Italian Job, The

# On days like these when skies are blue and fields are green, I look around and think about what might have been, And then I hear sweet music float around my head, As I recall the many things we left unsaid . . . This is the Grand Saint Bernard Pass above Aosta in North West Italy.

Kris Winser provides this comparison of the Grand Saint Bernard Pass which was taken during his tour of the locations.

# And its on days like these that I remember, Singing songs and drinking wine, While your eyes play games with mine . . . Roger Beckermann's orange Lamborghini Miura comes into view.

# On days like these I wonder what became of you, Maybe today you are singing songs with someone new, I'd like to think you're walking by those willow trees, Remembering the lovely youth on days like these . . . Beckermann skillfully steers around tight corners. On the right stands the Great St. Bernard Hospice along the Great St. Bernard Pass as it passes through the Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.

Unfortunately the car is not a Lamborghini Miura, but Hamilton McMurray tells us that it was still pretty good fun.

# And its on days like these that I remember, Singing songs and drinking wine, While your eyes play games with mine. This tunnel stands to the north of La Thuile on the Strada Statale 26 road as it passes through the Aosta Valley.

At the other end of the tunnel, Beckermann's Lamborghini hits the blade of a bulldozer. This is the same, north end of the tunnel on the SS26 to the north of La Thuile. This section of the road is now covered by a canopy constructed in 2000.

The bulldozer pulls the wreckage from the mouth of the tunnel. The tunnel above the Torrente Dora di Verney near La Thuile in the Aosta Valley.

Mafia boss Altabani and his associates watch as the car is pushed from the road, crashing into the valley below.

Having served his sentence, Charlie Croker (Michael Caine) is released from Wormwood Scrubs. The prison stands on Du Cane Road in London W12 and has appeared in a great many productions including 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square', 'Frenzy', 'The Constant Husband', 'The Big Job', 'Go to Blazes', 'Jungle Street', 'Adventures of a Plumber’s Mate', 'Nothing Barred', 'Feet of Clay', '13 East Street', 'Hot Millions', 'Morgan, a Suitable Case for Treatment', 'Rotten to the Core' and 'Three Steps to the Gallows'.

Confirmed by Steve Edmonds with this view taken for the earlier cropped screen capture.

From the driver's door of a stolen car, Lorna (Maggie Blye) calls to Charlie. Du Cane Road in W12.

The fence remains and the trees have matured in Antony Blair's comparison.

Acknowledging his girlfriend, Charlie walks over to the Daimler Majestic. Du Cane Road in East Acton. Howard Baker points out that the car, NAN 404D, was also used for Vic Dakin’s (Richard Burton) mum’s funeral in 'Villain'. (RL)

Photo proof again from Steve Edmonds.

Lorna drives Charlie away in the Pakistani ambassador's car. Facing east on Du Cane Road W12. A similar view is seen in 'The Horses Mouth' and 'Doctor in Clover'.

A similar view from Antony Blair.

The Garage Manager (John Clive) admires the Aston Martin DB4 when Charlie arrives to collect it. Wikipedia tells us that the location of the underground car park is now part of Park Lane BMW in London W1.

Confirming and updating the location as the basement of the former Mini dealership on Park Lane, Bingo provides this view taken from the same spot with the doors of the car lift from Mount Street in the background.

Charlie drives down from the garage where his car was stored as Police Officers take notes whilst examining the abandoned Daimler. The forecourt of The Royal Lancaster Hotel in W2 with properties of Westbourne Street on the extreme right. In the left of centre background, Nigel Walley points out Maitland Court which can be seen in several productions including 'Mantrap', 'Whispering Smith Hits London', 'Paul Temple Returns', 'Salute the Toff', 'Song of Paris', 'Operation Diplomat' and 'Flannelfoot'.

The Royal Lancaster Hotel as it appeared when Steve Edmonds visited.

Changes to the entrance once again on the left. SJ

The DB4 is brought to a stand in front of the hotel reception. Outside the entrance to The Royal Lancaster Hotel which overlooks Bayswater Road and Hyde Park recognised by Steve Edmonds.

There's more a curve to the front door now. SJ

Charlie looks over at the Policemen before entering the hotel and checking in as Lord Croker. The forecourt of The Royal Lancaster Hotel in Bayswater. The hotel also appears in 'Percy’s Progress'.

The redesigned frontage now. SJ.

An update on the new look to the entrance. SJ

The Officers continue to scrutinise the diplomatic vehicle. Looking onto Westbourne Street W2 from The Royal Lancaster Hotel recognised by Jon Richardson. The background terrace also features in 'Carry On Doctor'.

Westbourne Street as seen from the hotel forecourt. SJ

Having spent a pleasant night in the hotel, the next next morning Charlie cadges a lift on a milk float. The often rebuilt London Wall in EC2.

Paul Turner captured the scene now, pointing out the closest bridge which has changed completely and with currently half missing as the building it joined having since been demolished. The distant bridge has been replaced by a large building complex which straddles the road. Paul also adds that the white building to the centre is the same one seen standing in the screen capture albeit with added floors.

Charlie examines a reel of film given to him by Beckermann's widow. London Wall has appeared in many films over the years including ‘The Strange Affair’, 'The London Nobody Knows', 'Crossplot', 'Three Hats for Lisa’, ‘Ladies Who Do’, ‘The Sandwich Man’, 'Bartleby', ‘Life at the Top’, 'Go to Blazes', 'Sebastian' and ‘A Matter of Choice’.

Playing the film at home, Charlie watches as Beckermann outlines his plan to steal $4 million in gold from the Fiat company's weekly armoured convoy. Overlooking Turin in Piedmont, Italy with the tower of the Mole Antonelliana to the right of centre.

Images of Turin's computerised Traffic Control Centre are shown before Beckermann explains how the bullion can be taken out of the city. This is Apex House at the junction formed by Uxbridge Road, Twickenham Road, Hampton Road and Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, Greater London which was recognised by Michael Hartley and Matthew Savage.

After Charlie breaks back into the Scrubs and upsets Mr. Bridger whilst attempting to get backing for the job, a Thames camper van approaches his flat in Notting Hill. Adrian Grepnold found the location to be facing south on Portobello Road in London W11 with the Centaur Gallery to the left of centre. A very similar shot appears in 'Otley'.

The same street captured by Steve Edmonds.

Close to the corner with Chepstow Villas. SJ

From the opposite direction, Lorna also draws near to the flat. The corner of Portobello Road and Denbigh Close located by Adrian Grepnold. Various sections of Portobello Road make an appearance in a number of productions including ‘Notting Hill’, ‘Pressure’, ‘The Wind of Change’, ‘Breaking Glass’, 'Seven Green Bottles', ‘West 11’, ‘The Moon Over the Alley’, 'Bullet to Beijing', ‘Tonite Let's All Make Love in London’, ‘Mantrap’, ‘The File of the Golden Goose’, ‘The Mine and the Minotaur’, ‘Villain’, ‘Who Done It?’, ‘The Gentle Trap’ and ‘The Traitors’.

Steve took this view along Portobello Road.

Alice's is still going strong. SJ

Watched by Camp Freddie and two Thugs in the camper, Lorna enters the building to find Charlie entertaining three Girls. The doorway stands on Denbigh Close.

Some many changes and Portobello's commercial ambience quickly turns int residential. On the left is the lock-up to Alice's and to the right is no18. SJ

The Young Women run from the flat much to the amusement of Camp Freddie. Looking along Denbigh Close in W11.

Sharp eyed Steve again supplies the evidence.

Looking east from the corner of Alice's. SJ

Lorna throws the Girls' clothing into the street before Camp Freddie and the Heavies enter the flat to give Charlie "A good going over" on Mr. Bridger's orders. The building stands on Denbigh Close in Notting Hill.

The balcony railings appear the same. SJ

When Camp Freddie (Tony Beckley) arrives to meet with Mr. Bridger at his Dentist's surgery, he is told to see Croker again to tell him that the crime lord is interested in the scheme after all. Harley Street in W1 with Devonshire Street crossing in the background.

Harley Street, snapped by Steve Edmonds.

The pavement now juts out at the intersection. SJ

At the institution where he has been sent to by his Sister, computer expert Professor Peach is tempted to join the gang with the lure of Large Women.

Charlie introduces his team to each other. This is the penthouse flat at Alembic House, since renamed as Peninsula Heights, on Albert Embankment SE1. The accommodation also appears in other films including 'Theatre of Blood', 'Joanna', 'A Touch of Class', 'Sweeney!' and 'Assignment K'.

At the gang's hideaway, Lorna watches as Big William (Harry Baird) resprays a Bedford coach that's been modified for the job.

Yellow (Robert Powell), Coco (Stanley Caine), Bill Bailey (George Innes) and Charlie watch as drivers Chris, Tony and Dominic practice for the getaway with Minis supplied by Mr. Bridger. This sequence was shot at Crystal Palace in SE19.

I'm not completely sure about this one but if we're looking east along Straight Terrace from South Tower Corner this is the view now. SJ

Another Mini is wrecked as the three drivers continue their training session. The starting grid of Crystal Palace Road Racing Circuit, the remains of which lie in front of the sports centre.

Looking towards South Tower Corner along Terrace Straight, the start line having been moved to Terrace Straight in 1960. (RL)

5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1. . . GO! The circuit at Crystal Palace also features in ‘Time Without Pity', 'Soapbox Derby’, 'The Full Treatment' and ‘Rush’ while other parts of the park can be seen in 'The Pleasure Garden' with the Lower Lake at the southern end of the park appearing in 'Our Mother's House'. Nick Andrews advises that the gates in front of the small brick building are the Canada Gates, named for the Festival of Empire in 1911.

The scene has changed considerably as Nick's comparison shows. Nick explains that the gates are not those seen in the capture and that the small brick building is just visible amongst the trees, above and to the right of the parked cars.

The Morris van explodes in a cloud of smoke and flame. Crystal Palace Park in SE19.

The floodlights can be made out to the top of Nick Andrews' comparison shot.

Charlie turns to Arthur (Michael Standing) . . . “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” Upper Terrace in Crystal Palace Park with the television transmitter visible in the background.

This shot is from the Lower Terrace from where I think the angle is correct, but I have shots from the Upper Terrace should a debate ensue. (RL)

Inside Wormwood Scrubs, Mr. Bridger (Noël Coward) notices Altabani (Raf Vallone) in the background as he watches a film giving an update on the job by Camp Freddie. Piazza Vittorio Veneto seen from the steps of Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio in Turin.

Charlie is called to a meeting arranged by Mr. Bridger. Wikipedia advises that the meeting at the misty funeral was filmed in Cruagh Cemetery on Cruagh Road in Rathfarnham, County Dublin.

In Alan Bourke's view, the house stands behind the foliage . . . and is that the same cul-de-sac sign?

Mr. Bridger tells Charlie that he has overlooked the fact that the Mafia will be waiting for him in Italy. Looking out onto the junction of Cruagh Road and Cruagh Lane from Cruagh Cemetery in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.

The same gateway captured by Alan Bourke.

The Priest (David Kelly) presiding over the service listens as Mr. Bridger delivers his speech. Cruagh Cemetery in Rathfarnham.

Alan Bourke provides this matching comparison.

Mr. Bridger suggests to the gang that if they don't come back with the goods "Nellie here, will turn in her grave and, likely as not, jump right out of it and kick your teeth in." Cruagh Cemetery on Cruagh Road in Rathfarnham, County Dublin.

Replacing his own earlier shot, Alan Bourke found the same gravestones to the right.

As the gang set off to the Continent, Charlie waves the vehicles onto the ferry. Dover Ferry Terminal at the Eastern Docks in Dover, Kent.

MS Free Enterprise departs for France. Looking out into the English Channel from Dover.

Having passed through France, Big William steers the coach over mountainous roads into Italy. Wikipedia tells us that his is Champex on the SS26 between Courmayeur and Pré St Didier in the Val D'Aosta with Mont Blanc visible in the background.

Professor Peach (Benny Hill) picks flowers while the rest of the gang get into their vehicles for the journey onward to Milan.

Charlie's red, white and blue sports cars are stopped by the Mafia. The SR47 from Aosta to Cogne at Pont D'Ael between Pondel and Chevril.

"Pretty car" . . . Albertini signals his Henchman to destroy the Aston Martin. The SR47 at Pont D'Ael.

Turning as he walks away after signalling to his Men to shoot Charlie and his associates, Albertini listens as the Cockney explains that every Italian in London, Liverpool and Glasgow will be driven into the sea.

While Charlie gets ready to throw a bicycle into an electric sub-station, Camp Freddie, Arthur and Professor Peach make their way into the Traffic Control Centre in Turin. Wikipedia notes that the since demolished Apex House was the head office of the television rental chain DER, owned by Thorn EMI. The building is confirmed by Matthew Savage as standing at Apex Corner where Uxbridge Road, Twickenham Road, Hampton Road and Great Chertsey Road meet while Michael Hartley tells us that this is where he met Benny Hill for the first time.

At Turin Airport, Armed Guards drive towards the plane that has just landed after flying from China. The airport is located in Caselle Torinese to the north-west of the city.

The Guards are deployed as the convoy containing a high security van approaches. Turin Sandro Pertini Airport, named after a former Italian president.

Watched by Altabani, the gold shipment is unloaded into the security van. Turin Airport dates from 1953 and was was built on the site of a World War II air base.

At the airport's terminal. Charlie says goodbye to Lorna as he makes sure she boards the plane for Geneva. Aeroporto di Torino in Piedmont.

Charlie returns to the remote villa where the gang are hiding out. Villa della Regina on Strada Comunale Santa Margherita in the south-west of Turin.

Inside the building, final preparations for the heist are under way. The 17th century Villa della Regina in Turin.

Matthew Sears returned to Villa della Regina 56 years later.

Charlie appears on the villa steps. Wikipedia advises that Villa della Regina was damaged during the Second World War and is today open to the public in order to fund its maintenance.

The same steps and doorway captured by Matthew Sears.

The Minis, the camper and the coach depart for Turin. Looking from the steps of Villa della Regina in Turin, Piedmont.

The view without the trees by Matthew Sears.

In the city, a tram departs after Professor Peach 'assists' a large Lady on board. This is the junction of Corso Massimo d'Azeglio and Corso Raffaello in Turin.

Arrested for inappropriate behavior towards the Woman, the Professor is taken into custody. This is the Societa Promotrice delle Belle Arti in Parco del Valentino on Viale Diego Balsamo Crivelli as recognised by Steve Edmonds.

Having identified the location Steve also provides this view of the building, adding that it served as Paramount's headquarters during in Italy from July to September 1968. A good moment to plug Steve's own Website www.italianjobtours.co.uk (RL)

Surrounded by Police outriders, the fully loaded security van departs from the airport.

Followed by Altabani, the convoy reaches the main road to Turin.

After paying the villa's Caretaker, Charlie joins Arthur, Yellow, Frank and Rozzer in the Land Rover. Villa della Regina on Strada Comunale Santa Margherita in Turin.

Steve Edmonds snapped this one of Villa De Regina, the Queen's House, in Torino.

The shot follows the Land Rover as Yellow drives away. Looking towards Strada Comunale Santa Margherita from the grounds of Villa della Regina.

Distant detail is exposed by Matthew Sears' comparison.

Posing as an England football fan, Birkinshaw (Fred Emney) asks a Man (Fulvio Pellegrino) if he can direct him to Corso Garibaldi Street. This is Piazza Castello with the Royal Church of of San Lorenzo in the centre background.

The Royal Church of San Lorenzo provided by Steve Edmonds.

Muttering under his breath, Birkinshaw places a neutralising device in a bin near to one of the city's traffic cameras. Today, there are no cars in Piazza Castello as the square has been pedestrianised.

Colin McArthur returned to Piazza Castello where we can see the Royal Church of San Lorenzo as well as Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library of Turin) to the right.

Birkinshaw makes his way to the next target.

Another of Beckermann's gadgets is positioned. In the background stands Mole Antonelliana on Via Montebello.

Reaching the centre of Turin, the convoy turns into the Piazza Carlo Felice from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in front of the Porta Nuova railway station.

As the Traffic Control Centre staff begin to lose camera images, the convoy keeps to its preordained route.

Altabani continues to tail the security van.

With the program at the Traffic Control Centre replaced with one provided Beckermann, traffic signals throughout the city begin to behave erratically.

The corner of Largo IV Marzo and Via IV Marzo looking towards Piazza San Giovanni with the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in the left distance.

Martin Stiles stood at the junction where Via Torqauto Tasso meets Largo IV Marzo and Via IV Marzo for this shot which includes the dome of the Chapel of the Holy Shroud beyond the Cathedral.

More traffic lights misbehave as the rogue program running on the computer at the Traffic Control Centre performs its task.

Horns sound as cars start to choke the narrow streets.

Followed by Albatini, the convoy heads into the growing congestion. Martin Stiles identifies this as looking along Via Palazzo di Citta from Piazza Corpus Domini.

Martin also provides the proof.

Cars begin to collide as their drivers obey the conflicting signals.

Negotiating a way through the increasing confusion, the convoy continues its journey.

Traffic builds up throughout the city. Piazza Castello with the Madama Palace to the left.

From piazza level by Matthew Sears.

Tempers rise as motorists sit in their Fiats and Alfa Romeos with nowhere to go.

Trams come to a stand behind buses on the blocked streets.

Piazza San Carlo becomes a car park.

The square was bereft of cars when Matthew Sears visited.

The motorcycle outriders leave the rest of the convoy behind. Piazza San Carlo with Via Roma to the right.

Passing along back streets and through courtyards, the gang's Land Rover travels through the congested city with ease.

The camera follows the crooks through the courtyard.

Drivers begin to leave their cars. Piazza San Carlo in Turin, Piedmont with the Emmanuel Philibert monument to the right.

Colin McArthur found that the square is now full pedestrianised.

Another courtyard is traversed by the Land Rover.

The convoy creeps onward. Looking along Via Roma from Piazza San Carlo with Porta Nuova railway station in the distance.

Matthew Sears found another pedestrianised street.

With the noise of car horns filling the air, the quiet of a courtyard is disturbed by the Land Rover.

After stopping to check directions, the Land Rover turns right.

The Land Rover crosses Via Giovanni Giolitti and this is looking towards Via San Massimo.

A street blocked by roadworks is crossed. This open ground on Via Alessandro Manzoni is now occupied by a building.

Via Alessandro Manzoni with Via Cernaia through the background arches.

A final courtyard is entered.

Leaving the flower bed behind, the Land Rover reaches its position in front of the convoy.

Now ahead of the security van, the crooks wait at the junction of Via Della Basilica and Via Milano.

Dressed in pink, Camp Freddie watches from the balcony of the Palazzo Civico in Piazza Palazzo di Città.

There was no one dressed in pink when Steve Irwin visited.

Camp Freddie sees the convoy approach before leaving the balcony. Looking along Via Milano from Piazza Palazzo di Città.

Car transporters move into position to trap the convoy. Piazza Palazzo di Città with the Conte Verde monument covered in Union Jack flags.

The same piazza taken by Steve Irwin.

Patrons at a street cafe dive out of the way as a transporter heads straight for them. Looking across Via Milano near Piazza Palazzo di Città.

Martin Stiles found no actual café at the location.

Security Guards are overcome as the haze from smoke bombs fills the air. Looking north along Via Milano from Piazza Palazzo di Città.

There was no robbery in progress when Martin Stiles turned up.

A water cannon sprays the gang before the Guard directing it is incapacitated. A smoke filled Piazza Palazzo di Città.

Martin Stiles captures the same background.

The doors beneath the balcony of the Palazzo Carignano are opened and the security van is towed inside the Oval Salon.

There was no such excitement when Matthew Sears arrived at the scene.

As sirens sound outside, the doors of the security van are blown open. The Oval Salon of the Palazzo Carignano in Piazza Palazzo di Città.

Steve Irwin captures the same spot.

The Police Chief (Robert Rietty) arrives on the scene as Officers keep onlookers away from the doors to the Oval Salon. Facing Palazzo Carignano on Piazza Palazzo di Città in Turin.

The same gateway taken by Steve Irwin.

As the gang transfer gold from the security van into the three Minis, one of the car transporters is used to batter down the heavy doors. Piazza Palazzo di Città with Via Milano on the right.

Andrew Stirland found that trams would probably prevent the robbery now.

With the gold loaded into the boots of the Minis, the gang run to Dormobile. Palazzo Lascaris di Ventimiglia on Via Vittorio Alfieri.

As their back ends slide across the cobbles, the Minis speed away . . . red, white then blue. Palazzo Lascaris di Ventimiglia in Turin.

The doors to the Oval Salon burst open as the Dormobile quietly leaves the scene of the crime to join the slow moving traffic outside.

Police attempt to direct traffic as the camper van approaches a junction.

The Minis follow Beckermann's planned rout out of the city. The staircase of the Palazzo Madama confirmed by Martin Stiles.

Jules Marshall returned to the location to get this comparison.

This is Galleria Subalpina, where shoppers scatter when the three Minis appear in the atrium.

Steve Irwin also went to Galleria Subalpina.

Shocked diners stare as Arthur grabs food from their plates. Colin McArthur identifies this as Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

Matthew Sears kept to the side in case any Minis should come from behind.

The escaping crooks sustain their pace. More of Piazza Vittorio Veneto found by Colin McArthur.

To the top left stand vehicles on the southern side of Piazza San Carlo and this arcade runs alongside Via Roma.

Turin's cafe culture is compromised by the cars. Facing south behind the western colonnade of the northernmost section of Via Roma with Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo in the left distance.

A freshly scrubbed floor in an ornate arcade helps the Minis take a ninety degree corner. Galleria San Federico, running between Via Antonio Bertola and Piazza San Carlo.

Matthew Sears found a shiny but drier floor.

The shot pans with the cars. Galleria San Federico with Via Antonio Bertola visible through the exit of the arcade.

The now peaceful gallery taken by Matthew Sears.

Turning left, the Dormobile leaves the jammed roads to take a different route.

More Torinese jump from the path of the red, white and blue Mini Coopers. Piazza Vittorio Veneto located by Colin McArthur.

A police car appears in front of the leading Mini. Piazza Vittorio Veneto where Via Vanchiglia enters the Piazza recognised by Colin McArthur.

In Colin;s comparison the sign for the Farmacia is still there and looks like the same one.

The Policeman fails to notice the oncoming criminals as they turn sharply from the arcade. Colin McArthur identifies this as Piazza Vittorio Veneto where Via Vanchiglia enters the Piazza..

Colin took this shot from Via Vanchiglia looking towards the Farmacia.

Hurrying to reach the weir on the other side of the city before the police, the three Mini Coopers head for a subway. Piazza Carlo Felice opposite Porta Nuova railway station.

Matthew Sears explains that the steps no longer exist and new entrances to the subway have been installed with escalators just around the corner.

The three Minis descend the steps of the subway.

A resting Football Fan is woken by the the amplified engines as the cars drive into the pedestrian tunnel.

Police Motorcyclists follow the gang into the subway, riding past a surprised busker on the way. The subway runs from Piazza Carlo Felice to Porta Nuova station.

Facing the same way above ground, Matthew Sears took the view along the line of the former subway.

The camper van quietly returns over the route taken by the Land Rover earlier. This is Via Alessandro Manzoni once again.

This is looking from Via Ventimiglia into a service road that runs parallel to Corso Piero Maroncelli with the rear of a building on Via Genova filling the background.

The cars jump from the end of the service road's ramp onto Via Ventimiglia.

Landing with a bump, the three Minis continue on their way. Facing north on Via Ventimiglia. The landing is actually perpendicular to the take-off.

A Police Motorcyclist isn't as lucky as he crashes through a wall whilst attempting the service road ramp. With the damaged prop wall in place, this is the southern end of Via Ventimiglia in Nizza Millefonti, Turin.

Wedding photographers take their pictures of the Bride and Groom as the Minis begin to appear from behind the church. Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio in Piazza Gran Madre di Dio.

The unnerved Photographers carry on their work as the cars, followed by Police Motorcyclists, pass on either side. The steps of the Church of the Gran Madre in Turin.

Steve Irwin took this shot from a similar position.

Elsewhere in the city, a police car is brought to a stand by traffic. Looking south-east along Via Po with Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio visible in the right distance.

Colin McArthur captured the location now.

A ramp to aid construction allows the Minis to escape onto the roof of the Palavela. The Palavela is also known as the Palazzo a Vela and stands on Via Ventimiglia in Turin.

The very same structure taken by Steve Irwin.

A puzzled Policeman gets out of his car after following the apparently disappearing Minis onto the roof of the Palavela.

The three Minis appear from nowhere and drive around the bewildered policeman before leaving the roof. The Palavela is an indoor arena that stands near the west bank of the River Po in the south of the city.

With its siren blaring, another police car takes over the pursuit through a car sale. The Minis are making their way through the parking area of FIAT's Truck Plant at Rebaudengo which is out of frame to the right beyond the Via Lungo Stura Lazio.

The Minis hide by parking in a row of other Minis. The parking area of FIAT's Truck Plant at Rebaudengo in Turin.

Newspapers are read, games are played, food is consumed and romances are attempted in the city's congested squares. Piazza San Carlo in Turin, Piedmont.

As the Police Chief visits the Traffic Control Centre, traffic remains at a standstill because of the malfunctioning traffic lights. Via Nizza in Lingotto, opposite the Fiat factory.

Spotting that the trees have matured rather well, Martin Stiles looked from the roof of the factory to where the buildings at ground level have now gone.

Charlie's drivers make it to the roof top test track of the Fiat factory in Lingotto.

Up on the roof of the test track of the Fiat factory in Lingotto, Colin McArthur paid 2 euros and was able to walk about the circuit where there is still access for electric vehicles.

Still chased by police cars and motorcycles, the Minis race around the rooftop circuit. The test track of the Fiat factory roof in Lingotto, Turin.

Martin Stiles took this shot to the east side of the Fiat Lingotto factory which was redeveloped for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

In the blue Mini, Tony's co-driver tells him to put his foot down as the police "are getting rather close."

The same banked corner captured by Steve Irwin.

Continuing around the track, the red, white and blue Minis stay ahead of the law.

Steve Irwin provides this shot of the location.

The camera picks up the action on the straight. The factory test track at Fiat in Lingotto. Martin Stiles adds that the Fiat factory is now a mix of shopping centre, university and arts space, converted by Renzo Piano in the 1990s.

On a work trip to Turin, Rachel Bolton-King paid her €6 and made her way to the roof for this comparison.

Police attempt to outmanoeuvre the criminals. Martin Stiles explains that the roof is now called La Pista 500 and has an art trail, but it’s still used by Fiat to test their electric cars.

Explaining that the central buildings have been remodelled to include a cafe and exhibition space for the Agnelli family art collection, Martin Stiles faced south towards the helipad and glass domed meeting room.

Cars and buses stand motionless in the gridlocked street below the roof where the chase continues. The Fiat factory on Via Roberto Bisscaretti di Ruffia off the Corso Union Sovietica in Mirafiori Sud.

The three Minis speed towards the edge of a building and successful leap over the road below. This is the suitably dressed rooftop of the Fiat factory.

A following police car fails to make the jump. The Fiat factory on Via Roberto Bisscaretti di Ruffia in Mirafiori Sud, Turin.

Albertini tells his Men to check airports and railway station as the fleeing Minis reach the river. Seen from the other side of the River Po, this is Murazzi del Po Gipo Farassino.

Steve Edmonds supplies the proof with this view of the same wall alongside the river.

Murazzi del Po Gipo Farassino running alongside the river below Corso Cairoli on the opposite bank to Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio.

Colin McArthur took this shot on the still popular location.

Tony is told to make more of an effort to keep up with the others. Alongside the Po below the Monumento Giuseppe Garibaldi that stands on Lungo Po Armando Diaz.

There were no Minis when Colin McArthur arrived on the scene.

The Minis reach the weir and start to cross the river. The weir is just down river from the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I at the southern end of Via Po.

This is the northern bank of the Po next to Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I with Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio in the left of centre distance.

A wider view of the location provided by Steve Irwin.

The finale music begins as a sprint through the waters of the Stura di Lanzo below Ponte Ferdinando di Savoia in northern Turin brings the gang closer to success.

Still followed by one last police car, the Minis leave the city behind and enter a huge water pipe.

Several sources state that the sequence in the sewer tunnel was shot in the Sowe Valley Sewer Duplication system in the Stoke Aldermoor district of Coventry, then in Warwickshire.

Julian Beesley provides a shot which is probably the best we'll ever have of the location . . . a plaque near the site of filming which reads "Celebrating the 50th anniversary and the location of one of the greatest British films 'The Italian Job'. Commissioned by Kevin Conway & Co. coventryminiclub@yahoo.com"

The Minis exit a culvert near a bridge over the Sangone River at Mirafiori Sud, Torino.

Leaning over the railings of a bridge, Big William sees the red, white and blue cars approach. The bridge carries Corso Unione Sovietica over the Sangone River.

The Mini Coopers cross the river just upstream of the Corso Unione Sovietica overpass approximately 200 meters from exit of the tunnel.

Big William drives the coach to a motorway where he is met by the Minis. Paul Duggins explains that this is facing west on the eastern side of the, then under construction, junction of the A21/E70 Autostrada Torino – Piacenza – Brescia and the SR29 at Santena just south-east of Turin.

Paul Duggins continues to describe the scene as "The camera swings around with the coach then pans from west, through south, to east to follow the Minis as they drive up behind the coach on the eastbound A21/E70 heading out of Santena towards Asti. The bridge in the distance is presumably the then newly constructed crossing for the Str. Vecchia di Chieri." This unopened section of Autostrada was also used for the scenes where the Minis boarded the Coach.

# This is the self-preservation society, this is the self-preservation society; Go wash your German bands, your boat race too; Comb your Barnet Fair we got a lot to do; Put on your Dickie Dirt and your Peckham Rye; Cause time's soon hurrying by . . . .

# Get your skates on mate, get your skates on mate; No bib around your Gregory Peck today, eh?; Drop your plates of meat right up on the seat; This is the self-preservation society; This is the self-preservation society . . . .

# Gotta get a bloomin move on; Babadab-babadabadab-bab-ba; Gotta get a bloomin move on; Babadab-babadabadab-bab-ba; Jump in the jam jar gotta get straight; Hurry up mate don't wanna be late; How's your father?; Tickety boo, Tickety boo . . . .

# Gotta get a bloomin move on; Self-preservation society; This is the self-preservation society; Put on your almond rocks and daisy roots; Wash your Hampstead Heath and wear your whistle and flute; Lots of lah-di-dahs and cockneys here; Look alive and get out of here . . . .

# So get your skates on mate, get your skates on mate; No bib around your Gregory Peck today, eh?; Drop your plates of meat right up on the seat; This is the self-preservation society; This is the self-preservation society . . . . The Autostrada della Valle d’Aosta A5 motorway to the south-west of Pavone Canovese. The service station was closed to enable building of the junction for the Diramazione Ivrea-Santhià A4/A5 motorway.

The shot pans with the Thames Dormobile to find a pair of, less than attentive, Policeman on lookout for the crooks. Looking north along the A5 motorway from Borgata Sanguignolo road bridge.

Big William steers the coach along treacherous mountain roads. This is the Great St. Bernard Valley.

The minis are disposed of.

Dumping the Dormobile, the rest of the gang get onto the coach. Here we are between Pré St. Didier and Champex on Strada Statale 26 with the Italian side of Mont Blanc riseing in the background.

This final leg of the escape from Turin was filmed on the road to Ceresole Reale via Lago Agnel and Nivolet Pass (the highway does not lead to France or Switzerland because it is a dead end). Colle del Nivolet above Lago Agnello at Ceresole Reale to the north-west of Turin.

Acknowledging that the angle isn't correct, Hamilton McMurray photographed the same section of the road whilst on a climb from Colle del Nivolet to Col Rosset in 2013.

The gang and the gold end up at opposite ends of the balanced coach after the rear end slides off the road . . . . "Hang on a minute lads, I've got a great idea." On the Strada Provinciale 50 at Colle del Nivolet inside the Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso in Aosta.

Whilst driving along the Strada Provinciale 50 at Colle del Nivolet in 2013, Hamilton McMurray took this view adding that he suspects the bus hanging over the cliff scene was shot in the area now occupied by the lay by and viewing platform.