Violent Playground

Behind the titles and accompanied by "Play Rough", a montage of Liverpool locations set the scene.

Johnny Luck sings #I'm gonna play rough, rough, rough, I'm gonna get tough, tough, tough. The Royal Liver Building in Liverpool, Lancashire with the River Mersey on the left, the Overhead Railway and Goree to the right of centre and The Strand on the far right.

The title track continues as various views of children at play fill the screen.

More children have fun, playing in a street of terraced houses.

From the steps of their homes, Mothers watch their offspring.

Games are played on the setts outside a tenement block. Andy Hall found Ashfield Cottages, tenements that stood on Latimer Street in Vauxhall, Liverpool 5.

Youngsters enjoy themselves in a playground.

Kids run across the road towards the Cathedral. The Anglican Liverpool Cathedral on St. James's Mount, Liverpool L1 identified by Simon James . . .

. . . who also provides this comparison.

Started in 1904 and the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool was still under construction at the time of filming, being completed in 1978.

Children cheer as they rush downhill from the camera. Looking along the cleared Holly Street towards Downe Street in Liverpool 3 with the Technical College under construction to the left. David Ellis spent 35 years lecturing in the building seen under construction and explains that on the right stand the flats of Fontenoy Gardens facing Byrom Street while visible in the centre distance are the spires of the Royal Liver Building at Pier Head.

At the site of the fifth fire in seven weeks, a Constable keeps Onlookers away from danger.

Detective Sergeant Willie Walker (John Slater) and Detective Sergeant Jack Truman (Stanley Baker) pick through the debris.

A Sergeant ushers a gang of young Children from the scene.

As Jack finds a charred wire tie inside the warehouse, the Chief Inspector (George A. Cooper) arrives.

The two Detectives make their way back to the police station where Jack has been summoned to see the Chief Superintendent. Colin Guthrie identifies this as Windsor Street in Toxteth., Liverpool 8 with the Anglican Cathedral visible in the distance.

Colin provides this shot of the location.

Coming to a stand in front of Jack and Willie after dancing across the road, a Boy (Ali Allen) tells the pair that "kids don't walk no more, they roll".

Jack remarks that he may be getting old as the two continue on their way. The corner of Rose Hill and Peover Street in Liverpool 3.

Willie tells Jack that, as a bachelor, he doesn't understand the psychology of children. The background railings belong to Rose Hill Bridewell on Rose Hill.

Pausing outside the police station, Willie gives up his explanation when it becomes clear that Jack doesn't like kids. Outside Rose Hill Bridewell, which closed in 1972.

Inside the station, Jack is dismayed when the Chief Superintendent transfers him to the Juvenile Liaisons section. Rose Hill Bridewell on Rose Hill with buildings on Grosvenor Street in the right distance.

Patrick Murphy (Fergal Boland) and his sister Mary (Brona Boland) walk along the street. Identified by Dave W, this is Kinnaird Street, London W2 as seen in 'The Blue Lamp'. (RL)

Mary pulls her reluctant brother into a shop where the pair swindle un-owed change from the flustered Shopkeeper. Kinnaird Street in Paddington.

Leaving the shop, Mary sees another opportunity across the road.

Having been called to the branch of Lipton by the Manager after the children are caught, Jack takes Mary and Patrick home. The same shops are seen in 'Never Let Go' and Dave W tells us that this is Chichester Place in London W2. (RL)

A Sergeant passes comment about Jack's new duties. Chichester Place in Paddington.

Jack finds it difficult to explain what his reply to the Sergeant meant. Starting with this view, Dave W is able to link the next three locations. Here we are looking along Hall Place, London W9 towards Crompton Street. That same terrace with the road sign is also be seen In 'The Blue Lamp' Capture 16. (RL)

To distract the youngsters from their questioning, Jack points out a Bentley. Dave finds this as looking across the cleared site towards 24 Cuthbert Street from circa 39 Hethpool Street, W9. (RL)

After Patrick corrects the Officer that the car is a Jaguar, Mary tells her brother to ask if he was ever any good as a detective. Outside circa 17 Crompton Street, W9 Dave says that the background terrace is Campbell Street. (RL)

As the three approach the end of the road, Mary points towards home. Similar to the previous Capture, Crompton Street looking towards Campbell Street, with, as Dave adds, "in the background, the spire of 'Catholic Apostolic Church' in Maida Avenue, and adjacent the gable of 'Ark King Solomon Academy' which is at the eastern end of that building. (RL)

Still holding the children by their hands, Jack walks them towards the flats where they live. Gerard Gardens at the corner of Christian Street and Hunter Street in Liverpool 3.

As they enter the courtyard, the sound of children at play fills the air. Dating from the 1930s, the Art Deco Gerard Gardens also appears in 'Coast to Coast'.

In the courtyard, Johnny Murphy (David McCallum) and a group of Teenagers (Gerrard Gibson, Danny Hayes and Melvyn Hayes) throw stones at a teddy tied to a bollard.

Patrick points out his older brother to Jack as Johnny throws another stone. Gerard Gardens with Christian Street visible through the archway.

Leaning his guitar case against a bollard, Slick (Sean Lynch) denies throwing a stone at Alexander's laundry van. To make way for road improvements, Gerard Gardens was demolished in 1987.

Jack is led to the empty Murphy residence where it's explained that the twins' elder sister Catherine is at work.

Taking Patrick and Mary to school, Jack speaks with Mr. Evans (Clifford Evans) the headmaster. St. Mary and St. Michael's school on Sutton Street in Stepney E1.

The view is rather unfortunately blocked not only by the obligatory van but also a lot more greenery. SJ

The Detective goes in search of Catherine at the hospital where she works. The Liverpool Stanley Hospital at the corner of Stanley Road and Easby Road in Kirkdale, Liverpool 5.

Asking where he can find Miss Murphy, the Hospital Gatekeeper tells Jack that she's just left, pointing her out across the road. In front of the Liverpool Stanley Hospital on Stanley Road in Kirkdale. The hospital closed in 1976.

Catherine Murphy (Anne Heywood) approaches the stop as her bus arrives. Facing north on Stanley Road with background buildings at the corner of Pansy Street to the left and Fountains Road on the right.

Stanley Hospital has long gone but the building at the corner of Fountains Road still stands and John Owens returned to take this view from a slightly different angle due to trees.

Jack jumps onto the platform of the departing number 24. Stanley Road in Kirkdale.

Unimpressed by the Detective's story about her young brother, Cathie gets off the bus.

Jack alights from the bus and watches Cathie cross the road towards a church. St. Mary Magdalene church at the junction of Cirencester Street and Woodchester Street in London W2. The same church was seen in 'The Blue Lamp', 'Billy Liar', 'Franklyn', 'The Boys' and 'Secret Ceremony'.

SJ revisited the location.

Father Laidlaw (Peter Cushing) welcomes Cathie at the door. St. Mary Magdalene church at the junction of Cirencester Street and Woodchester Street in Paddington.

A very blurry Google image from 2011 replaced by this original from SJ.

Jack returns to his duties and is called to the City Market where Mrs. Catlin's (Sheila Raynor) son David (Christopher Cooke) has stolen five ice lollies. Paddy's Market on Great Homer Street, Liverpool 5, reports Carol Jones who adds that the street runs parallel to Scotland Road and lies to the north of Gerard Gardens and Rose Hill.

Mr. Foreman (Philip Ray) tells Jack that he's determined to prosecute. Great Homer Street market, the site of which is now occupied by a modern version of Great Nelson Street and the Kingsway Tunnel approach road.

Jack persuades the Stallholder to drop the charges. Great Homer Street market located between Great Nelson Street, Great Homer Street, Juvenal Street and Cazneau Street in Liverpool 5.

After asking the Priest to talk with Cathie about the help on hand to bring up her siblings, Jack leaves the church followed by the dismissive young woman. St. Mary Magdalene church at the junction of Cirencester Street and Woodchester Street W2.

Told to say what he has to say, Cathie suggests that Jack has no real power to stick his nose into other peoples business.

Turning to the Detective, Cathie tells him that he sounds stupid.

The two cross the busy road as Jack continues his attempt to win Cathie around.

Cathie tells Jack how she sees his offer of aid. Christian Street with St. Anne's school in the background.

Continuing her tirade, Cathie suggests that he and the big hearted, flat footed bluebottles of the city of Liverpool think they know more than she does about coping with children. Facing south on Christian Street with the balconies of Gerard Gardens to the right.

After Cathie disappears into the courtyard of the flats, Jack catches up. Inside the courtyard of Gerard Gardens on Christian Street, Liverpool 5.

Cathie asks Jack to her home where she shows him how she has to be tough with Mary and Patrick. Looking up at the balconies of Gerard Gardens.

Accepting that Cathie has things under control, Jack leaves after Johnny returns home. Gerard Gardens on Christian Street.

On another day, Alexander brings his laundry van to a stand to drop Johnny off. Hunter Street 5 with Byrom Street in the background.

Jack passes Johnny as he leaves after returning Mary and Patrick home from the children's club that Cathie has agreed they can attend. Seen from Hunter Street, on the left stands Gerard Crescent with Gerard Gardens out of frame to the right.

A little further along the road, Alexander stops again. Kelly's Directory shows Casson's Temperance Hotel at 19 Lord Nelson Street, Liverpool 3.

The building is still there. Now a private residence snapped by John Owens.

Alexander (Michael Chow) walks to the rear of the van. Looking east on Lord Nelson Street with Vincent Street in the background.

While Alexander delivers clean washing to a hotel, Jack looks in the back of the van where he finds a familiar looking wire tie securing the bags of laundry. The entrance to Casson's Temperance Hotel on Lord Nelson Street.

The entrance now by John Owens.

After sharing his suspicions with Willie, Jack helps out at the after school club, explaining to Mr. Evans that the twins weren't there when he called to collect them. Recalling playing there many times as a school kid in the 1970s, Paul Baker advises that this is the sports stadium at RAF Uxbridge on Hillingdon Road in Uxbridge, Middlesex, now sadly demolished.

Freddie is shown how to throw a discus as Mr. Evans looks over at Johnny. The sports stadium at RAF Uxbridge with properties on Gray's Road in the right background.

Walking over to the troubled youth, Mr. Evans encourages him to take part in a race. Other views of RAF Uxbridge appear in 'Reach for the Sky'.

The 440 yard dash gets under way. The running track at RAF Uxbridge with houses on Gray's Road in the background and the spire of St. Andrew's church beyond. Opening in 1917, the base closed in 2010.

Starting with a five second handicap, Johnny soon catches up with the pack. The John Locke Academy now occupies the site of the stadium while the homes on Gray's Road currently stand derelict.

Antony Blair took the best possible shot of the background houses which are all awaiting demolition.

Jack congratulates Johnny on running a fine race before talking with him as they leave the field. The sports stadium at RAF Uxbridge on Hillingdon Road, Uxbridge recognised by Paul Baker.

That night, another blaze lights up the sky.

Firemen continue their work the following morning.

Returning after watching the fire the previous evening, Jack is called over by Detective Sergeant Walker.

Jack is shown the wire tie that Willie found in the ashes.

Willie suggests a talk with Alexander but Jack replies that he's sure it isn't him.

Tommy (Freddie Starr) runs from the scene after overhearing the Detectives talking.

Johnny summons the Gang and they meet up in a derelict shed. The wall of a ruined building on Circus Street with Gerard Crescent in the background. John Glover adds that Gerard Crescent was known locally as the "holy block" because a number of residents had connections with the local parish church of St. Joseph's.

Slick follows Johnny and his Gang (inc. Tony Lyons, Dawson France, Sean Lynch) as they run from the shed after Tommy speaks out that he knows who the "Firefly" is. Looking along Circus Street towards Fontenoy Gardens across Byrom Street with Richmond Row heading off to the right and Scotland Place behind. John Glover explains that the waste land was known locally as "the hills".

The Gang follow Johnny from a Barber's shop after a hair cut. Bell Street in London NW1 located by Adrian Grepnold who adds "R.J. Sutton was a junk shop where the stock never seemed to change from when I first knew it in the late sixties until it closed about five years ago."

It's clearly the Mr. Sutton that Adrian remembers, standing at the door of his shop.

Seeing Alexander getting into his van across the street, Johnny and his Mates call out "taxi". Bell Street off Edgware Road.

Looking west with Lisson Street behind me. Given the original's shadows, the filming was probably late on a summer's day. SJ

The Boys jump into the back of the laundry van as Alexander starts to pull away. Bell Street NW1.

Now looking east in a much wider view towards Lisson Street with the football pitch, attached to King Solomon's Academy, the western portion of which has replaced the buildings on the left. SJ

Alexander approaches the Grand Hotel to drop the Gang off and parks his van before the Concierge (Robert Raglan) points out that they can't stop there... While I hesitate over the windows above, the concrete awning here is highly reminiscent of 11 Belgrave Road, which can still be seen in historical GEVs before redevelopment in the 2010s. (SJ)

Telling the Concierge to "Go chase himself", Johnny joins his Pals as they run from the hotel. The view from Commutation Row looking towards William Brown Street in Liverpool 1 with St. George's Hall to the left and the Royal Liver Building in the distance.

John Owens found no changes to this location.

Cathie walks through the city centre before spotting Jack. Outside Liverpool Central Station on Ranelagh Street, looking towards the corner of Church Street and Hanover Street.

Jack heads into town after speaking with Mary. Ranelagh Street in Liverpool 1.

The Detective stops when Cathie calls and the two enter the station. Facing the entrance to Liverpool Central station on Ranelagh Street.

Jack explains that he has to tell the CID about his suspicions. The concourse of the high level platforms at Liverpool Central station, more of which can be seen in 'Gumshoe'. These platforms were closed in April 1972 and the train shed was demolished the following year, eventually to be replaced by a shopping centre.

Alexander drives Johnny to the rear of the hotel. Facing east on School Lane, Liverpool 1, seen from the corner of Church Alley.

Determined to set fire to the hotel, Johnny walks into the staff entrance with Alexander. Looking west along School Lane.

School Lane now by John Owens.

A police car enters the street at the back of the Grand. School Lane with the original Bluecoat School out of shot to the left and the corner of Church Alley on the right.

After lighting a fire using parcels of laundry, Johnny appears at an upper window. John Owens tells us that the window looks out onto School Lane from the rear of Littlewoods department store.

The window now, found by John.

Apprehended by a Policeman, Alexander watches as Johnny jumps from the window and gets into the laundry van. Facing the corner of School Lane and Church Alley.

After knocking Alexander down as he drives away, Johnny makes his escape. Andy Hall confirms the view as looking east along School Lane from the corner of Church Lane towards the gable roof of O'Neills on Hanover Street in the distance. Church Lane disappeared in 1974 when redevelopment took place.

Taken slightly further east, Andy provides this comparison shot showing the former Quiggins on the right and O'Neills in the distance.

Kneeling over Alexander, the Policeman tells his Sergeant that the kid is dead. School Lane with the Old Post Office public house at the corner of Old Post Office Place on the right.

The pub is still trading in John Owens' comparison.

Johnny swings the blue Austin van around a corner. Paradise Street, Liverpool 1, looking from the corner of School Lane towards the junction with Lord Street to the left, Whitechapel straight on and Church Street to the right. Steve Randall adds that, to the centre stands Bunney's department store at 'Holy Corner'. The building was demolished in 2012.

Alerted by a radio message sent out to all cars, a patrol heads for Dock Road.

On it's way to intercept the van, a police car approaches a junction.

The Zephyr corners at speed.

Johnny hurtles through the city. Seen from South Castle Street this is Derby Square, Liverpool 2 identified by Steve Randall who draws our attention to the Queen Victoria Monument on the left.

Derby Square with James Street in the left background, located by Steve Randall.

The pursuit continues. Looking north-west along The Strand towards the Royal Liver Building, the Port of Liverpool Building and the George's Dock Building located by Paul Forrest, Steve Randall and Adrian Schofield. To the left runs the Liverpool Overhead Railway which closed at the end of 1956 and was completely dismantled in just over 12 months.

Identified by Steve Randall, the foreground bridge takes Gower Street over the link between Salthouse Dock and Wapping Basin in Liverpool 2.

Steve Randall advises that the view is to the north-west across Salthouse Dock towards the warehouses of Albert Dock, the Pump House chimney, the Port of Liverpool Building, Royal Liver Building and the George's Dock Building.

Bells ring out as a police car gains on Johnny. Facing west on Denbigh Street 5 with Great Howard Street in the distance, the frontage of St. Alban's church beyond Birch Street then Darwen Street and Paget Street crossing the foreground. (PW)

The camera pans to find Tommy sitting on his bicycle urging Johnny on as he passes. Visible through the arches of the bridge carrying the railway between Sandills and Liverpool Exchange stand surviving properties on Idris Street and Snowdon Street. (PW)

Tommy cycles towards the oncoming police car. Denbigh Street with buildings on Paget Street as the backdrop. (PW)

After purposely falling in front of the car, Tommy is told off by a Sergeant. Looking east on Denbigh Street with a gasometer belonging to Athol Street gas works in the distance behind buildings on Idris Street and Snowdon Street. (PW)

Holding his guitar case, Slick waits beneath the Overhead Railway. Facing north beneath the Liverpool Overhead Railway to the north of Canada Dock station in Liverpool 3. (PW)

As planned, Johnny appears in the van before Slick takes the wheel leaving the pyromaniac with his machine gun. Beneath the Liverpool Overhead Railway with the steps to Canada Dock station to the right of centre and Regent Road on the left. (PW)

In an Austin A90, a Passenger pays the toll to enter the Queensway tunnel.

Speeding past the stationary car, Slick heads into the tunnel. The entrance to the Queensway Tunnel in Old Haymarket in Liverpool 1 located by Paul Forrest.

As the police arrive at the tollbooth and order all exits from the tunnel closed, Slick brings the van to a halt at a junction. The Queensway tunnel running beneath the River Mersey between Liverpool, Lancashire and Birkenhead on the Wirral in Cheshire.

Slick runs over to a waiting car. The junction chamber in the Queensway Tunnel where the road to Rendel Street in Birkenhead diverged. The junction lies beneath Bridge Street in Birkenhead, Cheshire and the branch route closed in 1965.

Transferring to the Ford Popular, Slick is driven from the tunnel. Paul Forrest identifies the the Kingsway entrance of the Queensway tunnel which opened in July 1934.

Church bells chime on the morning after Cathie tells Jack that Johnny has got a gun.

The streets are quiet. William Brown Street with St. George's Hall to the left, the Walker Art Gallery on the right and the Clock Tower of the Municipal Buildings in the distance.

Traffic builds as people set off to work. Steve Randall recognised the view eastward from the car park above the Queensway tunnel entrance in Old Haymarket with the Central Library, Wellington's Column and St. George's Hall crossing the background from left to right.

A school bell rings as young Pupils cross the road. The double decker is a Ribble Leyland Titan and therefore this is Liverpool.

The Children make their way into Scotland Road school. Facing St. Mary and St. Michael's school on Sutton Street, London E1.

The top of this shot is encouraging. SJ

A Teacher runs from the school to call the police after Johnny takes the Children in Miss Palmer's class hostage. St. Mary and St. Michael's school in Sutton Street, Stepney.

Even including the telephone kiosk. SJ.

Johnny is alerted by the bells of a police car as it arrives on the scene. Sutton Street E1 with St. Mary and St. Michael's school to the right and the George Tavern at the corner of Commercial Road in the centre background.

Looking north. SJ

Getting out of the car, Detective Sergeant Walker leads the way to the school. Looking across the playground of St. Mary and St. Michael's school.

The best shot without trespass. SJ

Ordered by Johnny to get back to the road, the Officers reluctantly return return to their vehicle. Facing south in the playground of St. Mary and St. Michael's school with buildings on Sutton Street in the background.

Sutton Street today.

The Sergeant sends a message to the Chief confirming that Johnny has a gun while Willie and his Colleague make their way to see the Headmaster. Looking north on Sutton Street in E1.

Many of the buildings, but not all, have survived. SJ

Another car brings Detective Sergeant Truman to the school. Sutton Street with the viaduct carrying the railway between Stepney Junction, now Limehouse, and Fenchurch Street to the extreme right.

Spike and his Pals mingle with the worried Parents in the playground. The playground of St. Mary and St. Michael's school with properties on Cowley Gardens in the top background, more of which can be seen in 'Sparrows Can't Sing'.

Johnny moves Jilly Baker (Oonagh Quinn) and his brother Patrick to the classroom window. St. Mary and St. Michael's school in Sutton Street E1.

I think there's a slight extension on the far left. SJ

Mrs. Baker (Irene Arnold) is comforted by Father Laidlaw after Johnny threatens to kill her daughter if any cops get near. The playground at St. Mary and St. Michael's school.

As Johnny calls out the names of the young Pupils, Jack, Willie and Mr. Evans make their way towards the playground. St. Mary and St. Michael's school on Sutton Street.

Turning into the playground, the three see Father Laidlaw approach the building to plead with Johnny. Looking from St. Mary and St. Michael's school towards numbers 4 to 8 Sutton Street.

Taken from outside the school grounds to capture the original background. SJ

Policemen place a ladder against the school for the Priest. St. Mary and St. Michael's school with Saints Mary and Michael's church to the right.

From a slightly different angle now.

Father Laidlaw talks gently with Johnny before he pushes the ladder away. St. Mary and St. Michael's school with Sutton Street in the left background.

Jack explains the situation to the Superintendent (Moultrie Kelsall) and Chief Inspector. Looking northward from St. Mary and St. Michael's school with the George Tavern at the corner of Commercial Road and Jubilee Street in the background.

A tree rather blocks most of the tavern. SJ

Hearing silence outside, Johnny tells Patrick to look through the window and he sees that the Parents have gone. Looking from St. Mary and St. Michael's school with Johnson Street, Lukin Street and Cowley Gardens crossing the background and the spire of St. Mary's church on Cable Street beyond.

A police car drives across the empty playground. Looking across the playground at St. Mary and St. Michael's school on Sutton Street E1.

Taken from outside the school. SJ

Looking through binoculars, a Policeman scans the school windows. St. Mary and St. Michael's school with the roof of SS. Mary and St. Michael's church to the right.

The buildings remain relatively unchanged but the playground has been enhanced. SJ

With the crisis over after his sister Cathie intervenes, Johnny Murphy is taken into custody and driven away in a black maria. Sutton Street in E1, where Paul Singleton advises that, at the time of filming, the background building was a dairy.

The 'Liverpool Plastics Co.' now, captured by Paul

Father Laidlaw comforts Cathie following her ordeal. Facing north on Sutton Street with the since resited telephone kiosk and removed public conveniences to the left and buildings at the corner of Commercial Road and Bromhead Road in the background.

Though it's tricky to see, the three buildings behind the kiosk and tree survive. SJ

A police car pulls over as Jack and Cathie are driven towards her home. To the left, Melia's grocery shop is shown in Kelly's directory as being at number 1 Scotland Road, on the corner of Addison Street, and this is Scotland Place, Liverpool 5 with the Morning Star public house to the right. The location was discovered by Ged Fagan.

Getting out of the car, Cathie tells Jack that she'll walk the rest of the way. Scotland Place with Fontenoy Gardens across the road on the left and Addison Road in the right background.

The Detective watches Cathie walk over to the church. St. Mary Magdalene church at the junction of Cirencester Street and Woodchester Street W2 with

SJ replaces another Google image of the church that now stands on Rowington Close.

Putting on his hat, Jack turns from the main road before a young Lad calls to him. Facing Scotland Place, Liverpool 5 with Fontenoy Gardens crossing the background located by Ged Fagan who adds that the wall to the right is the side of the Birmingham Arms public house.