Strange Case of Blondie, The (A Scotland Yard supporting feature)

Edgar Lustgarten relates the case of a notorious 1920s crook known as Flannelfoot, who always burgled suburban houses at 5 in the morning. Jules Ballantyne has found this to be 64 Elsworthy Road, Primrose Hill, London NW3 (RL)

The continuity suggests to me that it's 64 Elsworthy Road on the corner of Wadham Gardens but there's little evidence here, so I could be off. SJ

Mounting a stolen bicycle, Flannelfoot rides away to the nearest underground station. See previous Capture, the background house with two bay windows is, as found by Jules, 49 Elsworthy Road, Primrose Hill, NW3 (RL)

Panning right from no. 64 brings in the eastern view down Elsworthy Road with its spur housing nos. 45 to 51 hidden by growth. A closer examination of no. 49 on the crescent looks correct. SJ

Flannelfoot enters the station in time to catch the first train back to London. John’s Wood station at the corner of Finchley Road and Acacia Road in NW8. The station entrance is also seen in 'It's Never Too Late', 'One Way Out', ‘Black Orchid’, 'The Diamond' and ‘Mantrap’.

Paul Lincoln travelled up the line to take this shot of the station that opened in 1939. (RL)

In the present, an ambulance takes retired antiques dealer Mr. Gerald Curtis to hospital following an attack during a break in at his house.

Following the death of Curtis, Detective Inspector Harmer circulates details of a criminal know as Blondie. Facing east on Kingston Road in South Wimbledon SW19 with Merton Road to the top left and Merton High Street top right.

The same buildings in a different decade. (PW)

A Woman fitting the murderer's description is questioned by Detectives. Outside South Wimbledon station at the corner of Morden Road and Merton High Street.

Not much change here. (PW)

Examination of Blondie's case history in the "modus operandi" file revealed that the robbery of the previous night has followed an all too familiar pattern. The Old Pound House on Parkside, Wimbledon SW19.

Peter Bywaters captured the Old Pound House today, complete with security gates and railings to prevent cold callers like Blondie!

After an attempt to pawn part of the latest haul is made by a man, Detective Inspector Harmer pieces together a distinct route between the location of Blondie's robberies before finding that the same places have been visited by a touring theatre troupe. A night-time view of Westminster Bridge with the Houses of Parliament as the background.

A clearer busier view. SJ

Following an earlier visit, the Inspector and his Sergeant return to the Comedy Theatre in Wimbledon where "Hollywood Way" is playing. Russell Road in Wimbledon SW19 with St. Mary’s school on the left.

The school has been extended. (PW)

The Wolseley wireless car comes to a halt outside the theatre. Facing the side of the New Wimbledon Theatre on Russell Road.

With alterations to the building, the scenery door remains in place. (PW)

Aiming to follow Eddie Leroy who had been identified by Mr. Taylor the pawnbroker, Detective Sergeant Langhan (Derek Aylward) crosses the road. Russell Road with the stage door of the Grade II listed New Wimbledon Theatre to the left.

Taken from a similar viewpoint. (PW)

Russell Road with South Wimbledon Club and St. Mary’s school crossing the background.

The club has grown taller. (PW)

Langhan takes up position to wait for performer Eddie Leroy to leave the theatre.

After Blondie is identified as selling an item of Curtis' jewellery in a jewellers on the Strand, the alert goes out to police patrols in the area. Northumberland Avenue in WC2 with Great Scotland Yard to the right identified by Steve Randall.

The window on the left has become a doorway. SJ

Starting the engine, the Police Driver swings the car around in the roadway. Steve Randall locates this as the junction of Northumberland Avenue and Great Scotland Yard which can also be seen in 'Robbery' while the footage appears in 'Night Plane to Amsterdam'.

Panning right. SJ

The car speeds away towards the Strand. Northumberland Avenue WC2, seen from opposite the corner of Great Scotland Yard, recognised by Steve Randall.

The trees have thrived. SJ

Blondie (Lee Sinclaire) looks back allowing the Officers in the car to identify her. Looking westward on Strand WC2 towards the Tivoli at the corner of Adam Street. The cinema closed in September 1956 and a Peter Robinson department store was built on the site which was later converted into New South Wales House.

This is 65 Strand today. The modernist building, which replaced the Tivoli, was demolished in 1996. SJ

After Blondie boards a number 77A bus, the Police follow. Facing south on Whitehall SW1 with the corner of Horse Guards Avenue to the left.

A pause in the traffic allowed a middle of the road shot. SJ

Leaving his office, the Inspector sets off to the Comedy Theatre in Wimbledon. New Scotland Yard on Derby Gate seen from Victoria Embankment SW1.

The camera follows the car as it leaves New Scotland Yard. Looking along Victoria Embankment towards Bridge Street with the Houses of Parliament as the backdrop.

It looks like Portcullis House on the right extended its "footprint" from 1992 onwards, or maybe it's the perspective SJ

Getting into the car, Detective Sergeant Langhan confirms that Leroy hasn't left the theatre. The corner of Kingston Road and Wilton Crescent in SW19.

Peter Bywaters found the house in the background has been modified and extended but is still recognisable.

On Wimbledon's High Street, Detective Inspector Harmer and Sergeant Langhan wait for Blondie's bus to arrive. Kingston Road SW20 with the Co-operative Milk Depot on the right. The location also features in 'The Dover Road Mystery'.

Peter Bywaters tells us that the 77A bus route to Raynes Park no longer exists . . . and neither does the RT double decker bus.

Blondie alights from the 77A and starts to walk towards the theatre. Kingston Road in SW19 with the still extant Co-operative Store across the road and Ad Ex House to the right.

Blondie should have got off the bus about half mile back along Kingston Road for the theatre advises Peter Bywaters.

Signalling to waiting Policemen, the two Detectives get out of their car as Blondie enters the theatre. Facing the New Wimbledon Theatre on Russell Road SW19. The road can be seen in 'Hidden Homicide' while the theatre appears in ‘Cor, Blimey!’.

The Post Office inspection chamber covers confirm the spot. (PW)