Dandy in Aspic, A

Date: 1968
Director: Anthony Mann and Laurence Harvey
Production Company: Columbia British Productions

Stars: Laurence Harvey, Tom Courtenay, Mia Farrow, Peter Cook, Harry Andrews
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, London, Surrey, West Berlin

Region(s): , ,

Storyline:

At the height of the Cold War, a double-agent is tasked with the dangerous assignment of finding and assassinating a treacherous enemy spy.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson. All uncredited Berlin comparison shots taken by Mark O’Neill

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During the Cold War, the funeral of a British agent takes place. St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden in Buckinghamshire. Also used in the opening scene of 'Johnny English'.

St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden in Buckinghamshire.

Interment has continued through the years. (RL)

Brogue (Calvin Lockhart) watches as Alexander Eberlin (Laurence Harvey), Heston-Stevas (James Cossins) and Copperfield (Norman Bird) carry Sidney Nightingale's coffin to the graveside. St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden.

St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden.

A moment of peace and serenity. (RL)

The Vicar runs to preside over the burial of the agent who was shot in North Africa. St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden near High Wycombe.

St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden near High Wycombe.

We eventually found the spot over some very uneven ground. (RL)

Lake (Geoffrey Bayldon) and the others lower the coffin into the ground as Copperfield stops the Vicar from saying prayers. St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden in Buckinghamshire.

St. Michael and All Angels church, Hughenden in Buckinghamshire.

No such activity today. (RL)

Eberlin is watched as he enters The Café Royale on Regent Street in London W1 which is also seen in 'Don't Open till Christmas'.

Peter provides this comparison.

A little later in the evening, Caroline (Mia Farrow) leaves The Café Royale followed by Alexander Eberlin. Regent Street in W1.

The same doorway by Peter.

When he sees Copperfield approach, Eberlin asks Caroline to take him home. The corner of New Bond Street and Dering Street in W1, recognised and identified by John Tunstill.

Peter was at the same corner.

The Mini turns a corner and Caroline heads to Eberlin's house in Berkeley Square. Looking southward on New Bond Street, located by JT.

And panning slightly from the previous image gave Peter this view.

In the early hours of the following morning, Eberlin leaves Caroline's home after being taken there when Copperfield was seen in Berkeley Square. Albert Terrace Mews in NW1.

With thanks to Peter who found that there have been colour changes and re-furbs. (RL)

Tearing up a photograph of himself that Caroline had taken in North Africa, Eberlin walks through the mews. Albert Terrace Mews off Regent's Park Road.

And "now" Peter is taking a photograph. (RL)

Copperfield catches up with Eberlin, telling him that Fraser wants the two of them to see something. Albert Terrace Mews in Primrose Hill.

Has that garage been converted? Peter provides the evidence. (RL)

The two Civil Servants climb into a waiting car. Regent's Park Road seen from Albert Terrace Mews in NW1.

After watching a WPC re-enact a scene from "Hot Fuzz" Peter asked her to move her car as it was spoiling his shot and then introduced her to ReelStreets. Amongst all that excitement he noted that the Mews name plate had been repositioned. (RL)

Eberlin and Copperfield are taken across the Thames. Chelsea Bridge crossing the river between Chelsea and Battersea with Battersea Power Station at work in the background.

The former power station is undergoing transformation in this shot from Peter.

  • 'Now' required

Copperfield asks questions as the car continues on it's journey. With the chimneys of Battersea Power Station in the left distance, this looks very much like Nine Elms Lane in SW8.

An establishing shot, facing north on Albert Embankment with St. Thomas Hospital to the right.

Best taken in winter and further along. SJ

The camera moves to find a Russian agent sitting on a bench. Looking across the Thames towards the Houses of Parliament from Albert Embankment in SE1. A similar view appears in 'Alfie' and 'Diamonds for Breakfast'.

This may be the bench: it's the last one to the south end of the row. SJ

Pavel (Per Oscarsson) waits for the Russian to make contact with him as the car carrying Copperfield and Eberlin comes to a halt nearby. Lambeth Bridge in SE1, also seen in a number of other films including 'The Vault of Horror', 'Sweeney!' and 'Mrs Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter'.

And more recently in Fast and Furious 6. SJ

As the Agent heads towards Pavel, a car pulls up on the far side of the bridge and a group of British agents get out. Albert Embankment with Lambeth Bridge running off to the right.

The skyline has altered but otherwise the same. SJ

Copperfield joins in as the British agents make a grab for the Russian. Albert Embankment in SE1 with Lambeth Pier on the left. The area around is also featured in 'Unearthly Stranger', 'The Naked Truth', 'Midnight Lace' and 'The Vault of Horror'.

The Riverside Cafe now fronts Lambeth Pier. SJ

The Russian Agent takes a jump towards a pleasure boat as it leaves the pier. The River Thames at Lambeth Pier.

From Lambeth Pier. SJ

Seeing his comrade die as he falls into the wake of the boat, Pavel returns to his car. Looking towards the west on Lambeth Bridge with Thames House on Millbank, home to MI5, in the background.

A redder appearance now. SJ

Eberlin meets with Pavel and tells the Russian that wants to return home. Either the British & Foreign or Carron Wharf E1 with Tower Bridge in the distance.

The Shard now dominates the view in this image from Peter.

Pavel addresses the disgruntled double agent by his real name . . . . Krasnevin. Adlards, New Concordia and Butlers Wharves stand across the River Thames.

I should have made better preparation for this shot and panned left. Next time or for someone else to improve on. (RL)

Eberlin asks Pavel to make contact with Rotopkin and ask if he can return to Moscow. Now facing down river with Columbia Point and Regina Point on Rotherhithe's Canada Estate SE16 in the centre distance.

The two "Points" are still clearly visible. (RL)

The next day, Pavel watches from Sobakevich's car as Eberlin leaves the church after receiving Rotopkin's reply. The church is St. Mary's Cable Street as seen from the corner of Cable Street and Johnson Street in E1.

Mark o'Neill records the scene from that very same spot. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

Eberlin is driven to Selvers for a meeting with Fraser. This appears to be Polsted Lodge on the Loseley Park Estate in Surrey.

Credentials are checked and Eberlin is allowed through the gateway. The roadway running between Polsted Manor and Loseley House.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to capture shots for Polsted Lodge locations. (RL)

The car approaches the large country house. Loseley Park to the south-west of Guildford, Surrey.

The tree gave way to parking. (RL)

Eberlin makes his way towards the front door. The 16th century Loseley Park near the village of Compton in Surrey.

Many were making their way to the front door but I waited for a clearer view. (RL)

Lake meets Eberlin and escorts him into the house where Fraser, Gattis and other Civil Servants wait. Loseley Park, also seen in 'The Legacy', 'I Was Monty's Double', 'The Counterfeit Plan', 'Silent Dust' and 'Night Cargoes'

I realise now that I should have been a few paces back, next time! (RL)

Once inside, Eberlin learns that Fraser wants him to go to Berlin to assassinate Krasnevin. The entrance to Loseley Park.

A much more colourful entrance now. (RL)

After the meeting, Copperfield watches as Eberlin approaches Fraser (Harry Andrews), agreeing to eliminate Krasnevin. The grounds of Loseley House in Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey.

With sincere thanks to the More-Molyneux family. (RL)

A taxi draws to a halt in London's East End. Looking under the bridge carrying the London, Tilbury & Southend Railway over Havering Street in London E1.

Mark o'Neill provides this daytime shot for comparison. (RL)

Eberlin gets out of the cab. Barnardo Street at the junction of Havering Street with the spire of St. Mary's church on Cable Street to the right.

A block of flats now obscures the view of St Mary's Church says Mark o'Neill. (RL)

The Russian makes his way towards the block of flats where Pavel lives alone. Barnardo Gardens seen from Barnardo Street.

Whilst in the area Mark o'Neill capture this scene as well. (RL)

Inside the small apartment, Eberlin tells Pavel that the British believe him to be Krasnevin. Looking towards the railway viaduct from Barnardo Gardens in Shadwell.

Now. SJ

Eberlin leaves Pavel in his squalid flat before having second thoughts and returning to kill him. Barnardo Gardens off Cable Street in E1.

Mark had no second thoughts taking this for us. (RL)

Running from the empty flat, Eberlin sees Pavel being dragged into a waiting car. The sign reads Cable Street E1.

The sign is no longer there but Mark found the spot nevertheless. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

Assuming that Pavel has been taken by the Russians, Eberlin watches the car disappear. Not Cable Street, this is a cut to another location.

  • 'Now' required

A plane from London arrives at Tempelhof Airport, West Berlin in East Germany.

  • 'Now' required

On his assignment to kill Krasnevin, Eberlin disembarks from the flight. Berlin Tempelhof Airport in the Berlin borough of Tempelhof-Schöneberg.

Henderson (John Bird) watches as Eberlin takes a cab. Outside Zentralflughafen Tempelhof-Berlin.

Even though the airport is closed Mark o'Neill still found himself waiting for people to move...which they didn't! (RL)

Eberlin asks the cab driver to take him to East Berlin. West Berlin's Tempelhof Airport. The airport, which closed in 2008, was seen in 'Funeral in Berlin' as well as 'A Prize of Gold'.

A very much quieter scene. (RL)

As he's not allowed into the East, the cab driver takes his fare to Tiergarten station. Straße des 17 Juni with the Berlin Siegessäule (Victory Column) at the centre of Großer Stern in the distance.

A closer view of the "Victory Column". (RL)

Straße des 17 Juni at the junction with Bachstraße in the Tiergarten District.

Mark risked life and limb for us with this one. We are appreciative! (RL)

The cab draws up and Eberlin enters the station to board a train to Friedrichstraße station. The entrance to Tiergarten S-Bahn station on Bachstraße 10557.

No shortage of non pollutant bicycles. (RL)

A train brings Eberlin to the end of the line. Friedrichstraße station being played by Gleisdreieck station in the Kreuzberg district of West Berlin.

To support the stations real identity. (RL)

Eberlin alights amidst troops waiting on the platform. Gleisdreieck station is situated on a viaduct and serves Berlin U-Bahn Lines U1 and U2.

Taken from the safety of the platform by Holger Braune.

The double agent descends to the border control point where he is denied access to the East. Facing north at Gleisdreieck station, Berlin 10963.

The background has certainly grown up. (RL)

Pushing past guards, Eberlin dashes through a doorway and into East Berlin. The junction of Luckenwalder Straße and Schöneberger Straße.

The same location without a boarder. (RL)

Shots are fired, bringing Eberlin to a halt. Facing south-west towards the former Potsdamer Güterbahnhof (railway goods station), now Schöneberger Wiese, from Schöneberger Straße.

Now a rather safer environment. (RL)

Troops look down from the railway viaduct as Eberlin returns to the station. Looking up at the elevated Gleisdreieck station from the corner of Luckenwalder Straße and Schöneberger Straße.

Mark looked up to no such threat. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

Having unexpectedly meeting Caroline, who has also been prevented from crossing the border, the two return to the West. From August 1961 this lower platform became the eastern terminus of U-Bahn Line U2 until the service was discontinued at the end of 1971. Line U2 resumed operating in November 1993.

  • 'Now' required

Henderson comes onto the platform and chases after the train as it departs with Eberlin and Caroline on board. Gleisdreieck station, Kreuzberg in Berlin.

At Tiergarten station, the pair hail a cab. The corner of Straße des 17 Juni and Bachstraße.

Never easy shooting into the sun. (RL)

Henderson watches as the cab drops Caroline at her hotel. Outside the Kempinski Hotel on Fasanenstraße 10719.

A clearer view in 2017. (RL)

As the cab drives away, Eberlin looks back to see Henderson approach Caroline. Looking north on Fasanenstraße with the bridge carrying the railway line running between Berlin-Charlottenburg and Berlin Hauptbahnhof stations.

A longer view to avoid parked cars. (RL)

Outside the Europa Center, Eberlin waits in Caroline's Mini. Tauentzienstraße with Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche in the right background.

From ground level. (RL)

Caroline appears with Nevil and gets into the car. Europa-Center in Charlottenburg, Berlin.

Taken from ground level, Mark admits that it is not quite the right angle, but we are all governed by change.(RL)

Henderson follows as Eberlin drives away. Facing Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche on Tauentzienstraße.

The road layout didn't stop Malcolm Tinnelly from taking this shot.

  • 'Now' required

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church) stands in between Kurfürstendamm to the left and Budapester Straße to the right.

The Mini approaches Ernst-Reuter-Platz from Hardenbergstraße.

No Mini and a shortage of "Beetles" as well. (RL)

The pursuit continues. Ernst-Reuter-Platz in Charlottenburg, Berlin 14050.

As they say "keep the flags flying". (RL)

Aware of Henderson in his Volkswagen, Eberlin speeds away. Steve Randall explains that this is looking east from Möckernbrücke in Kreuzberg, Berlin with the U-Bahn station right of centre and Holger Braune adds that, to the left, construction of the Postscheckamt Berlin West is under way.

Holger draws our attention to the building that was completed in 1971 and is now known as the Postbank skyscraper which has been converted into a residential and hotel complex.

An approaching ambulance forces Henderson to stop at a junction, allowing Eberlin to escape. Looking south over Möckernbrücke, Berlin, with Anhalter Güterbahnhof, a former goods station, on the right. (SR)

The same corner, captured by Holger Braune.

Nevil (Richard O'Sullivan) takes photographs of Caroline under Der Berliner Funkturm (Berlin Radio Tower). Hammarskjöldplatz in the borough of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.

Access denied so this one was taken from the outside. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

As the shoot continues, Eberlin arrives to meet Prentiss in the Funkturm Restaurant. Hammarskjöldplatz, Berlin 14055.

  • 'Now' required

Following their meeting, John Prentiss (Peter Cook) returns Eberlin's car, repaired after an accident in North Africa. The base of the Berliner Funkturm, Hammarskjöldplatz.

In a downbeat part of the city, Eberlin appears from behind a fence. Holger Braune identifies this as Lindenstraße at the corner of Markgrafenstraße in the Berlin district of Kreuzberg.

Taken from a similar position by Holger.

The agent crosses waste ground, heading to meet a contact who can help him to enter East Berlin. This is Markgrafenstraße advises Holger Braune.

Holger points out that the building to the right has been demolished and a new one now stands next to the surviving property on the left.

Paul Gatiss (Tom Courtenay) watches Eberlin. Markgrafenstraße located by Holger Braune.

Holger found that a different scene meets the eyes now.

Eberlin is introduced to Greff. Platz der Republik in Großer Tiergarten with the Reichstag building standing in the background.

A clearer view of the Reichstag by Malcolm Tinnelly.

Gatiss keeps his colleague under observation. In the right stands the Kongresshalle, now called the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures), on John-Foster-Dulles-Allee in the Großer Tiergarten.

Malcolm Tinnelly captures the scene 57 years on.

Police vehicles dash towards the health club where Greff is meeting with Eberlin. The corner of Rudi-Dutschke-Straße and Axel-Springer-Straße identified by Holger Braune who explains that the building to the extreme left is the famous Springer Building, headquarters of the largest German publisher.

There are many changes in Holger's comparison but the Springer Building remains.

  • 'Now' required

The shot moves with the vehicles as they come to a stand outside the building.

  • 'Now' required

Police run inside to make their arrests as Eberlin is ushered out by Gatiss.

  • 'Now' required

Gatiss takes Eberlin in search of Henderson, who he believes can identify Krasnevin. This is within the former railway stables and warehouses sandwiched between the North London Railway line and Chalk Farm Road in London NW1 identified by Aidan McManus.

  • 'Now' required

Previously revealed to be a Russian agent, Henderson approaches Gatiss before being shot by Eberlin. Aidan McManus recognised what is now the Stables Market, right next to 'The Clash' steps, within the former railway stables on Chalk Farm Road, Camden.

Gatiss and Eberlin climb the steps into the centre of the AVUS racing circuit. The full name of the circuit is the Automobil Verkehrs und Übungsstraße and it dates from 1921.

The spectator stands are still there. Located between an autobhan and a dual carriageway. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

As Gatiss asks what is being done to find Krasnevin, a red car practices on the circuit. The track now forms the northern part of the Bundesautobahn 115.

Gatiss signals to the red car. The AVUS in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Berlin.

Due to restrictions, this was the best angle Mark could get. (RL)

A red car's driver spots Gatiss and comes to a stand beside him. The observation tower still stands, forming part of the Avus Hotel on Halenseestraße.

Once again restrictions governed Mark's angle. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

Following information provided by their Russian counterparts, Gatiss and Eberlin explore the Europa-Center in search of Krasnevin where they discover Copperfield's body in a photo-booth.

  • 'Now' required

Sobakevich (Lionel Stander) arrives at the Grand Prix to collect his money for giving Krasnevin to the British. Motor racing continued at the AVUS until 1998.

During the race, crowds surge as the red car crashes, giving cover as Gatiss shoots Sobakevich. The (north end bank) of the AVUS in Berlin 14055.

Once again a restricted angle. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

After saying goodbye to Caroline, Eberlin takes his car, passing the Church of Reconciliation on Bernauer Straße. The church was demolished in 1985 and the Kapelle der Versöhnung (Chapel of Reconciliation) now stands in it's place.

Signs read "You are now leaving the American sector" on streets bisected by the wall. Luckauer Straße at the junction with Sebastianstraße in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin identified by Holger Braune.

The junction now, captured by Holger.

  • 'Now' required

The drive continues. Facing south-west on Bernauer Straße in the Mitte district of Berlin.

Eberlin approaches Checkpoint Charlie on Friedrichstraße. This is the real location in the Kreuzberg district, also seen in 'Funeral in Berlin'.

The iconic location now. (RL)

  • 'Now' required

Seeing the border guards on the eastern side, Eberlin turns his Pontiac Firebird around. Looking north on Friedrichstraße 10969.

Eberlin heads back into West Berlin. Friedrichstraße facing the junction with Kochstraße and Rudi-Dutschke-Straße. Manuel Gurtner adds that from the junction with Friedrichstraße, the eastern part of Kochstraße was renamed in Rudi-Dutschke-Straße in 2008.

Shooting into the sunshine once more. (RL)

Arriving back at his hotel, Eberlin finds Prentiss waiting for him. Located by Holger Braune, this is looking out onto the junction of Stuttgarter Platz and Windscheidstraße near Charlottenburg station.

Holger came across a rather cluttered corner.

Prentiss tells Eberlin of a change of plan as he loads luggage into a diplomatic car. The corner of Stuttgarter Platz and Windscheidstraße in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin recognised by Holger Braune.

The garage has been replaced in Holger's view.

Eberlin looks back as he's driven from the hotel. Holger Braune explains that this is looking westward on Stuttgarter Platz towards the junction of Rönnestraße and and Leonhardtstraße in Charlottenburg.

Holger found changes at the junction.

  • 'Now' required

Sergeant Harris (George Murcell) welcomes Prentiss and Eberlin to RAF Gatow from where the two will fly back to London.

  • 'Now' required

Whilst crossing the tarmac to board the plane, Eberlin spots a Cadillac Convertible which starts to speed towards him.