FOR THEM THAT TRESPASS

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GB
1949
1hr 35mins
Dir: Alberto Cavalcanti
Starring: Richard Todd and Rosalyn Boulter

A renowned writer knowingly conceals the identity of a killer even though an innocent man is being held for the crime

This crime film is an adaptation of the 1944 novel of the same name by Ernest Raymond that has the real murderer as a fireman. Despite this detail there is relatively little in the way of real railway scenes and the engine shed and footplate shots are studio sets. In one engine shed scene the crew sign off work at the end of their shift and there is a backdrop with steam locomotives present, perhaps a couple of ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0s, but the shots appear to be artistic recreations despite the ‘live’ steam effects. There is, however, a dramatic final scene filmed in a tunnel which sees the killer run down by a train, a passing freight hauled by a WD Austerity 2-8-0. Another train passes in the opposite direction in this scene, the locomotive of which cannot be identified, and a couple of other shots of passing expresses at dusk appear earlier in the film that may be hauled by ex-LMS ‘Patriot’ Class 6P 4-6-0s.

Although a number of trains are featured in the film this is about as clear as they get. What appears to be a ‘Patriot’ 4-6-0 passes the camera at speed on an express, though it maybe a ‘Royal Scot’.
The ‘engine shed’ scene. Although some steam locomotives can be made out in the background this is thought to be a set with painted backcloth.
The final scenes take place in this tunnel, the flying arches of which may led to an identity as they are a distinctive architectural feature. Could this be Belsize (Fast Line) tunnel perhaps?
Michael Laurence in the tunnel. Welwyn has been suggested though this is probably only because the film was made at Welwyn Studios.
The first train comes powering through the tunnel.
The last shot shows the freight train bearing down on its hapless victim. This looks like a War Department Austerity and though the buffer beam number is seen in another closer shot it can not be made out.