Crime Over London (aka The House of the Thousand Windows)
Date: 1936
Director: Alfred Zeisler
Production Company: Criterion Film Productions Ltd
Stars: Margot Grahame, Paul Cavanagh, Joseph Cawthorn, Rene Ray, Basil Sydney, Bruce Lester, David Burns, Edmon Ryan, John Darrow, Danny Green, Googie Withers, Edward Rigby, Ruby Miller, Anthony Hankey, Esme Percy, Dorothy Oldfield, Roland Culver, C.V. France
Location(s): London, Middlesex
Region(s): London C-D, South East A-D
Storyline:
Things are getting too hot in New York City for “Joker” Finnigan and his gang, so they decide to move their activities to London. There, Scotland Yard keep a watchful eye on them since “Joker” is planning a robbery of a large department store, known as the House of a Thousand Windows. “Joker” forces an American actor to impersonate the store owner. A store employee and nephew of the owner, is also fooled, but he is distracted by the romance he is having with another store employee.
Additional Information:
Screen captures and text uploaded by Richard Lovejoy.
Originally called “The House of a Thousand Windows”, the film was later called “Gang”, then “The Thousand Windows” before settling on “Crime Over London”
Kinematograph Weekly – Thursday 6th August 1936 reported:
“What is very nearly a record for rapid building has just been carried out in Criterion’s studios at Worton Hall by art director Edward Carrick and his crew.
It was decided to use Georgian manor at Worton Hall for an exterior shot in “The Thousand Windows”, but the architecture of the frontage was all wrong. Carrick was ordered to put a complete new front on the manor hall, and within twelve hours the grey Georgian stone had given place to Tudor brickwork. The Adam doorway had become Tudor, the gravel paths leading up to it became stone flags, the windows latticed and a backward transition of almost 200 years in period appearance had been achieved overnight.”
Kinematograph Weekly – Thursday 3rd September 1936 reported:
“A camera crew with two motion picture cameras and the complete Criterion unit invaded Knightsbridge this week in order to make exterior shots of Harvey Nicholls [sic] department store with gangsters entering it for the film “The Thousand Windows”. Hundreds of shoppers unknowingly acted as extras.”
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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
- 'Now' required
The arrival of ‘Joker’ Finnigan (Basil Sydney) and his gang from New York is signalled by the docking of a liner at Southampton. Philip Bacon tells us that the liner is RMS Aquitania, during her time in Cunard White Star Line ownership. A one of a kind ship with no sisters. Identifiable by the two tall ventilation cowls standing on the bow ahead of the forward mast. She was the last of the four funnel liners in service upon her retirement in 1949.
- Capture 2
- 13 Nov 2024
They take the ‘Ocean Liner Express’ train to London, their arrival there signalled by a shot of Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.
Right angle, wrong elevation. SJ
- Capture 3
- 30 Nov 2024
And then Piccadilly Circus.
Almost everything redesigned at this spot. SJ
- Capture 4
- 15 Dec 2024
Followed by Oxford Street looking east from Oxford Circus with Oxford Circus underground station and Argyle Street to the right.
Paul was very grateful that all the London traffic charges have had such a dramatic impact.
- Capture 5
- 13 Dec 2024
The gangs potential robbery of a department store is supported by another shopping area. Regent Street, W1 looking north from just south of Heddon Street.
Paul Lincoln did well to very much capture the same scene from ground level... well done Paul for beating me with a near identical shot. I should add for accuracy's sake that this is from Vigo Street, indeed south of Heddon. (SJ)
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
Having been taken ill in the store its owner, Mr Sherwood (Joseph Cawthorn), is told to take more time away. Unidentified golf course.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
Inspector Gary (Paul Cavanagh), Joan (Rene Ray) and Ronald Martin (Bruce Lester) go off for a swim at the weekend. It looks to be a 1936 Chevrolet Roadster. Unidentified location.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
Together they go down the slide into the pool. Roehampton Swimming Pool, Priory Lane near the junction with Upper Richmond Road SW15.
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
And run around freely. Roehampton Swimming Pool, Priory Lane near the junction with Upper Richmond Road.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
‘Joker’ Finnigan and his gang make their way to Ronald Martins home where Jim (John Darrow) is double crossing Finnigan. Unidentified location.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
Guests are leaving Mr. Sherwood’s home and Finnigan and the gang watch on until he is alone. Believed to be Worton Hall Studios, Isleworth, in Middlesex at the time of filming. See Header Section. It doesn't look particularly Tudor but the windows are certainly 'latticed'.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Having had to arrest Martins on suspicion of the murder of Jim, but believing him to be innocent, Gary drives to meet with Sherwood. Unidentified location.
- Capture 13
- 10 Nov 2024
After locking Gary up with Sherwood and his staff the gang drive off in the Rolls Royce towing one of their own cars. Looking east along Knightsbridge from William Street SW1.
Returning to the location, Antony Blair found the dreaded scaffolding had made a appearance.
- Capture 14
- 13 Nov 2024
Heading for ‘Sherwood’s’ Department Store. Knightsbridge, SW1 with the ground floor windows of Harvey Nichols (See Header Section) and a Matte of ‘Sherwood’ stores above.
This is the ground floor of Harvey Nicks. SJ
- Capture 15
- 10 Nov 2024
They draw to a stop for the commissionaire to open the car door. Knightsbridge looking across to Albert Gate and the French Embassy.
Antony Blair looked in the same direction from outside the Park Tower Hotel.
- Capture 16
- 13 Nov 2024
Top hat and tailed they go to steal the staff’s 25 year celebration bonus monies. They appear to be entering Woolland Brothers Ltd., 95-107 Knightsbridge, SW1
The pavement has been enlarged between Seville and William Streets with the entrance to Park Tower and Grosvenor Casino receded to the right. SJ
- Capture 17
- 13 Nov 2024
Police cars are despatched to ‘Sherwoods’ store. The corner of 1 Derby Gate, SW1 as it meets with Parliament Street.
The corner today has some additions. SJ
- Capture 18
- 'Now' required
Another team are available to support. Unidentified location.
- Capture 19
- 16 Mar 2025
Even more men and cars are sent. New Scotland Yard, Derby Gate, London SW1.
Works here may well go until 2030 I was informed. SJ