Big Sleep, The

The film opens with a Mercedes car on the A1M about to turn off at what is now Junction 7.

Significantly greener and busier now.

That being the exit for Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire. After the long drive to the House the car is overtaken by a Jaguar just before the formal entrance way.

We see the car driven into the forecourt of the House, where the white Jaguar is already parked.

No Jags today. SJ

The blue Mercedes draws to a stop and the driver Philip Marlowe (Robert Mitchum), private detective, gets out to approach the House for he is visiting General Sternwood (James Stewart). He is viewed by the General’s chauffeur Owen Taylor (Martin Potter) cleaning the Bentley beside the Bristol 410.

Almost desert-like. SJ

Norris (Harry Andrews) takes Marlowe to see the General in the conservatory. Avery Hill Park and Winter Gardens, Avery Hill Park, Bexley Road, Greenwich.

Now. Picture by John Orchan.

Norris opens the door for the General’s guest. On meeting the General he learns that he is being blackmailed by a bookseller called Arthur Geiger (John Justin).

Now. Another one by John Orchan.

The General had instructed Norris to give Marlowe a cheque for anything that he requires. Knebworth House.

Marlowe sits in his car doing ‘research’ with regard to the world of rare books outside Geiger’s shop, although he believes it is more an assignment for a lawyer rather than himself. 15 Victoria Grove, London W8

Some rebuilding to the left. SJ

But he thought he might have a ‘lot more fun finding out’ and goes to visit the shop. Victoria Grove looking towards Launceston Place.

Now

Now, matching the season. SJ

On his way he passes 1a Launceston Place.

Now

No change since pre 2008. SJ

He approaches the shop, to find that Mr Geiger is not there but Agnes Lozelle (John Collins) is. He is prepared to wait for Geiger’s return. Victoria Grove with Canning Passage going off to the right.

Now

Looking north-west. SJ

Whilst waiting, a man visits, and leaves, so Marlowe decides to follow him. He is leaving 15 Victoria Grove, London W8

Now

A quiet part of town. SJ

The man (Derek Deadman) hastens. Canning Passage looking north.

Now

A new wall has replaced the side entrance and garage door on the left. SJ

The man crosses Canning Place and re-enters Canning Passage.

Now. SJ

My update to match the dvd rather than vhs format. SJ

Marlowe follows. Reverse point of view looking back to Victoria Place.

Now

The new wall replacing the garage door now on the right. SJ

The chase continues. Kynanace Mews, London SW7

Now

This is actually a dead end, the west of the western spur of Kynance Mews, even for pedestrians with Kingsley Mews on the other side of the end house. SJ

The chase continues in Kynanace Mews.

Now

The wall of Christ Church, Kensington. SJ

Yes, still in Kynance Mews.

Now

The yellow line is straighter with the pots aligned more regimentally. SJ

Until the man turns left and up a flight of steps. Kynance Mews, W8 with steps leading up to Victoria Road.

Now

The arch leads to Launceston Place as we look east. SJ

Marlowe follows.

Now

The handrails are unchanged. SJ

A reverse point of view with the ornate porch frontage to No 24 Kynance Mews behind him.

Now

Very much the same as JT's shot in the 2000s. SJ

Marlowe reaches the top of the steps and looks left............The southern end of Victoria Road.

Now

Looking east above Kynance Mews. SJ

...........Only to find that the man has disappeared. Victoria Road looking north.

Now

These cones were cleared after I revisited a fortnight later. SJ

Or had he? Hiding in bushes! With the package that he had collected from the shop. The cul-de-sac end of Victoria Road.

Now

Very bushy now. SJ

The man makes a dash for it leaving the package behind. The cul-de-sac end of Victoria Road.

A quiet corner today. SJ

He momentarily stops to look back...

Now

A shot of no.81 Victoria Road. SJ

....before continuing his escape. Victoria Road.

Now

Panning left. SJ

Whilst sitting in his car to find that the book was ‘Schoolgirls – Porno Pictures’, he sees who he believes is Geiger in his Alvis TD 21 3-ltr Series ll car, arrive at his shop. Victoria Grove.

Now

The shops on the parade are at least occupied. SJ

Marlowe sits and observes until dusk when Geiger leaves the premises.

Now

And now again. SJ

And loses no time in following him. Victoria Grove looking south to Gloucester Road, SW7

Now

Taken just a little closer than the previous comparison. SJ

And continues to follow along Holland Park Road, London W14 about to pass Leighton House on the right.

Looking west on a quiet road. A closer shot of Leighton House's exterior is seen in Keep the Aspidistra Flying. SJ

And then along Ilchester Place, W14 before....

Hugh Hood took his camera to Ilchester Place. (SJ)

.......the corner as it turns from East/West to North/South. The street can also be seen in 'The Crowded Day', 'The Door in the Wall', 'Albert Carter Q.O.S.O.' and 'Climb Up the Wall'.

Hugh, again, captures a thriving hedge on the same corner. (SJ)

Looking South on Ilchester Place.

Hugh once again. This corner is also seen in Naked. (SJ)

Eventually to see Geiger approaching his home. Mark Daley identified Penn Way, Chorleywood, Herts.

And Mark takes advantage of a sparkling day after an August of gloom. (SJ)

Turning into 8 Penn Way, known as 'Greystones'.

Note the extension above the garage. Mark again (SJ)

Marlowe decides to park up and await events. Penn Way, Chorleywood, Herts.

Eventually he is rewarded by seeing a white Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Roadster full up at some speed............ Marlowe is parked on the corner of Kings Farm Road.

.............and Camilla Sternwood (Candy Clark) gets out and goes to Geiger’s house. A green Mini 1000 MklV passes her. Penn Way, Chorleywood, Herts.

Having broken into the house after seeing constant photographic flashes, finding Geiger shot dead, Camilla naked and possibly drugged, Marlowe drives her home in her car. Knebworth House.

He makes his own way back to Geiger’s house to find the body gone. We cut to a car speeding along a dockside and about to plunge into the water. Ramsgate Harbour, Kent.

“I told a dying old man that I would come down on a blackmailer, but someone else had done it for me with a gun”. Marlowe sits and studies Geiger’s a book that he took from his house that appears to have many names and addresses, all in code. Looking south to southwest towards the front facade of Battersea Power Station where we see only two of the four chimneys can be seen. Dave W sees this as taken from the viewing tower of Westminster Cathedral, Ashley Place SW1.

His phone rings, it’s Inspector Carson (John Mills) “Did you see General Sternwood?” – “Then perhaps you know why his Bentley is washing around in the sea near Ramsgate”. New Scotland Yard when it was located in Broadway, SW1 with St Ermins Hotel on the corner with Caxton Street in the background. The 'Yard' moved from here in 2016 and following redevelopment this courtyard has been built on making a precise comparative shot more difficult.

The hotel without the sign and it was indeed a tricky comparison. SJ

“I’m driving down to take a look, interested?” Ramsgate Harbour.

Now

Of course he was. Ramsgate Harbour.

A shed's been added. Those buildings are on Sion Hill and West Cliff Arcade. SJ

Carson and Marlowe watch as the car is brought up from the depths. Ramsgate Harbour.

The driver was Sternwood’s chauffeur, Owen Taylor. Ramsgate Harbour.

Now

They discuss the relationship Owen had with the younger daughter of Sternwood, Camilla. Ramsgate Harbour.

Looking south-east out to the North Sea. SJ

Philip asks that Carson goes easy with his enquires with Sternwood, he is a sick man. Ramsgate Harbour.

Looking north-east towards Ramsgate and Broadstairs. This was also seen at the finale of 'Ruby Blue'. SJ

With Geiger dead Marlowe considers that he should pay the shop a further visit. Victoria Grove looking east.

Now

A bit of colourful scaffolding mars the amenable scene. SJ

With Geiger ‘Out of Town until tomorrow’, and clear activity in the back office Marlowe goes around the back of the shop, to find the activity. 14 Canning Place, London W8.

Now

An extension has replaced the garage to the right. SJ

He walks past the van nonchalantly, but is noticed. Canning Place.

Now. Canning Place, W8. SJ.

Nice to return after 15 years. SJ

After quickly glancing back he continues into De Vere Gardens, W8

Now

The chain fence seems to have gone and next door seems pinker. SJ

And hails a cab. De Vere Gardens.

Now

Some more scaffolding. SJ

“Can you follow that van?” – “It ain’t moovin". Canning Place.

Now

Nothing parked there at all today. SJ

"But when it does", they're off…… De Vere Gardens.

Now

As mentioned in comparison 53 a pinker look. SJ

…..along Canning Place…..

With added motorcycle bay. SJ

….along Eldon Road, W8 looking back to Christ Church.

Looking east. SJ

Marlow upsets the driver by suggesting that they are going to lose them. Eldon Road and the junction with Stanford Road.

Spinning around to the west from the previous shot. SJ

The van turns left into St. Albans Grove.

Looking east here from between Andsell Street and South End Row. SJ

then right into Ansdell Street.

With from left South End and Andsell Terrace. Next door beyond the left frame was the red and white candy striped house now restored to brick. SJ

Marlowe and the taxi did lose the van, but just by chance they pass an opening. Putney Embankment to the right of Thames Rowing Club.

Now

“Stop! Stop here!”. Putney Embankment.

“What about the fare?” Putney Embankment with Thames Rowing Club behind Marlowe.

Now

The name on the bell read ‘J Brody’. Thames Rowing Club to the left.

Now

A J Brody had received £5,000 from General Sternwood to stop playing with Camilla. He goes around the back to where the van is parked to confirm that it is Brody’s van. Putney Embankment.

Now

Marlowe learns from Charlotte of a blackmail threat regarding the naked shots taken of Camilla at Geiger’s home and decides to pay a visit, via the back entrance, where he stumbles across Camilla and later Eddie Mars (Oliver Reed). Kings Farm Road, Chorleywood, Herts.

Mark was forced to move slightly to the right because of a tree which his sister declined to cut down for a decent angle. This looks pretty good and certainly definitive proof to me. (SJ)

A return to the boat shed/garage appears in order to speak to Mr Brody (Edward Fox). Putney Embankment.

Now

He pulls up outside and goes up to the flat, meets with Joe Brody and surprise surprise Agnes Lozelle too.

Now

After an interruption by Camilla, Joe recounts the events of the night Geiger was killed and what he saw, chasing the escaping intruder in the Bentley. Dave W does like to lurk "round the back of" and once again it has paid off, certainly for ReelStreets, for here we are in Matthew Parker Street, SW1 looking towards Tothill Street. Where was he round the back of? Central Hall Westminster.

This is looking south from Matthew Parker Street towards Tothill Street with the back of the Methodist Central Hall to the left. SJ

The Bentley skidded into a phone box and as a result Joe caught up with him and stole the negatives of the shots taken of Camilla. Dave continues to lurk in the shadows and finds himself only a few metres away in Matthew Parker Street, SW1 facing and elegant property known as Four Matthew Parker Street. As for the two telephone boxes, their parentage remains questionable.

Also seen in "The Man Who Haunted Himself." SJ

Joe is shot dead whilst going to open his door and the killer escapes. Putney Embankment.

Now

He stops, crouches and fires a gun at Marlowe.

Marlowe jumps into his car and gives chase to the escaping man. Putney Embankment looking north as the man turns into Festing Road.

Now

The chap turns to look around. Festing Road and the dropped curb of No 71.

Now

Marlowe stops his car and continues the chase on foot. Festing Road

Now

He must be hiding behind a car somewhere. Festing Road and the dropped curb of No 71 once again.

Now. Picture by Simon James.

Seeing a reflection in a wing mirror…….there he is! Circa 65 Festing Road.

Now

“Me or the cops?” He turn out to be Karl Lundgren (Simon Fisher-Turner) Festing Road and an entrance to Leader's Gardens behind him.

Now

Marlowe forces Karl to drive them to Geiger’s house and tells him he shot the wrong man, Joe Brody “didn’t kill your boyfriend”. Penn Way, Chorleywood, Herts.

Mark provides a better view of the extension and indeed the orginal front wall.

Once inside the house a number of things become apparent so Marlowe calls Insp. Carson and suggests that it was time “they all had a little get together”. Nick Farmer identifies this as Marylebone Lane, London, W1 with the camera sighted with the junction of Wigmore Street. The blue light is that of Marylebone Lane Police Station.

Nick advises that the police station had closed 4 weeks before filming and was hired by the film company. The building was demolished shortly after (1977) and the site is now Steinway Piano showroom. This replaces Nick's Streetview image posted in June '14, showing the changes to the foreground though it's still one way. SJ

It was “close to eleven when Marlowe got back to his apartment”. Morpeth Mansions, near Westminster Cathedral. Was once home to the gloriously named artist, Hercules Brabazon Brabazon, and before WWll, Sir Winston and Lady Clementine Churchill, lived at number 11. Sleuthed by Brian Tunstill.

Now. Picture by Simon James.

A slightly more accurate update but still in daylight. Looking north-west along Morpeth Terrace. SJ

He enters Morpeth Mansions.

Now. Picture by Simon James.

Still with a car parked in front. SJ

With the backing of Insp. Carson, Marlowe pays a visit to New Scotland Yard to find out more about Charlotte Sternwood’s missing husband Rusty Regan (David Saville). He drives off to go home but there is a Humber Super Snipe waiting. Broadway at Caxton Street, SW1, opposite Scotland Yard mark 3, identified by Simon James.

Oh my goodness, I was only chasing up a (correct) hunch on Capture 110 and saw this on the way. SJ

Travelling south down Castle Lane, SW1

Now. Castle Lane, taken by Simon James.

A bit messy on the right. This is looking south-west with Westminster Chapel on the left. SJ

The Humber enters Castle Lane from Buckingham Gate.

Now

The postbox is still there but it's interesting to see that phone box which wasn't there in 1977 but has remained slap bang in front of an entrance for several years. SJ

Marlowe approaches the Castle Lane junction with Palace Street.

Now. Castle Lane again, pic by Simon.

Oh dear, rather an untimely one. SJ

Where he turns right into Palace Street.

Now. Simon James

The 'Cask and Glass', on the left, one of the smallest pubs in London and for a long time only serving half pints, is on the corner of Palace Street and Wilfred Street. SJ

Palace Street, looking northwest towards Wilfred Street, into which he is about to turn, and Victoria Street; behind is the corner of Buckingham Place, London SW1 where McGoohan lived in TV's 'The Prisoner'. Sleuthed by Simon James.

Now. Simon James

Palace Street looking south-east towards Victoria Street. SJ

The Humber pulls out of Castle Street and into Palace Street.

Now. Simon

The Esso station on the right of the original has long gone. SJ

Harry Jones (Colin Blakely) pulls up in the Humber ...........

Now, again by Simon.

It was all a bit cluttered with building work so I went in for a close-up of Westminster City School, which, also before redevelopment at the front, was seen in "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness." SJ

..........to see that he had lost Marlowe. Palace Street looking north.

Now, SJ again.

Palace Street with, right to left, Wilfred Street, Buckingham Gate, Catherine Place. SJ

That evening Marlowe visits ‘The Cheval Club’ accepting the invitation of Eddie Mars to meet with him. Queen Anne Street, W1G 9LQ, at the corner with Chandos Street. The house is called "Chandos House". Information by Greg.

Picture by SJ.

He pulls up outside the Club. 2 Queen Anne Street, W1G 9LQ

Now, with thanks to Greg. SJ.

Later that evening the doorman asks: “Shall I call for your car sir?” – “No, I think I will get some air” and Marlowe walks to where his car is parked.

Finally, after eight years, I got around to the close-up. SJ

He approaches the steps that lead down to Savoy Way WC2 with 'The Coal Hole' public house on the left.

Now. The Coal Hole is still there.

He sees the shadow of a man in the passage beyond. Outside 'The Coal Hole' with Carting Lane in the background. The pub also appears in 'The London That Nobody Knows' and 'A Little of What You Fancy'.

Peter provides this daylight comparison.

As he observes the scenario he sees Charlotte leaving 'The Cheval Club' with her substantial roulette winnings.

Now

An update shows some decorative changes. SJ

Lanny (Dudley Sutton), is soon to threaten her but Marlowe is right there. The corner of Carting Lane and Savoy Way.

Now

A better angle here. SJ

Lanny is soon persuaded not to carry out his intentions and runs off. Facing south-east on Carting Lane in WC2.

Now

Looking down towards The Thames. SJ

“What has Eddie Mars got on you?” asks Marlowe.

Now

And a second chance to admire the bright red bins. SJ

They walk off to have a drink together and talk. 'The Blackfriar' pub, 174 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V. Inside 'The Blackfriar', the outside of which can be seen in '23 Paces to Baker Street', 'The Inn Way Out' and 'Loophole'.

Picture by Peter.

Marlowe persists with his question,

. . . and now. Picture by Peter.

The conversation continues.

“Where do you live?” she asks. But he ends up taking her home. In reality a four mile stroll to Holland Park, W11 and the Orangery that also appears in 'Only When I Larf', 'Full Circle', 'Every Home Should Have One', 'The Mine and the Minotaur', 'Sweeney!' and 'Who Dares Wins'. And, this is pretty close to the fabulous house that appears in the 'Secret Ceremony', with Liz Taylor, and Rob Mitchum, again. With thanks to Tony Reeves.

Snapped by Simon James.

Looking south on a damp winter's day. The Sibirica fountain was established in 1999. SJ

The following morning Marlowe sets off for the office. Morpeth Terrace Looking south-east towards Westminster Cathedral Choir School and Francis Street identified by Simon James.

Now. Picture by Simon James.

Captured by SJ

The grey Humber was also parked outside and follows Marlowe to his office, where the driver introduces himself. Morpeth Terrace looking north west.

I've returned here to find little changed in well over 15 years. That's St Vincent de Paul primary school on the corner as Morpeth Terrace bends right to Westminster Cathedral. SJ

I've returned here to find little changed in well over 15 years. That's St Vincent de Paul primary school on the corner as Morpeth Terrace bends right to Westminster Cathedral. SJ

Relaying background, Harry explains that he had seen Eddie with ‘killer’ Lash Canino (Richard Boone) and told Brody, who, putting two and two together, believed that he could blackmail both the General and Eddie Mars and collect twice. So he tails Canino. Dartmouth Street, London SW1 and 'The Two Chairmen' public house. The location can be seen in 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' and 'Mary Poppins Returns'.

Now. Well snapped that man!

The pub has returned to a darker colour of paint. The alleyway leading east to Storey's Gate is named, perhaps misleadingly, Lewisham Street. SJ

Brody follows Canino to the park where he sees him meet with Charlotte who is waiving banknotes about, Canino takes them from her, and walks on. Which park? I am inclined to the view that this is St. James's Park.

Harry says that Eddie’s wife is being held at an address ‘out of town’ and that Agnes will give it to him for the sum of £200, later that day at Brody’s office. Back in 2014 after many years, Simon James found this to be Dartmouth Street looking south towards Tothill Street, SW1. Joe Brody was at 9 Dartmouth Street, next to a rather sweet old-fashioned cafe which had just moved to WC2.

Simon supports his identification.

Agnes telephones Brody’s office and instructs Marlowe to go to the Italian Gardens, Hyde Park, W2.

Strictly speaking Kensington Gardens, the Italian Gardens. Oft used and much loved. SJ.

There she tells him that Brody had followed Canino up the A1 to a turn off near Kimpton, then he lost him. Italian Gardens, Hyde Park, W2.

The same place. SJ.

And unchanged. SJ

We re-live the scene of Brody covering the area with Agnes each weekend….

Now, reverse shot of the previous screen capture. SJ.

The dreary day left a crowd-free vista. SJ

. . . hoping to pick up Canino in his brown car . . . Turville, Buckinghamshire with 'The Bull & Butcher' pub, which together with the village itself has appeared in any number of films, including 'A Yank in Ermine', 'The Long Rope' and 'The Pumpkin Eaters'.

Antony Blair found parking unrestricted.

. . . then one weekend he was lucky, the girl driving was Eddie Mars wife Mona (Diana Quick). Canino was taking her out for air. Turville, Bucks.

More cars clutter the view during Antony Blair's visit to the village.

Brody and Agnes overtake just before Williams pesticide plant to see Mona driving. Holloway Lane, Turville looking west with what is now 'The Old Vicarage' to the left.

Brody slows down outside "Hunt's Garage' just outside Turville west of the junction with Ashfield Barn Road. (what3words: paths.drainage.armrests). Andy Patterson says, "I think I found this one by watching the film really closely and following Robert Michum's route! Co-ordinates for street view 51.61794, -0.91127." With our thanks to Andy for finding this long-standing puzzle. (SJ)

Found by Simon James.

Just after Hunt’s Garage the brown car swung off the road. A few meters on from the previous capture (what3words: bidder.committee.node)

The car pulls up at the house at the end of the drive but this property is not at that location. Currently unidentified.

That evening Joe went back and took a look. But nothing happened. Unidentified location.

All the problems and killings had been about a little blackmail but all along it had been about Rusty Regan. But fate stage managed the whole thing, two punctures fortunately near to 'Hunt's Garage' as per Capture 117.

A visit to Hunt’s Garage might well solve the problem. As in Capture 117.

And another comparison. SJ

Not exactly, whilst the garage owner collects the tyres he knocks Marlowe unconscious with one of them and Lash Canino who was also there, beat him up. Hunt's Garage.

Idlecombe Farm as well as a saddlery. SJ

When he recovers he finds himself in the house with Mona, with her co-operation he escapes only to find that his car has fortunately been moved to the garage and his gun is still in the glove box. Canino arrives at the house to find Marlowe gone. Unidentified location.

Marlowe settles down to entice Canino out.

Canino exits with a sub machine gun and using Mona as a shield.

Justice prevails and Marlowe shoots Canino dead. Days afterwards the General Sternwood asks to see Marlowe......... Knebworth House.

Comparison shot from I J Williams

.......and finally instructs him to find his son-in-law Rusty Regan. “At last he asked for what he wanted all along”. Knebworth House, Hertfordshire.

Was the answer in the General’s own back yard?

There seems to be less lawn now. SJ

Returning her gun to her, Camilla persuades Marlowe to teach her to shoot, down by the old ruin. He sets a can up on the wall. As she fires the gun at him it is fortunate that he had loaded it with blanks. Steve Randall brings to my attention the distinct similarity and general acceptance that this is the grotto in Wanstead Park, Essex, pictures of which can be seen in various stages of ruination.

Was it a similar scenario for Rusty Regan? Wanstead Park, Essex, see previous capture.