Go for a Take

An establishing shot of Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End sets the scene.

Peter visited a redesigned Piccadilly Circus.

Having dealt with the last lunchtime customers, Wilfred Stone (Reg Varney) and Jack Foster (Norman Rossington) leave the restaurant where they work. The junction of Frith Street and Bateman Street in London W1, identified by RL.

The ever present reconstruction spoils yet another view. (PW)

The pair hurry along to the local bookmaker in an effort to win money and pay off a debt to Generous Jim. Di Davies advises that this is the High Street, Slough, subsequently redeveloped. However, the postbox and premises behind the camera remain. (RL)

Steve Randall took this current view from behind the pillar box.

As they enter the bookies, Jack spots Generous Jim’s car pull up across the street. High Street, Slough, currently occupied by Langhams (52) and B Simmons (50). (RL)

The pillar box has grown in Steve Randall's comparison, but the shop frontages have survived.

As he walks past, Generous Jim's friend Maurice (Harry Landis) is invited into the car. High Street, Slough says Di. (RL)

To the centre top, Steve Randall draws our attention to the remains of the digital clock.

Fearing for their lives, the two gamblers speed away from the rear of the bookies in Jack's car. Di Davies (with a little local knowledge) advises that the background building are the Prudential Buildings on the corner of High Street and William Street, Slough. The building site, to the left of Frank Farr's, was the 'new' library that has been superseded by an even "newer' library (eyesore) that stands adjacent to Prudential Buildings. Farr's and the Prudential Buildings can also be seen in 'Carry On Abroad'. (RL)

Steve Randall found brand-new apartments under construction.

The chase heads through the west end. Facing Piccadilly from the corner of Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus W1.

Tricky to match up the railings with the background. SJ

Looking from Moor Street onto Old Compton Street in W1 with the corner of Greek Street to the centre. From the opposite direction the intersection featured in 'Appointment with Crime', ‘Street of Shadows’ and ‘Up Jumped a Swagman’ while the Prince Edward Theatre was seen in 'Melody', 'Saturday Night Out' and 'The Wrong Arm of the Law'.

From a similar position. (PW)

The pursuit continues. The junction of Moor Street and Old Compton Street in Soho.

Nearly got the right angle. (PW)

Jack manages to squeeze the car through bollards that are too close for Generous Jim's car. Looking from Laurels Road onto Heath Way in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.

Wilf attempts to secure the canvas sun roof that's started to come open. Pinewood Green, looking towards the junction with Ashford Road.

Antony Blair captured the view without the focal length.

The eastern section of Pinewood Green. The road on Iver Heath Housing Estate also features in 'The Fast Lady', 'Carry On at Your Convenience', 'Carry On Behind', 'Carry On Cabby', 'Carry on Camping' and 'The Early Bird'.

From a similar position by Antony.

Wilf is dragged behind the Citroën Dyane. The western side of Pinewood Green in Iver, Buckinghamshire.

The camera tracks the car.

Antony found that the trees are maturing well.

With Wilf clinging onto the detached sunroof for his life, Jack drives on. Pinewood Green in Iver. Various parts of the estate have been seen in several films including ‘Carry On Camping’.

The same bend in the same road, taken by Antony around 47 years after filming.

Generous and Maurice discuss the motor trade as the crooks gain on Wilfred and Jack. The southern part of Pinewood Green.

The lamp posts appear to be the same ones in Antony Blair's shot.

Looks like the cars got to the studio before the story line.

As Jack crashes his car in a dead end, Generous Jim arrives in the street.

The two waiters take refuge in the back of a lorry. The same set was used in 'Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width', 'All Coppers Are . . . ', 'The Amazing Mr. Blunden', ‘Carry On at Your Convenience’ and ‘The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes’

Having been driven to the Starwood Film Studios, the pair attempt to blend in with the extras. Heatherden Hall at Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.

A little quieter. RJ

Still wearing waiter's uniforms the two are given jobs on the set. The terrace on the south side of Heatherden Hall. Used as a location many times including for ‘Bugsy Malone’, ‘Twice Around the Daffodils’, ‘The Early Bird’, 'White Cargo', 'The Million Pound Note' and ‘Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines’.

The steps from the terrace. RJ

Wilf is called upon to perform stunts. The rear of the Administration Block with the west side of Heatherden Hall to the right.

Surviving the fall, Wilf discovers that being a stunt man pays handsomely.

While Jack chats up the actresses, Wilf performs another daring stunt. Is this Black Park Lake as seen in ‘Countess Dracula’?

Hearing an ambulance and fearing the worst, Jack leaves actress Suzi Eckmann and runs outside. Main Road with the Administration Block on the left.

Jack finds his injured mate in the back of the ambulance. In the left distance stands the clock tower of the Coach House, a building seen in ‘The Vulture’, 'Quest for Love' and 'Island of Terror'.

Having persuaded Wilf to continue as a stunt man and hiding him in one of the stages, Jack runs back into the building. Car Park 1 at Pinewood.

Generous Jim's car arrives at the studio complete with thugs. The frontage of the TV Complex which can also be seen in 'Carry On Camping' as well as an episode of television's 'The Persuaders'.

Chauffeur Graham (David Lodge) opens the door for Generous Jim (Patrick Newell). Looking towards Goldfinger Avenue from outside the TV Complex.

Jack and Wilf run from one of the buildings after Generous and his boys find them. Facing west outside the entrance to Post Production on Goldfinger Avenue.

Generous Jim and his Heavies (Jim Bolton, Dervis Ward and Unknown) follow the two from the building. Outside the entrance to Post Production.

Taking a car, Generous and his boys chase after Wilf and Jim who are now dressed as women. The western side of Pinewood Studios with L and M Block on the left and Black Park to the right.

As Wilf and Jack climb into an armoured car, the gang keep up the search. Looking east on Goldfinger Avenue. A closer view of the building in the left background appears in 'Masters of Venus'.

Having joined Tiger from 'The Double Deckers', Jack and Wilf speed away in the armoured car. Main Road from the corner of Paddock Lane.

Generous Jim cruises around the studio. Goldfinger Avenue at Pinewood Studios, also seen in . . . . ‘Goldfinger’.

As Wilf, Jack and Tiger escape from the studio complex the police arrive to find the Citroën dumped by Generous and his heavies. Facing east on 007 Drive.

In a nearby housing estate, the armoured car is brought to a stand. Heath Way in Iver Heath with Laurels Road to the right.

Heath Way now by Antony Blair.

The two say goodbye to Tiger (Debbie Russ) as they climb from the armoured car. The junction of Heath Way and Laurels Road.

No armoured vehicles in Antony's view.

As they walk, the pair puzzle over how they can keep out of Generous Jim's way. The junction of Bangors Road North and Heath Way, Iver Heath.

Wilf and Jack ponder being encased in cement and thrown into the Thames. Looking into the north cul-de-sac of St. Margaret’s Close in Iver Heath.

Antony captured an artiste free corner.

Realising that they won't be allowed back into the Starwood Studios, Jack suggests that they lie undercover in the television studios. The entrance to Iver Heath Primary School on St. Margaret’s Close.

The reality of the location revealed by Antony Blair.

The Studio Concierge (Bill Fraser) takes a shine to 'Winifred'. Looking onto St. Margaret’s Close from the driveway of Iver Heath Primary School.

Antony faced the same direction.

Having successfully gained entry, the two look back at the Concierge. The driveway leading to Iver Heath Primary School.

The same road, now lined with hedges. Picture by Antony.

The former Gatehouse, now Double Lodge, on Pinewood Road, Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire.

Antony Blair found that just the Pinewood sign on the green missing here!