Crooks Anonymous

Dandy Forsdyke (Leslie Phillips) knocks on a jewelers window to draw the attention of the shop assistant. After entering the shop he couldn’t resist the temptation to steal a ring. Circa 90 Regent Street, W1 with Nos: 93-95 in the background.

Temptation was taken away from Neil Kenny as the premises were boarded up.

After finishing with Dandy following his failure to 'go straight' Babette La Verne (Julie Christie) goes with her friend Carol (Joyce Blair) for lunch in the park. The Serpentine, Hyde Park and Serpentine Road, W2.

I was hoping, in vain, to match a tree or two but this view is looking west on the Serpentine Road. SJ

They walk past R.S. Widdowes (Stanley Baxter) who is carrying out ‘pastoral duties’ feeding the birds. He is approached by a policeman (Frank Gatliff). Hyde Park, Serpentine Road.

Panning right brings this view. SJ

Widdowes catches Forsdyke whilst safe breaking and persuades him to join ‘Crooks Anonymous’. He visits ‘Manderville Hall’ to meet Laurence Montague (Wilfrid Hyde-White), head of the brotherhood. Michael Lost has revealed the name and place of this now demolished property for us. 'Wilton Park' also known as 'The White House', Beaconsfield, Bucks. Its interesting history through to its demolition in 1968 can be read on beaconsfieldhistory.org.uk website.

Not being able to resist temptation when left alone, Dandy checks that the ‘coast is clear’. 'Wilton Park' also known as 'The White House', Beaconsfield, Bucks. as advised by Michael Lost, see previous capture.

Having entered the Order for rehabilitation and made some slow progress brother Montague suggests that perhaps brother Ronnie Bassett (Michael Medwin) could be Forsdyke’s ‘Guardian Angel’ and take him out for a little outing in the Austin-Healey 3000. Michael Lost further helps us with the identification of this stretch of road, Old Dashwood Hill, between Studley Green and Piddington Bucks. It also features in 'Father Came Too' but not included in our captures.

Despite not resisting temptation and being returned to the Hall for ‘further treatment’ Dandy eventually, successfully, passes the course and is discharged with flying colours. He immediately makes his way, with Babette, by taxi to his home. Launceston Place, London W8

Now with some added windows. SJ.

The trees have thrived over the passing years. SJ

Arriving at the films 'Kenton Mews'…... Kynance Mews, SW7, also seen in 'Rough Cut', The Black Windmill', 'The Big Sleep', 'Twinky' and 'Scandalous'.

Approaching the eastern branch of Kynance Mews. SJ.

It's good to have the opportunity to improve on my shot from 17 years ago. SJ

……… the taxi turns into the mews.

Entering the eastern branch of Kynance Mews. SJ.

Looking all the way through the mews to the building on the corner of Elvaston Place and Gloucester Road. And in the far centre distance behind the trees the scaffolded Queen's Tower on Imperial College Road. SJ

……to stop at his home. A studio set included for continuity.

Securing a job as Father Christmas he is tempted by the department stores Christmas Eve takings and so calls Bassett his ‘Guardian Angel’, who in turn calls his ‘Guardian Angel’ and so on…..until all of the Brotherhood are involved and make their escape by car, each dressed as Father Christmas. Approaching Oxford Circus from the west of Oxford Street in W1.

No shortage of taxis today.

Swinging right into Regent Street, with Princes Street diagonally opposite.

A momentary break in the traffic and I was there to capture the moment.

Now followed by the police, Laurence says that he will shake them off at the next corner. Burlington Gardens looking towards where Old Bond Street meets New Bond Street identified by Dave W.

It was unfortunate that 7 Burlington Gardens, Grade ll* listed, is undergoing a further change of use after another change of ownership in its long and interesting history.

No luck there, they are right behind. Facing north along Savile Row from the corner of Burlington Gardens and Vigo Street with thanks to Christopher Matheson.

At least the postbox remains exposed to aid alignment.

The Austin A135 Princess Mkll full of ‘Father Christmases’ leaves Burlington Gardens and turns left into Old Bond Street as we look north up New Bond Street.

I preferred a taxi turning left rather than a large delivery van.

Swing into Stafford Street from Old Bond Street looking towards Dove Street.

I like to think that the driver deliberately left a gap in the permananent line of traffic so I could take the shot. If so, thank you very much!

The police are close behind as they are about to turn from Grafton Street into New Bond Street.

The building on the right was no sad loss.

New Bond Street is brightened by the signs of 'Alfred Hays' (159) and 'Air France' (158).

60+ years on and New Bond Street is brightened with barriers......progress?

And so it is there that the police catch up with them……… New Bond Street looking south to Old Bond Street with Clifford Street seen off to the left.

Quiet enough to be able to stand in the road.

………………..forcing them to stop outside what was ‘Air France’ at 158 New Bond Street, that is now part of ‘Chanel’ at 158-159.

If it is safe for them to cross it is safe for me to stand in the middle of the road. Shame the Louis Vuitton flags obscure the distinctive Watches of Switzerland building on the corner of Clifford Street. (RL)

Now what’s the hurry” the policeman (Victor Brooks) enquires.

159 New Bond Street 2013 (RL)

He listens quizzically to their reasoning. Not surprising, ‘Sodens Limited’ behind him were at 265 Regent Street, W1 as was identified by Adrian Grepnold.

The number at least, confirms the correct location even if the shop frontage and placement was different.

As requested, Dandy is dropped off at “his place” as he has arranged to meet Babette there. The films 'Kenton Mews', but this time a studio set of that seen in Captures 8 and 9 in order for events to play out.

The real thing which shows that the studio set was a pretty good effort. The wall and far arch in the centre are off-angle but the easiest "spot the difference" for me are the pediments of the near arch. SJ

‘Influenced’ by Babette, the money is returned and she and Dandy are married. All Saints Church on Church Street in High Wycombe.

Without Babette they wouldn't know where they’d be. “I do!” says Ronnie (Michael Medwin) with Prunella (Pauline Jameson) looking on. All Saints Church, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Antony Blair found some good old fashioned corrugated tin rather than the flapping shrouds that are currently used to cover buildings.