Informers, The

In front of Boadicea and Her Daughters, the titles explain where the story originates before a cut takes the viewer a little way along Victoria Embankment. The statue stands on a plinth at the north-west landing of Westminster Bridge above Westminster Pier in SW1.

I would have preferred a bluer sky here, as it's all rather grey. SJ

When the last credit fades from the screen, the camera begins to pan left. Looking north on Victoria Embankment with Hungerford Bridge crossing the river in the background.

The embankment wall remains the same among the many changes. SJ

Scotland Yard comes into view before the shot zooms in on Superintendent Bestwick's office as he reads newspapers reporting an increasing number of robberies by a "safe gang". Facing New Scotland Yard on Victoria Embankment SW1.

The north block of the Norman Shaw building has been shrouded for several years spoiling comparison potential, but, here, half of it is now down. The lean of the tree on the right compares well. SJ

While Chief Inspector Johnnoe argues for using "snouts" rather than new technology, a Thames river-bus makes its way up stream. The Upper Pool of the River Thames with Tower Bridge in the distance.

The vessel carrying Charlie and Jim Ruskin approaches Charing Cross Pier. The King's Reach of the Thames with Waterloo Bridge in the left background.

Waterloo Bridge's background has changed at this angle. SJ

Even with accusations of bribery levelled at Scotland Yard, Chief Inspector John Edward Johnnoe (Nigel Patrick) waits to meet with his informant at the pier. Charing Cross Pier on Victoria Embankment WC2.

Peter Zazzi provides this image of the rebuilt pier.

Avoiding Charlie, the Chief Inspector shakes Jim Ruskin (John Cowley) by the hand as he comes out of hiding. Beneath Hungerford Bridge taking the railway line eastward from Charing Cross station.

Now with the addition of the southern Golden Jubilee pedestrian bridge. SJ

Jim looks over at his ashamed brother who tries to persuade him to stop being a informer. Across the river rises the then recently completed Shell Centre on Belvedere Road.

The Shell Centre has attracted some additions. SJ

Chief Inspector Johnnoe comments that Charlie should be on a box in Hyde park banging a tambourine. In the background stands County Hall on the south bank of the Thames in SE1.

A clearer but still grey view of County Hall. SJ

Disgusted with Jim, Charlie Ruskin (Colin Blakely) jumps from the river-bus. Westminster Pier on Victoria Embankment with Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament to the left.

Now. SJ

I've moved a little closer since my shot from 17 years ago. SJ

Looking back, Charlie gestures to his brother as he climbs the steps from the pier. Facing the statue of Boadicea and Her Daughters at the corner of Westminster Bridge, Bridge Street and Victoria Embankment.

A shot from Nigel Matthews revealing, not surprisingly, that nothing has changed. (RL)

Watched by Chief Inspector Johnnoe and a uniformed Policeman, a Bentley's horn sounds as Bertie Hoyle is driven by his chauffeur Lipson to pick up Maisie.

Leaving her flat, Maisie Barton (Margaret Whiting) appears in the street and walks towards Bertie Hoyle (Derren Nesbitt). Ray and Ron Glenister recognised Lime Street Passage into Leadenhall Market EC3.

Hot on the heals of the identification I just had to make a short detour to capture the scene today. (RL)

After phoning the police about a robbery in progress on Lombard Street and speaking with Bertie in the upstairs bar of a pub, Leon Sale (Frank Finlay) heads off home. Through the darkness, this appears to be Lime Street Passage seen from Lime Street.

In daylight. (SR)

Jim Ruskin appears from the pub as Bertie and Maisie are driven away. Recognised by Dave W, this is looking towards Fenchurch Street and Philpot Lane from outside the Ship Tavern at 27 Lime Street EC3. The public house closed in 2010.

Now it's a Nando's. (SR)

Turning from the street, Leon walks along an alley and into a courtyard. Staying in EC3, Dave W. finds Brabant Court with 17 Philpot Lane in the background. (RL)

Looking out from the courtyard. (SR)

The worse for drink, Jim staggers to the corner of the alley. Looking eastward along Ship Tavern Passage located by Dave W.

Leon climbs the steps to his sparsely furnished room. Dave W. found the courtyard at 75 Leadenhall Street EC3.

After crooks Mick Lonergan, Fred Hill and Shorty arrive a little while later, Jim looks for a telephone kiosk and calls the Chief Inspector's number. The Gracechurch Street end of Ship Tavern Passage in EC3 located by Dave W.

Looking into the passage from Gracechurch Street. (SR)

Seeing Jim leave the courtyard, Leon sends Shorty (Roy Kinnear) to deal with him. Identifying Ship Tavern Passage, Dave W. adds that the phone kiosk displays a sign reading "There is an additional call office in the Post Office". The Post Office was at 78 Gracechurch Street adjacent to the camera position. (RL)

No phone kiosk today. (SR)

Bertie arrives at Shorty's remote farmhouse in Essex where he beats Jim before taking him into a field and running over him.

Boat hooters sound on the Thames just after 7 the next morning. Looking up at the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament from Victoria Embankment.

Rebuilding on the right. SJ

Tilting down to Victoria Embankment, the shot finds a Mark II Jaguar approaching New Scotland Yard.

Rain-slicked streets in SW1. SJ

Arriving for work, Chief Inspector Johnnoe and Sergeant Lewis hear about last night's bank robbery. Facing Derby Gate from Victoria Embankment SW1.

The refurbishment of the northern section of the Norman Shaw North Building continues. SJ

Leon returns home from Hoyle's house after being told about Ruskin phoning Johnnoe's number the previous evening. 75 Leadenhall Street located by Dave W. The courtyard still exists in a modified form and is surrounded by buildings on Mitre Street as well as Leadenhall Street.

Learning of Ruskin's phone call which was answered by his wife Mary and then about his informant's murder, the Chief Inspector and his Sergeant head for Leon's flat. Adrian Grepnold recognised Shaftesbury Avenue where just along from the Apollo Theatre, the Lyric is showing 'Breaking Point' with John Gregson, Robert Beattie and Paul Massie.

Now. Shaftesbury Avenue, pic by Adrian Grepnold.

A lull in the traffic, but not the reconstruction. PW

Getting out of the car, Sergeant Geoff Lewis (Ronald Hines) follows Chief Inspector Johnnoe. The corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Rupert Street with the Globe Theatre to the extreme right.

The same corner 62 years later, outside what has become the Gielgud Theatre. PW

The two Detectives enter the yard where Leon's flat is situated before climbing the stairs to question him about the bank job as well as Bertie Hoyle. Dave W. discovered the courtyard of 75 Leadenhall Street in EC3.

Chief Inspector Johnnoe leaves the mortuary after identifying Jim Ruskin's body. Rob Clack identifies Camley Street N1, now Granary Street, where the building on the left stands next door to St. Pancras Coroners Court out of shot. This location was also featured in 'The Tin God', an episode of the 1960s television series 'Gideon's Way'.

The tower in the then shot is still there, but is mostly hidden by the trees.

The Inspector spots Charlie Ruskin's van across the street. The corner on Camley Street where the "Abbots" sign points the way to the one seen in 'Robbery'.

Realising that Jim's brother may be inside the mortuary, Inspector Johnnoe turns in time to see him leaving with his employee Ben (Michael Coles). At the time of filming, this section of road was unnamed but now forms part of the diverted Camley Street.

Camley Street from the junction with Granary Street taken by Rob Clack who adds "Not the exact spot due to street realignment."

After a telling off from Superintendent Bestwick for visiting the mortuary, the Inspector makes his way to Charlie's scrap yard. Ray and Ron Glenister found the location to be Selby Street in Bethnal Green E1. Not surprisingly, now all built over. (RL)

Charlie and Ben struggle to repair their Thames ET as Inspector Johnnoe enters the yard. Ray Glenister has located this as looking south over the school wall to John Pritchard House in Buxton Street E1. In the distance, the then newly built high rise apartment block stands on the corner of Hanbury Street and Old Montague Street. (RL)

Seeking justice for Jim's death, Charlie meets with Tommy the Trotter (Donal Donnelly) who introduces him to a bunch of his Mates inside a billiard hall. Outside numbers 251b and 253 on the north side of East India Dock Road in E14.

Moments later, Inspector Johnnoe arrives in the Jaguar. East India Dock Road seen from the corner of Bullivant Street, Poplar with Poplar Hospital in the right distance.

The Inspector tells Sergeant Lewis to take the car back before crossing the road and entering the billiard hall. Ron Glenister and Richard Lovejoy independently and simultaneously came up with 249-251 East India Dock Road as the left background. (RL)

In the yard below his flat, Hymie (Bernard Goldman) feeds his birds. Ray and Ron Glenister have pinpointed this as the rear of College Buildings on Wentworth Street E1 backing on to Toynbee Hall. The street can also be seen in ‘It Always Rains on Sunday’, ‘A Kid for Two Farthings’, ‘Sparrows Can't Sing’ and ‘The Small World of Sammy Lee’. (RL)

The best view possible through the gates at the back of what was College Buildings. PW

Hymie turns to see Fred Hill looking down at him from the rooms where he Lonergan and Shorty are hiding out. The back of College Buildings on Wentworth Street in Spitalfields.

Carrying a newspaper, Leon runs to the flat to show the Gang a front page story featuring Ruskin's death, suggesting that Shorty is suspected of murder. Looking west along Wentworth Street from College Buildings.

The view from street level on the pavement outside the remains of College Buildings. PW

Inspector Johnnoe is driven to Bertie Hoyle's new house. Facing south-eastward along Gloucester Terrace from the corner of Chilworth Street in W2.

The terrace is still rather splendid. SJ

Telling Sergeant Lewis that he'll be about fifteen minutes, the Inspector heads for the rear of the building. Of course, Simon James' book 'London Film Location Guide' details the junction of Gloucester Terrace and Chilworth Street.

Yup, and this is the corner now. SJ

The corner is unchanged. SJ

As Inspector Johnnoe turns off the main roadway into the story's Mayfield Mews at the back of the property, Hicks spots the squad car at the front of the house. SJ identifies the entrance to Gloucester Mews, which can also be seen in 'The London Connection'.

Looking through the arch. SJ.

A south-east view down the mews towards the exit to Craven Road. SJ

Bertie Hoyle and his Gang look down from from a window to see the Inspector walking though the mews. Gloucester Mews off Chilworth Street in Paddington, located by SJ.

Now. SJ

The garage doors left of no.66 Chilworth Mews has enjoyed a lick of paint. SJ

Inspector Johnnoe turns his attention to the S Type Bentley parked half in its garage. Gloucester Mews W2 with Chilworth Street in the right background, found by Simon James.

Now. SJ

Looking north-west onto Chilworth Street. SJ

Henry the Fifth (James Mellor) opens a door and asks the Inspector if he'd "like a dollar to wash her down" before Peter the Pole appears and invites him into Hoyle's house. Gloucester Mews in Paddington.

Now. SJ

A good match to the left but not so much to the right. SJ

Maisie and her son Bobby Barton return from a walk across the heath. Whitestone Pond on West Heath Road, Hampstead NW3 with Whitestone Walk to the left and the Old Courthouse next to "Jack Straw's Castle" in the distance.

Adding to the location information Denis Hoare tells us that the building in the right background behind the Hampstead War Memorial was built for/owned by the Hoare banking family. Denis is now frantically searching Ancestry.co.uk (RL)

Driving Hoyle through Hampstead, Lipson spots Maisie crossing the road. Neal Winfield confirms the location as facing the junction of North End Road, Whitestone Lane, East Heath Road, Heath Street, Hampstead Grove and West Heath Road with Bell Moor in the right background. This is where JT recalls driving his car down the slipway and into the water in a thick pre-Clean Air Act fog!

Neal also provides the comparison.

Completing their afternoon out, Maisie returns Bobby to Aunt Ada (Anne Woodward) moments before Hoyle turns up.

A Volkswagen Microbus appears from behind a passing bus before swerving across the road to stop outside a telephone kiosk. North End Road NW11 with Golders Green Hippodrome to the right. At the time of filming, the now Grade II listed theatre was a BBC television studio but since 2007 has been home to a variety of religious orders.

Denis Hoare found that the tree on the left has flourished since the film was made, but buses appear to have reduced in size. (RL)

Peter the Pole (Peter Bowles) holds the receiver for Leon and Henry the Fifth to hear a continuous ringing tone. Facing westward on North End Road in Golders Green.

Another comparison by Neal Winfield.

Taking a box of groceries from Henry, Leon crosses the road towards Inspector Johnnoe's house. North End Road NW11.

Neal Winfield follows the pan from the previous capture, just across the road.

Leaving the phone box, Peter the Pole waits on the pavement with Henry. Ray Glenister confirms North End Road, almost opposite number 11. (RL)

Denis found it useful it being a similar season, otherwise the building at the back would be totally hidden by the increased tree growth. The distinctive shape of the building on the right can now be seen he says, although it could well have been extended upwards. Additionally, Denis not been able to find a map reference that shows the phone box so we are presuming that it was a prop, quite likely. (RL)

Leon looks for a way into the Inspector's home to plant evidence that will hamper his investigation of Hoyle. Number 11 North End Road in Golders Green NW11 identified by Ray Glenister.

Despite a couple of builders, who helpfully moved out of shot while Denis took the picture, he admits that he still managed to get a bad angle for the doorway. However, he assures us that the house number is obscured by the column and that it IS number 11 and not number 1. We believe you, of course. (RL)

Receiving a telephone call, Inspector Johnnoe makes his way through Soho to meet with Maisie. Adrian Grepnold advises that this is looking south from outside Isola Bella on Frith Street W1.

Taken by Russell Groves outside number 14 Frith Street where the railings survive.

Removed in the intervening years, there were no railings when I turned up. PW

The Inspector begins to cross the street to reach the story's Deans Court where Maisie is preparing to frame him after being threatened by Hoyle. Facing number 14 and 15 Frith Street, a location that also features in 'The Small World of Sammy Lee'.

The Gourmet Burger Kitchen is the old Isola Bella with the mosaic doorstep still surviving. Local Restaurateur Antony is a mine of information for this street and the coming and goings of Italian restaurants in this area. SJ.

Car designs change to mark the passage of time. PW

After photos are taken of him with a provocatively dressed Maisie, Chief Inspector Johnnoe is suspended from duty before being taken home by Superintendent Alec Bestwick (Harry Andrews) and a Sergeant (Donald Tandy) where they discover £500 from the bank job in his loft. Outside number 11 North End Road NW11.

A Hillman Minx takes the Inspector to Bow Street police station. Bow Street in WC2 with the corner of Floral Street to the left.

Yes, and the Opera house in view on left. SJ.

An update with an ambulance which did actually move off later but time was pressing. SJ

A Detective watches Johnnoe as he gets out of the car. Facing the Royal Opera House opposite Bow Street police station and Magistrates Court. This section of the street also features in ‘Rude Boy’, ‘Bobbikins’, ‘The Weapon’, ‘Take My Life’ and ‘Davy’.

Little change here, as expected. SJ.

And again little change. SJ

The disgraced Chief Inspector enters the police station where he is charged with accepting money from Maisie Barton prior to appearing before a Magistrate.

The entrance to the old police station, now a museum, on Bow Street. Also seen in The Last Man to Hang. SJ

After Johnnoe is remanded in custody for one week, Leon speaks with Hymie after making arrangements with Shorty, Fred and Mick. College Buildings at numbers 16 to 77 Wentworth Street E1 say Ray and Ron Glenister. The good news is that a small portion of the building, with that distinctive brickwork, has been retained in a re-development. (RL)

Tommy the Trotter spots Leon from across the road. Wentworth Street, another street from 'The Small World of Sammy Lee' as well as 'Sparrows Can't Sing', 'A Kid for Two Farthings' and 'It Always Rains on Sunday'.

When the two Crooks are out of sight, Tommy makes his way into the courtyard below Hymie's flat. Looking towards Wentworth Street through College Buildings identified by Ray Glenister. (RL)

Tommy looks around for clues. The back of College Buildings on Wentworth Street.

Seeking help to clear her husband's name, Mary Johnnoe (Katherine Woodville) leaves Whitechapel station before referring to a piece of paper. Outside the entrance to Whitechapel station on Whitechapel Road E1 spotted by Adrian Grepnold. The station frontage can also be seen in 'The Barber of Stamford Hill' as well as 'The Small World of Sammy Lee'.

Whitechapel Road and underground station photographed by Adrian.

Looking up from their work, Charlie and Ben see Mary enter the scrap yard. Ray Glenister completes his "files tidy up" by telling us that the gate of the scrap yard opens onto the western end of Selby Street E1 and the top of Weaver House on Pedley Street is visible to the left beyond the the castellated walls of the railway's Pedley Street goods shed. (RL)

Engine's whistle in the background as Maisie takes Bobby to the station and the train back to his boarding school at the end of the school holiday. Liverpool Street station on Liverpool Street EC2.

This is the furthest I could manage without buying a ticket to capture the roof of the station. SJ

Charlie calls in Lou Waites (Kenneth J. Warren) to help stage Bobby's kidnapping. Other parts of Liverpool Street station appear in several productions including 'The Elephant Man', 'Mission: Impossible', 'The File of the Golden Goose', 'Mona Lisa' and 'I Was Monty's Double'.

Mary and Sergeant Lewis walk John Johnnoe from the cells after his wife uses their life policies against bail. There's a clue in the picture. The Magistrates Court on Bow Street WC2 where the entrance to the once famous court can also be seen in 'Rude Boy, 'Inside Information' and '21 Days'.

There's also a perfectly good sign in stone above the doorway. SJ.

Some greenery has been added. SJ

Outside the court, Mary tells her husband that she's been to see Charlie Ruskin to explain how he was framed. The corner of Bow Street and Broad Court.

Now. SJ

Looking south down Bow Street. I feel that I should be further back though. SJ

No longer a "cop", Johnnoe tells Mary that he explain everything later but must go. Those background telephone boxes still stand on Broad Court and can also be seen in '21 Days' and ‘The Flesh is Weak’.

Broad Court now. SJ.

The row of five decorated K2s still indeed stand. SJ

Mary watches John cross to a taxi that he's hailed. Looking across Bow Street towards the Royal Opera House. SJ.

The same corner of the Royal Opera House. SJ.

Not a lot has changed. SJ

When Shorty flees in fear of being framed for Jim Ruskin's murder and is captured by Charlie and his Pals, Fred Hill (George Sewell) and Mick Lonergan (Peter Prowse) wait for a ride to take them to Paddington and safety.

After Maisie is tricked into revealing that Hoyle had framed Johnnoe, Charlie, Ben, Tommy and his Mates speed across London towards Hoyle's house. Denis Hoare identifies this as viewing from the corner of Marylebone Road and Upper Montagu St, looking across to Gloucester Place in left distance, with Dorset House, the building with the petrol station, on the corner. (RL)

Denis provides a comparison shot to confirm, noting that the pavement along Marylebone Road has been widened and trees added since the film was made. (RL)

At a junction, Charlie avoids a collision with an articulated lorry. The junction, Geoff Dodd recognises as Edgware Road, W2 with the lorry about to turn into Sussex Gardens showing Cambridge Court in the background. (RL)

Denis captures a slightly smaller vehicle than the artic in the original capture, and there’s also just one phone box on the left rather than the two in the original, but hey, everything these days is smaller. (RL)

After an exchange of horns, Charlie drives on. Having turned into Sussex gardens Geoff points out the spire of St James’s Church on Westbourne Terrace being visible in the distance. (RL)

Swinging the camera around from the previous capture, Denis made sure that he included the church spire in his compative shot. (RL)

Travelling by cab, Leon approaches Hoyle's house. Gloucester Terrace

It is indeed Gloucester Terrace again. SJ.

A grimmer day but at least the green-shrouded scaffolding is down. Looking north-west from the postbox-free junction. The postbox has changed style and moved behind me opposite no. 84 Gloucester Terrace. SJ

Leon gets out of the taxi. Facing the crossroads formed by Gloucester Terrace and Chilworth Street.

Now. SJ

Panning left to the west. SJ

Letting himself into the house, Leon makes his way to the garages at the back. Number 88 Gloucester Terrace identified by SJ.

88 Gloucester Terrace now. SJ.

A sharper shot shows a nice big 88 etched into the door's glass. SJ

Hoyle is woken by the sound of Leon directing vehicles from the mews. Gloucester Mews off Chilworth Street W2.

Denis Hoare provides this shot from ground level making sure that he still managed to include that distinctive window. (RL)

The vans driven by Charlie and Ben turn into the road outside Hoyle's home. Chilworth Street with Gloucester Terrace crossing the scene. SJ.

Chilworth Street now. SJ.

A different season in my updated shot. SJ

The vans come to a halt. Facing Gloucester Mews on Chilworth Street W2.

Whilst there was a convenient car bonnet to substitute the foreground, Denis had to make do with an e-scooter to substitute for the van. It gives us a clearer view Denis. (RL)

Charlie jumps from the drivers seat of his Thames and peers into the mews. Chilworth Street, facing the junction with Gloucester Terrace identified by SJ.

A sunny comparison by SJ.

Looking at my 2008 comparison, I see that the lens depth to bring out the curved terrace at the corner of Chilworth Street and Devonshire Terrace was not well matched so here's a zoomed shot to do that. SJ

Directing his van to move to the far end of the mews, Charlie signals to Ben to bring his Bedford A2 across the road. Chilworth Street with properties at the corner of Gloucester Terrace to the left. SJ.

A shrouded corner. SJ.

A non-shrouded view of the corner. SJ

From his vantage point behind a wall, Lipson mouths to Hoyle that a van has gone to the other end of the mews. Gloucester Mews with Craven Road through the archway.

Denis noted that changes to the wall on the right opens up the entrances to the houses along that side. (RL)

Fred and Mick arrive by taxi. Chilworth Street with the corner of Gloucester Terrace to the left.

Now. SJ.

The corner on the left is now clear of RS scaffolding. SJ

Paying the Cabbie, Mick looks over at Hoyle's house before he and Fred spot Ben's van across the road. Outside 90 Chilworth Street in Paddington.

Number 90 now. SJ.

The railings have been replaced since filming. SJ

Lou and Ben get out of the cab as the shutter of the Bedford rolls up to allow the rest of their Gang out. Chilworth Street with buildings on Westbourne Terrace in the right background.

Not my finest effort as I should be further east, and cross the street, to overcome the lens depth. Replaceable. SJ

Mick and Fred reach Hoyle's back door as Charlie's van speeds towards them. Looking south-east along Gloucester Mews W2.

Now. SJ

Taken from just inside the north-west end of the mews. SJ

Armed with tools, Ben and Lou walk into the mews. Looking onto Chilworth Street from Gloucester Mews.

Denis confirms that the road does not slope as it would appear and hopes that the e-scooter will drawn the eye from the strange camera lens interpretation. (RL)

As a fight between the rival Gangs breaks out, a taxi carrying Johnnoe and Maisie comes to a stand at a red traffic light. Looking into Old Marylebone Road from Edgware Road NW1 with Hyde Park Mansions forming the background.

Acknowledging that he should perhaps have been further forward, Denis Hoare was mindful of not being run over. (RL)

Johnnoe arrives in time to see Leon speeding away from Hoyle's house in the Bentley. Facing the junction of Chilworth Street and Gloucester Terrace W2 with the corner of Devonshire Terrace and Cleveland Square in the left distance.

Once again, we are left to wonder how we coped on the roads without all that street furniture, but Denis confirms that the row of chimneys remain behind that STOP sign. (RL)