Colonel March Investigates

London . . . . to be more precise, a view over Brettleham House on Lancaster Place WC2 with the River Thames to the left and the Houses of Parliament in the distance.

Colonel March narrates "I saw a city of many faces, One a queen's, of courtly graces." The statue of Queen Anne in the forecourt outside the west front of St Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul's Churchyard EC4.

Looks like I'm one hour fifteen minutes late. SJ

"One, a clown . . . "

" . . . his tearful grin." The Burghers of Calais by Auguste Rodin in Victoria Tower Gardens on Millbank SW1.

I had to lay aside any dignity and lie on the floor for this shot. The bonus of the Victoria Tower peeps in at the left. SJ

"One a child. And one, for sin."

"I've been inside these hidden places, and seen behind these many faces." From the Monument in EC3, looking towards Tower Bridge in the right distance with the junction of Monument Street and Lower Thames Street to the bottom right and the spire of St. Dunstan’s church on the left. Phil Evans noticed that this is footage borrowed from 'Adam and Evelyn'.

"But what was behind this face?" Inside his office in Department D3 at Scotland Yard, Colonel March holds a rubber mask before relating the story of a bank robbery with an unlikely conclusion. Derby Gate seen from Victoria Embankment in SW1.

Marred by heavy duty gates and ongoing restoration work. SJ

Inside a Chelsea bank, a gun is pointed through the bars at a Cashier. The corner of King’s Road and Markham Square in SW3.

Oh dear! SJ

Unaware of what's unfolding inside, Colonel March (Boris Karloff) enters the bank. Outside Barclays Bank at 140 King’s Road in Chelsea.

Behind all the clutter one can make out the building similarities on the entrance to Wellington Square on the right. SJ

Escaping from the bank with thousands of pounds after shooting the Commissionaire, the Robber gets into his car. Markham Square from the corner of King’s Road.

Not a great deal to see here. SJ

Bank clerk John Parrish chases the crook from the premises and takes a taxi to follow. Looking north along Markham Square SW3.

This side of the square was also seen in "Hide and Seek" and "Innocent Sinners". SJ

A Constable arrives on the scene and alerts Scotland Yard at the Colonel's suggestion. Derby Gate SW1 at the junction with Cannon Row with New Scotland Yard in the background.

No easy access now. (PW)

Coming to a halt behind the Robber's parked car, John Parrish (John Hewer) continues his pursuit on foot. Identified by Nigel Matthews, this is Horse Guards Avenue in SW1 looking towards Whitehall with Horse Guards Parade in the left background.

Nigel provides proof of the location adding that the Old War Office building on the right has been sold and is currently being converted into a luxury hotel.

While investigating a murder committed at the Embassy Club, the second segment of the film has Colonel March arrive outside the British Museum. Outside the British Museum on Great Russell Street WC1.

The view east. SJ

The Colonel turns and enters the museum where an attempt is made on his life. Views of the British Museum can also be seen in ‘Percy’, ‘A Touch of Love’, ‘Night of the Demon’ and 'To The Devil a Daughter' amongst other productions.

Quite a busy day. SJ

Returning to the Embassy Club, Colonel March confronts Cabot, the owner. The sign of the Embassy Club which stood at 6 Old Bond Street in W1.

There's a different sign outside the premises now. (PW)

The final story opens with a view from Major Rodman's window as he attempts to describe to the Colonel and Inspector Ames what he saw in a room across the mews. Facing number 34 Groom Place in SW1.

From the mews at ground level. SJ

Colonel March follows Major Rodman (Roger Maxwell) as he leads them to the Hartley's home. Groom Place in Belgravia, other views of which appear in 'Absolutely Fabulous', 'Hammerhead' and 'Perfect Friday'.

As with so many mews, many alterations. This and the next two replace my April shots which faced the wrong way! SJ

Crossing the mews the Major is approached by neighbour, Baron Novakov (Bernard Rebel). Looking south-west on Groom Place.

Not so crowded. SJ

Trying to be of assistance, the Baron tells Colonel March about the Major and his binoculars. Groom Place SW1.

Panning right. SJ

Inspector Ames (Ewan Roberts) and the Colonel leave the home of Betty and Jim Hartley after questioning them about the Major's accusations. Outside number 34 Groom Place.

no34. SJ

Returns to the mews after dark, Jim Hartley (Anthony Forwood) gets out of a van and opens the doors to his garage. Facing south-west from in front of 34 Groom Place in SW1.

The van unfortunately was not replicating the original position or indeed showing any signs of leaving soon. SJ