Meet Sexton Blake!

Date: 1945
Director: John Harlow
Production Company: Strand Film Company, British National Films

Stars: David Farrar, Manning Whiley, Dennis Arundell, John Varley
Location(s): Hertfordshire, London

Storyline:

The famous detective and his trusty side-kick are called in by the War Office to retrieve important documents stolen from a man killed during an air raid.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Phil Wilkinson

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If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.

We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

Capture 1
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During the darkness following an air raid, a Figure looks down onto the River Thames. This has the appearance of a set.

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A tug makes its way towards the bridge where the Figure witnesses a fight which ends with the Loser being thrown over the parapet onto the deck of the vessel. That could be London Bridge crossing the River Thames.

Capture 3
06 Oct 2026

Drawn into investigating the suspicious death, after speaking with armaments manufacturer Raoul Sudd about his friend Paul Rousell's murder, Sexton Blake looks from his office when Tinker spots a Man in a Mackintosh loitering across the street. The corner of Baker Street W1 and Marylebone Road NW1 with Marylebone Circus to the right.

The corner, 133 Baker Street, has long been a Pizza Express but was a NatWest which closed in the mid 80s. SJ

Capture 4
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Tailing the Man in the Mackintosh and Sudd to Glovers Hotel, Tinker follows a dark haired Woman who approaches the arms manufacturer before leaving. Obviously a station, but too dark to make out much detail.

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Sexton Blake (David Farrar) joins Tinker (John Varley) at the station where the dark haired Woman has been followed by the Man in the mac.

Capture 6
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As the investigation continues after Blake and Tinker escape when they are kidnapped by mysterious Foreigners, the Pair make their way to Scotland Yard. Outside the gates to New Scotland Yard on Derby Gate in SW1.

Capture 7
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Sexton Blake tells the Taxi Driver to wait. The corner of Derby Gate and Cannon Row, since renamed Canon Row.

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Passing through the gates, Blake says "hello Fred" to the Constable on duty. Looking north at the junction of Cannon Row and Derby Gate.

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In Superintendent Venner's office, Blake and Tinker are introduced to Johann Sudd, Raoul's step-brother. Derby Gate with New Scotland Yard as the backdrop.

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Blake and Tinker leave Scotland Yard, after receiving a coded call from Nobby Clarke. Facing east on Derby Gate SW1 with Victoria Embankment visible through the archway to the right.

Capture 11
06 Oct 2026

The taxi takes Blake and Tinker to the docks, just below London Bridge. Trafalgar Square WC2 with the National Gallery to the left and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church in the right distance.

Since 2003's pedestrianisation, it's quiet early in the morning before the crowds arrive. SJ

Capture 12
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Facing east on Ludgate Hill EC4 with St. Paul's Cathedral in the background.

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Looking towards Lower Thames Street EC3 with Billingsgate Buildings standing between Botolph Lane and Monument Street on Lower Thames Street as the background.

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The cab deposits Blake and Tinker at a derelict wharf. The bombed site of Nicholson's Wharf off Lower Thames Street which was later used as a lorry park until redevelopment in the 1980s.

Capture 15
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Blake and Tinker climb the steps and make their way onto a jetty. Looking eastward along the River Thames with Billingsgate Market on the left.

Capture 16
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The since removed jetty leading from the site of Nicholson's Wharf on the north bank of the Upper Pool.

Capture 17
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"Ahoy there", Sexton Blake speaks with the Skipper (Charles Farrell) of the tug onto which the body fell a few day's previously. Nicholson's Wharf jetty with Tower Bridge in the distance.

Capture 18
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Finding Nobby Clarke (Betty Huntley-Wright) had been locked up by the Skipper after a £1 bribe from "Slant-Eyes", Blake and Tinker leave with her. Nicholson's Wharf jetty in EC3 with Billingsgate Market on the right.

Capture 19
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Blake and Tinker call on Mrs. Baird (Elsie Wagstaff) asking if Jimmy Kunn is a friend of her Husband. This is possibly a set built at the Associated British Picture Corporation studios on Shenley Road, Borehamwood in Hertfordshire.

Capture 20
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Mrs. Baird tells the Investigators that a Policeman had called earlier, soon after a Man in dark glasses. That background has the look of a studio sound stage or ancillary building.

Capture 21
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Thanking Mrs. Baird, Blake and Tinker get back into the taxi, telling the Cabbie to take them to Jimmy Kunn's second-hand shop. Looking east along Carter Lane EC4 from the junction with Ludgate Broadway and Black Friars Lane.

Capture 22
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After coded advertisements are exchanged between DZ and Mrs. Ivy Watkins via the evening and morning newspapers, the Superintendent, Detective Belford earlier revealed to be the Man in the Mac, Raoul Sudd, Nobby and Tinker wait with Blake at his cottage near Marlow.

Capture 23
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Johann Sudd (Dennis Arundell) and Torch (Tony Arpino) follow Slant-Eyes (Ferdy Mayne), also known as DZ, towards the front door of The Retreat.

Capture 24
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Slant-Eyes knocks at the door which is answered by Nobby.