Wrong Arm of the Law, The

A Post Office van reverses up to a loading bay at a sorting office. This is Beaconsfield Sorting Office on Post Office Lane in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire identified by Gary Lane. The background building was demolished and replaced in the early 2000s.

Phil Richards visited to find everything had changed, but it was still recognisable. (RL)

The Postman unlocks the door and begins to unload mail bags and is dragged inside the van. Gary Lane located this as Beaconsfield Sorting Office on Post Office Lane with the upper floors of buildings on Station Road to the top left.

Phil did the best he could given that the wall area has been 'filled in'. (RL)

Clutching the mail bags, Sid Cooper (Graham Stark) runs towards a waiting car. Gary Lane was a postman and worked at Beaconsfield Sorting Office many years ago and adds that it's appearance in the film was always talked about to new staff.

There were no mail bags being moved during Phil's visit. (RL)

Outside the sorting office gates, Jack Coombes (Bill Kerr) watches from a police car. Beaconsfield Sorting Office on Post Office Lane in Beaconsfield recognised by Gary Lane.

60+ years on and security features would appear to have increased according to this shot from Phil Richards. (RL)

Reg and his associates Maurice and Trainer King make their way to a warehouse.

Having followed the crooks, the police car appears in the warehouse yard.

Transferring the mail bags to a Morris van, the crooks take the haul to their boss.

The van reaches the fashionable Bond Street in the heart of London W1. Just visible to the right is the logo of Coty the perfumiers and a little research by Adrian Grepnold found their premises in New Bond Street, now part of Ralph Lauren's store.

Adrian provides this modern view.

The telephone kiosk has travelled. Streetview shows it disappeared in 2017 finding its new position by 2019. SJ

Sid, Trainer King (Davy Kaye) and Maurice (John Junkin) take the mail bags into Maison Jules, a high class couturier run as a front by Pearly Gates, where Jack Coombes and his associates arrive to confiscate the loot. Shell Rubin provides support for his identification to this being part of the Studio buildings. (RL)

The Australian gang impersonating three police officers return to their hideout with the mail bags where Pearly's girlfriend Valerie arrives soon after. Haven Green Court on Haven Green, Ealing W5.

Same des-res apartment block in Ealing taken by Antony Blair.

While making his escape after a burglary, Misery Martin is caught by Jack Coombes, Bluey May and Reg.

As alarm bells begin to ring, Maurice waits at the wheel of his Ford Zodiac outside the Central Bank. The junction of Station Road and Post Office Lane, Beaconsfield located by Martin Underwood.

And here's Martin's proof.

Sid and Trainer King run from the premises with the proceeds of the gang’s latest job. Facing the bank at the corner of Station Road and Post Office Lane found by Martin.

Antony Blair found that in the intervening years the Central Bank has turned into a Halifax.

As Maurice speeds away from the bank, Jack and Bluey May (Ed Devereaux) set up a diversion. Station Road in Beaconsfield with the corner of Maxwell Road in the right of centre background located by Barry Thompson.

Looking south outside the shops on Highway Court taken from the safety of the pavement by Antony. This replaces Barry Thompson's previous Google image.

Having radioed Jack, Reg Denton (Reg Lye) watches the getaway car as it leaves the scene of the bank raid. Barry Thompson found that this is Station Road, Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

Antony captures the corner with Gregories Road to replace an earlier Google image from Barry.

As the car drives from view, Reg sets off in pursuit.

A replacement for Barry's Google view, this is facing Highway Court captured by Antony Blair.

Waiting by the sign, Bluey diverts the gang's Zodiac into a side street. Facing north-west on Station Road in Beaconsfield.

Looking north outside the Post Office on Station Road taken by Antony and replacing Barry Thompson's Google image.

Masquerading as a Sergeant, Jack stops the getaway car and orders everyone out. Antony notes that the getaway car has stopped on Post Office Lane, right next to the bank they’ve just robbed!

And this is Antony's shot of the same spot.

Loading the loot into their own car, the gang impersonating police officers leave Maurice, Trainer and Sid standing facing a wall. Martin Underwood identifies this as Station Road in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.

Martin provides the scene as it appears now.

As traffic chaos ensues, the IPO Mob make their escape.

Antony Blair found a much quieter scene today, no such dramas.

That weekend, the peace of the riverside is hardly disturbed as three of Nervous O'Toole's men commit an early morning burglary.

Brassknuckles, Alf and Snatch descend to the ground after their work is done only to be apprehended by the IPO mob. Derek Higgins advises that this is Rushymead in the village of Coleshill between Amersham and Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire. Since 1991 the building has housed a small hospice and a residential care home.

At his headquarters in Soho, Nervous listens as his men explain how they were captured. Old Compton Street at the corner of Moor Street in W1 with the Three Greyhounds public house to the left and the Cinerama Cinema on the right. The location appears in many productions including ‘Go for a Take’, ‘Lunch Hour’, 'Up Jumped a Swagman', 'Saturday Night Out', ‘Melody’ and ‘Finding Your Feet’.

From street level. (PW)

Outside Maison Jules, Pearly Gates is encouraged to walk with Alf (Barry Keegan) and Brassknuckles (Arthur Mullard) towards Nervous O'Toole’s car.

As they drive through London, Nervous and Pearly discuss the IPO Mob before agreeing to call an extraordinary general meeting of the syndicate. Geoff Dodd finds them in Adam’s Row W1, viewed from the corner of Carlos Place and looking towards South Audley Street. (RL)

Looking west along Adam's Row. SJ

A Crook (Ernie Rice) grasps the wheel of his car as Snatch spots his target leave the County Bank. Antony Blair advises that this capture, and the following sequence, features the set at Beaconsfield Studios in Buckinghamshire that was also seen in 'The Fast Lady'.

Carrying a briefcase containing £30,000, a Bank Messenger (Pat Halpin) emerges from the bank's door. Beaconsfield Studios on Station Road, Beaconsfield.

Snatch moves in on the Messenger. A set at Beaconsfield Studios.

After the consignment is cut from the Messenger's arm, the IPO Mob pull up alongside, throw powder in Snatch's face, grab the briefcase and drive away leaving Constable Perkins running to assist. Beaconsfield Studios on Station Road, Beaconsfield once again.

At the Police Station, Superintendent Forest and Inspector Parker question Snatch. Christopher Matheson recognised Hampstead Police Station on Rosslyn Hill in NW3, which also features in ‘One Way Out’, 'Night, After Night, After Night' and ‘Account Rendered’.

Christopher also provides this comparison.

A taxi speeds past the jewellers where, posing as Charles Jules, Pearly Gates shows disappointment at what is on offer. No disappointment at Dave W's offering, Dover Street, London W1, with the taxi having just past the premises of 'Rowe Bros & Co Ltd' at No 10. (RL)

Working around a parked car, Neil Kenny took this comparison.

Suggesting that he instead visits Cartier in Paris, Pearly secretly films the Jeweller as he opens the safe to produce finer items. Those fine premises at 13 Dover Street, W1 remain Dave advises, and that Royal Warrant was at the time proudly displayed by 'Longman and Strongitharm'. (RL)

Neil Kenny found that many of the shop front features have survived.

Jack calls to a Police Officer before dismissing him from his escort duties and collecting Mr. Oppenheimer.

The extraordinary general meeting of the syndicate takes place at Nervous O'Toole's headquarters. A night view of the road outside the Cinerama Cinema at the corner of Old Compton Street and Greek Street.

In daylight, with the Cinerama Cinema now reverted to the Prince Edward Theatre. (PW)

Inspector Fred 'Nosey' Parker (Lionel Jeffries) arrives in Battersea Park after a meeting is arranged between the crooks and the police. At the top of the steps leading down to The Piazza from The Parade on Carriage Drive North in SW11.

Dave provides this 'now' revealing some excellent preservation of detail from 'The Festival of Britain in 1951'. (RL)

Accompanying Inspector Parker, Assistant Commissioner (John Le Mesurier) walks with Superintendent Forest (Martin Boddey) through the Fun Fair in Battersea Park.

Nervous O'Toole (Bernard Cribbins), Pearly Gates and their Men head towards the contingent from Scotland Yard. Battersea Fun Fair also appears in ‘The File of the Golden Goose’, ‘Bedazzled', 'Seventy Deadly Pills', 'The Mutations', 'The Day the Earth Caught Fire', 'Gorgo', 'Torture Garden' and 'Doctor in the House'.

After Inspector Parker is forced to pay for everyone to go on various rides, Pearly, Nervouse and their mobs head to the water chute. Battersea Fun Fair in London SW11 with two of the chimneys belonging to Battersea Power Station to the top left.

The two chimneys survive. SJ

When a 24 hour crime free truce by the Crooks is accepted by the Assistant Commissioner, the Inspector calls to Pearly as he ascends on the water chute.

Standing in a position where he is certain to get soaked, Parker continues to call to Pearly.

At midnight, the truce begins and the Police begin to search for the IPO Mob. Sharp eyed Dave W temporarily diverted his attention away from his current project and back to ReelStreets, to tell us that this apparent source footage also appears in 'Clouded Yellow' C21 where it is identified as Tyne Bridge. (RL)

Squad cars are dispatched from every available source.

The armistice continues and the search spreads across London.

Division by division, the net closes in. And so does Dave W, right down to Ellerdale Road NW3 looking towards 9 and (now redeveloped) 11 Arkwright Road. (RL)

Denis Hoare confirms the redevelopment of the house in Arkwright Road and points out that the distinctive pattered wall leading to the junction is now covered in foliage. (RL)

Vehicles are stopped in an attempt to find the gang impersonating Police Officers. Dave W has found the 'police' road block to be Westbourne Square, London W2 looking towards 33 et seq Lord Hills Road. Other views of the area appear in 'Innocent Meeting', 'The Battleaxe', Monsieur Ripois' and 'A Woman's Temptation'. (RL)

Garages throughout the capital are checked. This is the Lex Garage on Brewer Street in Soho W1.

And Poland Street Garage on Poland Street W1.

When a call is received that the suspect gang's car has been found, Inspector Parker and his Men arrive at the IPO Mob's hideout. Outside Haven Green Court on Haven Green W5.

Antony took this view from inside the courtyard of Haven Green Court, which now has entrance canopies.

The Inspector leads Officers into the building where they are hoodwinked by Jack and his gang. Haven Green Court on Haven Green in Ealing. Brian Duffy tells us that the same apartment block is also seen in ‘The Sicilians’, ‘Doctor in Distress’, 'The Return of Mr. Moto', ‘Who Done It?’, ‘Danger Route’ and 1959’s ‘The 39 Steps’.

Now by SJ.

With the original plan to capture the IPO Mob in tatters, a security van heist is arranged which sees Parker being assigned to Pearly's gang and Siggy Schmoltz being flown in from Hamburg.

With his expenses from Pearly amounting to more than a month's police salary, the Inspector sets himself up in a flash apartment. Shell Rubin Torquay advises that this is Dorset House on Gloucester Place in London NW1.

This replaces Shell Rubin Torquay's view of Sept 2015 which understandably avoided the tree but was way off-angle. This is the Gloucester Place frontage. SJ

Pearly brings Siggy to Inspector Parker's flat where the three discuss plans to rob a bullion van carrying £500,000. Looking up at Dorset House in Marylebone.

The tree rather spoils this shot so please replace next winter. SJ

Pearly arrives with a jack and Siggy Schmoltz (Tutte Lemkow) runs along the street with a spare tyre after their Bedford CAL suffers a blow out. Antony Blair locates this as Waterloo Road in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

And here's Antony's proof.

Parker complains to Pearly about doing manual work as the loosens the decoy van's wheel nuts. Waterloo Road with since demolished buildings in the background.

Antony Blair found a much changed scene.

Jack Coombes looks out from the doorway of a nearby house as Reg digs the garden. Facing the front gardens of since demolished and replaced numbers 105 and 106 Cowley Mill Road in Cowley, Uxbridge.

Antony took this shot which shows the replacement buildings.

Reg looks up and down the road when Jack asks if anything's happening. Looking east from outside number 109 Cowley Mill Road with the Black Prince public house to the left and Swan Bridge in the right of centre distance.

Taken from a similar viewpoint by Antony Blair.

"No, not a thing." In front of 105 and 106 Cowley Mill Road with one of Uxbridge gas works’ holders towering above the properties opposite.

Not far away, an ice cream van and a Post Office van bring undercover Officers to the location of a prearranged ambush. Bushy Park Road in Teddington, Middlesex confirmed by Steve Legg.

And another gasholder gone. Shot by John Harwood. (SJ)

From the roof of an old building, Nervous O'Toole, his Boy (Kevin Bennett) and gang members prepare themselves for the arrest of the IPO Mob. Looking onto the level crossing taking Bushy Park Road across the railway with Fairfax Road Signalbox to the extreme right.

John H. has been playing with his trusty drone again. (SJ)

The Policemen set up their equipment. Bushey Park Road, Teddington advises Mick Hanley. which is confirmed by Steve Legg.

John found an extension to the right. (SJ)

With all squad cars diverted to ensure success of the operation, one vehicle experiencing a faulty radio remains in the area. Antony Blair identifies this as looking south-west along Ashley Road in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

And here's Antony's proof.

Pearly looks along the road, waiting for the security van to appear. Waterloo Road from the corner of Cowley Mill Road in Uxbridge.

Antony Blair (AB) returned to the corner.

When a van is spotted in the distance, Pearly, Parker and Siggy prepare to carry out the heist. Facing The Lord Hill public house from Waterloo Road.

In focus and well set up by Brian.

The Austin Omnivan approaches the junction where Pearly pulls out from the side road. Cowley Mill Road with the corner of Mill Avenue on the left and the Black Prince public house to the right. The pub closed in 1963 and the whole terrace which it was part of was demolished to be replaced by four semi-detached properties.

Antony marks the spot of another lost pub.

Taken aback by the maneuver, the Driver of the Austin watches the Bedford move to block the road ahead. Facing the corner of Cowley Mill Road and Waterloo Road with the since demolished numbers 94 and 93 Waterloo Road in the background.

Taken from a similar angle by Antony Blair and showing that the house has been replaced by industrial units.

The two vans collide before Siggy jumps from the back of the Bedford with his cutting gear. Looking towards The Lord Hill which survives as retail premises.

The Inspector switches on the electricity supply to Siggy's cutter. The corner of Cowley Mill Road and Waterloo Road outside The Lord Hill.

Antony found the shop at the corner of Waterloo Road and Cowley Mill Road in Uxbridge.

Siggy Schmoltz completes his task and opens the van's rear door. Looking north along Waterloo Road from Cowley Mill Road.

Another confirmation of the location from Antony Blair (AB).

As the distraught Van Driver (Mario Fabrizi) examines the damage to his vehicle, Parker explains to Pearly that they've stopped the wrong van. The corner of Cowley Mill Road and Waterloo Road.

An unobstructed view of the shop. AB

Brassknuckles is told to drive on after arriving to move the loot. Looking along Waterloo Road from Cowley Mill Road.

The same location revisited by Antony Blair.

The Van Driver gets back into the Austin and drives away with his load of dresses. Confirmed by Miles Branscombe, here we face west on Cowley Mill Road with Swan Bridge in the background.

Nice one Brian, this is how the bridge looks now.

Time marches on in Antony's update. AB

In her Austin-Healey Sprite, Valerie drives towards the Policeman waiting at the level crossing. Bushey Park Road with properties on Wick Road in the top left background.

Howard Morgan shows the scene today, with a few more cars, looking towards Fairfax and Wick Roads in a north easterly direction. (RL)

Valerie passes Assistant Commissioner and Superintendent Forest as they try to look inconspicuous. Fairfax Road level crossing, Bushy Park Road, Teddington in Middlesex.

Looking SW towards Bushy Park (in the distance), unfortunately Howard was not able to reproduce accurately because the crossing is covered by vegetation. The photo does show that the house on the right is visible. (RL)

The Van Driver finds the Officers in the car with the defective radio and draws up alongside. Ashley Road, Uxbridge identified by Antony Blair.

Antony took this view of the scene now.

Having received the Van Driver's report the Police Car speeds off to find the gang that held him up. Antony Blair advises that this is looking north-east at the junction of Ashley Road with Cowley Mill Road.

The same location now captured by Antony.

Valerie approaches the house where the IPO Mob are waiting. Looking along Cowley Mill Road towards the junction with Cowley Road with the Chiltern View Tavern in the distance. The pub closed in 2007 and has since been converted into flats known as Chiltern View House.

Antony discovered that the same lamp post was still standing!

Reg spots Valerie who tells the gang that she has seen Policemen setting a trap at the level crossing. Facing Cowley Mill Road with the gasometers of Uxbridge gas works in the background.

The houses remain but gas works has long since disappeared in Antony Blair's view.

Another Austin van turns into the road where Pearly, Siggy and Parker are waiting. Looking along Cowley Mill Road from the corner of Mill Avenue with the Black Prince to the right.

The Black Prince still hasn't returned. AB

Peering around tround the corner, the Inspector spots the target bullion van. The corner of Cowley Mill Road and Waterloo Road.

A wider view of the corner shop by Brian.

A closer shot of the still extant shop. AB

The Security Van Driver looks back. Cowley Mill Road in Uxbridge. Middlesex.

When the Bedford's clutch fails, the van is pushed towards the main road. Waterloo Road in the Cowley area of Uxbridge.

Antony Blair's shadow spotted at the scene.

Inspector Parker guides the decoy van into the road ahead of the security van. Looking along Cowley Mill Road from the corner of Waterloo Road.

Brian Duffy again provides the comparison.

Newer bollards are seen in another location update from Antony. AB

"Come on." Cowley Mill Road at the corner of Waterloo Road.

Snapped by Brian Duffy.

A Postman finishes their deliveries. AB

The bullion van stops after passing behind Nosey Parker. The junction of Cowley Mill Road and Waterloo Road with The Lord Hill to the left.

Brian moves to the right of the since closed pub.

AB found that the sorting office is still in operation.

As an astounded Siggy looks on, the Inspector guides the bullion van to hit the police decoy van. Looking east along Cowley Mill Road.

Michael Miller provides an up to date shot of Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge showing a considerable build up in traffic. (RL)

Once again, Siggy begins to cut into the van door. The corner of Cowley Mill Road and Waterloo Road in Cowley, Uxbridge.

A wider view of the corner by Brian Duffy.

As the loot is transferred into a suitcase, Brassknuckles appears once again. Looking towards Swan Bridge carrying Cowley Mill Road over the Grand Union Canal from the junction with Waterloo Road in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

The same junction and bridge taken by Antony Blair.

As Peary, Parker and Siggy drive away with half a million, the rogue Police Car approaches the scene of the crime. Swan Bridge in Uxbridge.

Antony Blair provides this view looking down from the crest of the bridge.

The Officers inside spot the bullion van at the side of the road. Looking along Cowley Mill Road from Swan Bridge.

Without the aid of a car, Antony captures the view as it appears now.

Pearly's Aston Martin DB4 keeps ahead of the car that they believe belongs to the IPO Mob. Cowley Mill Road with the junction of Bridge Road ahead and the bridge over Fray’s River in the foreground.

The road seems to have been widened in Antony's modern picture.

The Police Car swings around a corner as they follow the Aston Martin. Looking from Cowley Mill Road into Cowley Road in Cowley.

Antony found the junction.

This is the northern end of Waterloo Road, facing Dolphin Bridge that takes Rockingham Road over the Grand Union Canal in Uxbridge Moor.

The very recognisable location taken by Antony Blair.

The camera pans to follow the Aston Martin into Waterloo Road.

Antony visited the same stretch of road, just after the bend.

The high speed pursuit continues. Cowley Road with Waterloo Road Mission to the left of centre.

Antony points out that the church is just visible behind the lamppost to the left of centre.

Expecting the IPO Mob to be following, Nosey and Pearly become suspicious as the police car's bell keeps on sounding.

All redeveloped in Antony's shot.

The camera pans to follow the DB4.

Antony took this looking south with the Lord Hill public house at the bottom of the road.

The Aston Martin approaches the level crossing. Bushy Park Road, Teddington with properties at the corner of Wick Road in the centre background.

Howard once again shows the scene today, with a few more cars, looking towards Fairfax and Wick roads in a north easterly direction. (RL)

The following police car catches up with Pearly and is immediately surrounded by plain clothes Officers. Fairfax Road Level Crossing on Bushy Park Road in Teddington. Colin Watts advises that the signalbox and level crossing closed in April 1973.

John Harwood returned to the site of the level crossing on Bushy Park Road.

Unable to take any more when he finds out that Parker is an Inspector, Siggy makes a run for it. Fairfax Road level crossing in Teddington.

Taking this shot across the railway, John Harwood adds that the background house has since had an extension added.

Pearly suggests that Inspector Parker joins his boys "Be in at the kill?" Bushy Park Road in South Teddington confirmed by Steve Legg.

And compared by John Harwood. (SJ)

Siggy runs into the distance. Facing south-west on the railway line from Teddington to Hampton Wick with one of Teddington Gas Works’ holders in the right distance.

Howard took this shot looking towards Hampton Wick station from the footbridge which replaced the now closed crossing. (RL)

Sid and Trainer acknowledge Pearly's order to open the gates. Fairfax Road Signalbox at Fairfax Road level crossing in Teddington.

A very helpful resident on their way home assisted John Harwood in placing where the signal box once stood.

As Pearly takes off across the railway line, Nosey's voice is heard from the back of the car "On the other hand, I think I'll keep an eye on the money." Fairfax Road Level Crossing was removed and replaced by a footbridge in 1973.

John Harwood provided a similar but not identical shot for capture 59 too. (SJ)

Nervous is shocked to see Pearly drive away. Overlooking the site of Teddington Gas Works with one of the remaining holders in the distance.

Howard shows us the care home now standing on the waste ground that was behind Bernard Cribbins in 1963. (RL)

After closing the gates, Trainer removes the gate wheel. Facing north from south of Fairfax Road Level Crossing.

Looking across the crossing from the southern side from Howard. (RL)

Nervous O'Toole's Rolls Royce appears from the waste ground. One of the entrances to the former Teddington Gas Works on Bushy Park Road.

John Harwood explains that there were once two gasometers at the gasworks, one almost next to Bushy Park Road and the other further away.

The Policemen at the scene of the ambush realise what has happened and join Nervous O'Toole in chasing Pearly, Nosey and the money. Looking south towards Fairfax Road Level Crossing on Bushy Park Road.

Howard provides the replacement for the Google subitted by Steve Legg in 2011. The white house on the right is the one adjacent to the ice cream van in the capture. (RL)

In the Aston Martin, the Inspector handcuffs himself to the case containing the money. Antony Blair identifies this as Oxford Road heading out of Uxbridge with Osbourne Farm standing to the right.

Antony advises that Osbourne Farm still stands but is obscured by trees.

The Signalman explains to the Assistant Commissioner that he can't open the gates as the wheel has been stolen. Fairfax Road Signalbox in Teddington again confirmed by Steve Legg.

Howard notes that footpath between the signal box and house is till in use and even managed to capture a train passing by. (RL)

In the DB4, Pearly attempts to bribe Parker with half the take as the IPO Mob and Valerie join the pursuit. Located by Antony, this is Oxford Road looking towards Uxbridge. This stretch of road is also seen in 'Genevieve'.

Antony proves the location as looking in the opposite direction on Oxford Road with Smith's Garden Centre to the right.

Pearly turns off the main road and heads to the airfield where his plane is waiting. Alan Field identifies the junction of the A40 London Road, Potkiln Lane and Oxford Road to the east of Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire with buildings belonging to Sandy Bottom Lodge on the left.

Jack looks back to Valerie after they apparently lose Pearly.

Following a short cut, Valerie and the IPO Mob reach the airfield ahead of Pearly. Denham Aerodrome off Denham Green Lane, Denham which also features in 'You Can't Escape', 'Sex and the Other Woman', 'Reach for the Sky' and 'The Flying Sorcerer'.

Nervous and his gang near the airfield followed closely by the Assistant Commissioner and his men. The bridge carrying the railway between Denham Golf Club and Denham stations over Tilehouse Lane in Denham Green, Buckinghamshire.

Antony Blair provides this view of the bridge as it looks now.

Pearly and Nosey run for the crook's light aircraft as the IPO Mob, Nervous and his boys and the Police fight it out. Located by says Miles Branscombe, this is Denham Aerodrome to the east of Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire.