in A Place to Go, looking across Old Street to the town hall on the south side. SJ

The two cross the road as Roddy walks Jane home. Facing east on Old Street towards the bridge carrying the railway north from Broad Street station.

This view shows, in the distance on Shoreditch HIgh Street, the spire of St. Leonard's aka Shoreditch Church aka The Actors' Church, which featured prominently in TV's Rev. SJ

After a cup of tea from a street stall, the pair near Jane's house. The corner of Malden Road and Wellesley Place in Kentish Town NW5.

Denis Hoare shows the housing estate that replaced the houses. (RL)

On another day, Roddy and Jane are approached by a Street Photographer.

At her family home, Ethne sits with her mother Mrs. Burrows (Elspeth March) while Roddy walks with her father Mr. Burrows (Philip Stone) who gives advice about women.

Roddy looks for Jane at the market where she works as a hairdresser. Granville Arcade in Brixton SW9.

Looking down 4th Avenue towards 2nd Avenue. SJ

Having waited for some time, Roddy eventually sees Jane leave work and walk towards Charles Marriott (Earl Cameron) before he kisses her on the cheek. Since renamed as the Brixton Village Market, Granville Arcade also appears in ‘Babylon’ and 'Black Joy'.

Emerging from 4th Avenue onto 1st Avenue. SJ

A weekend away sees Roddy take Andrew, Caroline, Jane, his colleague Phil Carter and Amanda to visit his parents. Looking north from the corner of The Lane in Chastleton, Oxfordshire.

Opposite The Lane, and the previous capture, in Chastleton.

Chastleton House stands beyond the graveyard of St. Mary’s church in Chastleton.

Roddy pushes open the gates of his family home. The gateway to Chastleton House.

The garden terraces at Chastleton House.

Roddy and Jane walk around the unkempt gardens of the crumbling Jacobean mansion. Chastleton House in Oxfordshire.

Chastleton House has been owned by the National Trust since 1991 and has appeared in the 2015 BBC television series ‘Wolf Hall’.

Andrew and Roddy walk from the house after saying goodbye to Mr. Pater. In front of the Grade I listed Chastleton House in Chastleton, Oxfordshire.

The two close the gates behind them. Facing the gateway of Chastleton House with the main road through the village beyond.

After Andrew leaves a note reading "Gone back to the ghetto" following an intrusion by Mrs. Ashby-Kydd, Roddy tells Phil Carter (Norman Rossington) that there's nothing he can do. Berkeley Square W1 with Berkeley Street in the right distance.

The middle tree has gone. SJ

Phil suggests finding another lodger as Marcus Benbow turns up unannounced. Berkeley Square in Mayfair also features in ‘Three Stops to Murder’, 'The Titfield Thunderbolt', 'The Maggie', ‘I'll Never Forget You’, ‘The Walking Stick’, ’11 Harrowhouse’, ‘Go To Blazes’, 'Cool It Carol', ‘I'll Never Forget What's'isname’ and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’.

This must have been a different bench as this looks directly south to the Charles Street corner. SJ

Reminding the two colleagues who he is, Marcus Benbow (Ram John Holder) follows them before Roddy asks if he's seen Andrew. Hill Street W1 with Berkeley Square in the left background.

The parking meter and a couple of downpipes have been removed. SJ

Getting Andrew's address from Marcus, Roddy heads to finds Andrew. Facing eastward on St. Stephen's Gardens W11 with the corner of Moorhouse Road in the right background and the trees of the still extant length of St. Stephen's Gardens W2, to the east of Shrewsbury Road, in the centre distance. With thanks to our Twitter follower Norm for pointing us in the right direction.

This is the view east looking in the direction of St. Stephen's Gardens, seen in "Alfie," from roughly the same spot. Also seen, in its original streets, in "Jemima and Johnny." SJ

Being told that Andrew lives downstairs, Roddy leaves the building and descends to the basement. The north side of St. Stephen's Gardens in Notting Hill which was demolished along with properties on Westbourne Park Road, Talbot Road, Shrewsbury Road, Ledbury Road, Moorhouse Road, Burlington Mews and Westmoreland Mews in 1974 to create space for the Wessex Gardens Estate.

Looking north and one will see this. SJ

Seeing more and more of each other, Roddy and Jane walk through a market together where she asks him visit her at home the following Sunday.

Carrying a bunch of flowers, Roddy crosses the road to the house where Jane lives with her mother Helen Marriott and her step-father Charles. Wellesley Place NW5 with Wellesley Road in the left background.

Simon Edwards found a completely different scene with the Wellesley Road Care Home taking over what was the view in 1969.

Following a typical Jamaican dinner, Jane and Roddy leave the house. Outside number 2 Wellesley Place.

Simon Edwards took this shot of the same location.

The two stand in silence. Wellesley Place in Kentish Town with Malden Road crossing the background.

The view becomes recognisable as Simon Edwards moves with the action bringing the houses on Malden Road into frame.

Jane watches Roddy walk away. Looking from Wellesley Place across Malden Road towards Malden Place.

Simon Edwards explains that the Esso petrol station site is now occupied by a hand car wash, summing up some of the changes over the last 53 years with a decline in the number of filling stations and the rise of hand car washes across the country.

After glancing over his shoulder, Roddy continues on his way. The forecourt of the petrol station at the corner of Wellesley Place and Malden Road NW5 with The Priory Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Dominic in the left distance, the interior of which, as Tris points out, can be seen in 'Confession'.

Amazingly, Simon Edwards discovered that the background premises are still occupied by Sharps Fishing Tackle and was told it has been trading there for nearly ninety years!

Putting plans to go home to Jamaica on hold, Andrew heads to meet with Sir Reginald Dixon who has offered him a job after reading one of his articles. The exit from Bank station at the corner of Cornhill and Lombard Street in EC3.

Paul Lincoln managed a difficult location to find that 'street furniture' has increased over the years. (RL)

Andrew looks around to get his bearings. Looking east along Cornhill with the Royal Exchange to the left. The junction can be seen in many other productions including 'A Touch of Class', 'The Salvage Gang', 'Mary Poppins Returns', 'The Verdict', 'Aksar', 'The Passionate Friends' and 'The Mackintosh Man'.

The background is filling fast. SJ

Leaving the busy main streets, narrow thoroughfares are trodden. Angel Court with Copthall Buildings to the right.

Quite a few changes. SJ

Andrew turns and spots his destination. Looking west along Copthall Buildings in EC2 with the corner of Copthall Avenue at the nearest telephone box and Telegraph Street beyond the furthest.

The building on the right has gone for a wider street and the telephone box has turned round. SJ

Entering the offices of Turnbull, Dixon and Dixon, Andrew emerges a few moments later after losing his nerve.

Now if continuity is true, this is what would face our protagonist today or I'm in the wrong place (Copthall Avenue). SJ

Hurrying back to the station, Andrew hands his bowler hat and umbrella over to two surprised Gentlemen. The junction of Threadneedle Street and Cornhill, London. EC3 with the Royal Exchange in the background. The location is seen in many productions including 'The Mackintosh Man', 'What's Good for the Goose', 'The Salvage Gang', 'The Green Man', 'Perfect Strangers', 1951's 'Scrooge', 'Wanted for Murder', 'A Touch of Class', 'Circus of Fear', 'Tube Tales', 'Der Gorilla von Soho', '28 Days Later . . .', 'The Lavender Hill Mob', 'Monsieur Ripois' and 'Bobbikins'.

A street-level perspective. SJ

Andrew leaves the City behind. The entrance to Bank station at the corner of Cornhill and Lombard Street with Mansion House in the right background.

Paul found that the 'City of London' continues to be much quieter than it would have been pre COVID. (RL)

Roddy waits for Andrew in Hyde Park. The Serpentine Restaurant in Hyde Park, London W2. The long lost location also features in 'Theatre of Blood', 'Alfie Darling'. 'Diamonds for Breakfast' and 'Robbery'.

Not taken from quite the same spot, as it was elevated but this does look over the Serpentine towards the north. SJ

Andrew walks along the shore of The Serpentine.

This is the north shore of the Serpentine looking west. SJ

The two men meet up and walk together. The Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens W2. The gardens also appear in ‘Follow Me’, ‘Yield to the Night’, 'Climb Up the Wall', ‘Three Hats for Lisa’, ‘Touch and Go’, ‘Astonished Heart’, ‘Joanna’ and ‘The Big Sleep’.

The autumnal equinox's sunshine is kind. SJ

The Italian Renaissance Garden at the boundary between Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park in W2.

Swinging left. SJ

Andrew asks if Roddy has ever been to Speaker's Corner on a Sunday, when the Black Power flags are flying. Speakers’ Corner at Marble Arch W1 with the Cumberland Hotel on Oxford Street in the right background. Marble Arch and the area around is seen in many productions including ‘Nothing Barred’, ‘Play Up the Band’, ‘Wanted for Murder’, ‘Profile’, ‘The Statue’, ‘Emil and the Detectives’, ‘Major Barbara’, ‘Baffled!’ and ‘John and Julie’.

A little less open. SJ

"It's a joke." Andrew continues, "Me trying to get into the English middle class and you trying to get out." Facing north from Speakers’ Corner with Marble Arch Tower on Edgware Road to the right.

All rebuilt on the right but the terrace on Connaught Place remains on the left. SJ

Caroline Harcourt (Ester Anderson), Andrew and Jane arrive at Roddy's flat for a party. Montpelier Place in Knightsbridge SW7 with Montpelier Street in the left background.

Alterations here both ongoing and before. SJ