Director: Maurice Elvey

Release Date: March 1932

The Daily Herald reported on ‘A Talkie Tragedy’, 25 January 1932, asking ‘Was Peter Hannen killed by his talkie work? About three weeks before Christmas he and Ann Todd had to jump into the Welsh Harp at Hendon while making “The Water Gipsies.” Ann devoloped some sort of a rash and Peter a mysterious internal complaint which could not be diagnosed. Was it a germ in the water? He dragged on for weeks, and then died.’ In the surviving film Todd does not jump into the Welsh Harp but Hannen does. The actor died on 21 January 1932. The Welsh Harp was the unofficial name, because of its shape, of the Brent Reservoir.

Unidentified

Capture 1

Unidentified. This appears to be Ann Todd sailing the craft.

Unidentified

Capture 2

Unidentified. The camera follows the craft revealing a rural looking background.

Grand Union Canal

Capture 3

The theme of canal boat life is introduced with a view of the Grand Union Canal in the Brentford area.

Brentford Lock

Capture 4

Facing north on the Grand Union Canal at Brentford Lock.

Upper Mall, Hammersmith

Capture 5

Presumably Upper Mall, Hammersmith, with Hammersmith Bridge in the distance. It's supposed to be Ann Todd and Ian Hunter standing by the tree.

Unidentified

Capture 6

Unidentified. This is presented as the Todd family home and may be the view downstream from Chiswick.

Cowley Lock

Capture 7

Canal life is depicted with a view of Cowley Lock on the Grand Union Canal.

Hanwell

Capture 8

Canal life on the Hanwell Flight at lock 96.

White City Stadium

Capture 9

Some stock footage of White City Stadium suggests that Sari Maritza and Anthony Ireland pay a visit to the dog races.

Welsh Harp, Hendon

Capture 10

As Peter Hannen searches for Richard Bird in the Welsh Harp, Hendon, Todd looks on from the boat.

Unidentified

Capture 11

Unidentified. Todd stepping out a building presented as a hotel.