Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective

This is the story of a man who became deeply concerned with the unsolved murder of a young girl, He was a born stumbler, but patient and very dogged . . . Seen from the roof of Henry Wood House on Langham Place W1, to the bottom left stand premises on Regent Street.

Richard Bennett made his way to Henry Wood House.

The harmonica led soundtrack begins as the camera starts to pan right bringing the London College of Fashion into frame.

The scene now by Richard Bennett.

A transition resets the view of the London skyline. The treetops of Cavendish Square Gardens fill the bottom left of the view.

Unable to obtain a higher viewpoint Paul Lincoln took this shot from ground level, and the foreground buildings are spot on. (RL)

Names of the guest stars are revealed. Wigmore Street stands to the bottom left.

The view looking west from Henry Wood House on Langham Place W1 with Harley Street crossing the foreground, nondescript office blocks on Baker Street in the right mid-distance and Queen Anne Street to the bottom right.

Taken from the top of Henry Wood House, now the Nest bar, by Richard Bennett.

Supporting actors are credited as the pan continues across Queen Anne Street.

Richard Bennett also continues to pan.

The twin towers of the University of Westminster and the radio mast on top of BBC Broadcasting House come into view.

The scene today by Richard Bennett.

As the title sequence and music end, the shot finds the domes of the London Business School at Sussex Place off Outer Circle and the cupola of St. Marylebone Parish Church.

Richard Bennett matches the view.

"The north west frontier . . . of London" narrates D.C. "Dangerous" Davies. Portobello Road in London W11.

Today's view at ground level. (SR)

"Have you ever thought how many people around here are actually at war with each other?" Portobello Road between Westbourne Grove and Lonsdale Road. Various lengths of the famous street can be seen in a good number of other productions 'Otley', 'The Italian Job', 'Mantrap', ‘The Mine and the Minotaur' and 'Jemima and Johnny'.

Tris captured a ground level view of the location.

"We've got two religious lots of Irish, hostile African tribes, Indians and Pakistanis . . . " Facing southward towards the railway bridge carrying the Hammersmith & City Line over Portobello Road at the W10/W11 boundary.

A less-crowded but colourful view today. (SR)

". . . Jew and Arabs, and some of the original British." 160 Portobello Road W11.

Burgers and milk shakes replace fish and chips at Five Guys. (SR)

"Magic life for a copper. Excitement, glamour . . . and for me? The start of an incredible story." Golborne Road W10 with Trellick Tower in the distance.

In today's view little has changed apart from the arrival of trees. (SR)

Detective Constable Davis (Bernard Cribbins) gets out of the police car that's brought him to lodging house where the violent Pomeroy Bright is holed up in his room. Bobbie identifies this as Chesterton Road in W10.

Looking north-east towards Ladbroke Grrove. SJ

A Sergeant (Mike Savage) explains that Pomeroy is upstairs. Looking from number 81 Chesterton Road in Notting Hill with Millwood Street in the background, located by Bobbie, who lived on the street in the 1980s.

The tree opposite has flourished. SJ

Carrying a file on Cecil Ramscar, Detective Sergeant Green (Jeremy Sinden) arrives at the police station where Davies is based. Ray Glenister found the police station to be at 131 Salusbury Road, London NW6. (RL)

Richard Bennett found the two trees still standing.

The camera follows the Special Branch Officer into the building where he meets with Chief Inspector Yardbird. 131 Salusbury Road, London NW6 as identified by Ray has been given over to office accommodation. (RL)

The building shows little change in Richard Bennett's comparison.

When the Chief Inspector puts out a call for Davies, a panda car approaches the railway arch where he garages his car. As Richard Bennett suspected, these are the railway arches just east of Kilburn underground station in NW6.

It’s a building site and they wouldn’t let Richard in because of the heavy plant, but the Site Manager took this and the following comparison shots for him and did a pretty decent job.

Davies stops combing his dog Kitty and turns when the police car comes to a stand outside the lock-up. Identified by Richard Bennett, sandwiched between the westbound and eastbound tracks of the Jubilee Line off Kilburn High Road in Kilburn.

Taken by the Site Manager for Richard, these are the railway arches under redevelopment.

The Police Driver (Andy Bradford) shouts to Davies that Yardbird wants to see him. The arches beneath the Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines at Kilburn NW6, located by Richard Bennett.

With Richard not allowed to enter the construction site, this was taken by the Site Manger.

After reading through one of Ramscar's statements, Davies learns about the case of Celia Mary Norris (Lucy Aston) who disappeared in 1965. Queen's Park NW6 with the bandstand in the right distance.

Now in colour, by Richard Bennett.

Celia "had spent what was undoubtedly the last day of her life planning her future. That afternoon, she was at the Youth Employment Office asking about becoming a nurse."

"After which she went home to Hunter Street and stayed there for a meal." Freston Road in W10 with the Champion Dining Rooms at number 104 in the right background.

"At around six o'clock she cycled to the Youth Club at the Catholic church . . . . " St. Gabriel's Church on Walm Lane NW2.

Denis Hoare was going to wait until 6 o'clock to have the church clock the same as the screenshot, but it looked like a shower was on it's way so he didn't really want to wait around another five and a half hours. We are not that pedantic Denis on such days. (RL)

". . . where she met her boyfriend William Lynd (William Lind)." In the background stands St. Gabriel's Vicarage on St. Gabriel's Road in Cricklewood.

Denis found the vicarage in excellent shape, and the flower border under the window has been expanded. (RL)

"At ten o'clock she left there alone. Her boyfriend stayed behind for a sports meeting and at ten o'clock on a summer's evening, Celia Norris mounted her bicycle and rode away into nothing." In front of the Vicarage on St. Gabriel's Road in Cricklewood NW2 with St. Gabriel's church in the left background.

The caravan has gone as has the bike rack, and the flower borders have all grown. Denis gained the impression, just a feeling, that "it's an ex-vicarage", probably in private hands now. We share your impression, accepting that we may be wrong. (RL)

"To reach home she would have cycled along the main road to the junction with Hunter Street or perhaps taken a short cut along the towpath of the canal, later joining the main road." The towpath of the Paddington Branch of the Grand Union Canal with the bridge over the former Kensal Green Gasworks basin in the background.

From the best angle now possible, Antony Blair took the opportunity of including a cyclist.

"Whatever she did, nobody reported seeing her and the bicycle was never found. A youth named Andrew Parsons was arrested in a public convenience trying to stuff her clothes behind a cistern, saying that he'd found them there." This is the footbridge at the northern end of Wedlake Street W10 with buildings on Harrow Road in the top left corner. Replaced in 1990, the bridge also features in 'Pressure', 'Quadrophenia' and 'The Traitors'.

To the left, Richard Bennett found the same brickwork and railings next to the replacement Ha’penny Bridge which crosses the Grand Union canal.

After being given the task of tracking down Ramscar, Davies walks with his friend Mod Lewis (Bill Maynard) towards the canal.

Dangerous and Mod check out the topography of the canal towpath. Looking west towards the bridge over the former Kensal Green Gasworks basin on the Paddington Branch of the Grand Union Canal in W10.

A brighter shot from Richard Bennett.

Along the canal, Davies spots Father Harvey (John Rogan) fishing and asks him about Celia Norris. The Grand Union Canal with the bridge carrying Ladbroke Grove and the water tower of Kensal Green Gasworks in the background.

Antony Blair's daylight shot reveals that the scene has changed a little.

Continuing his unofficial investigation, Davies arrives on Hunter Street. Freston Road in W10, this time in colour.

The Detective Constable approaches to front door of the Norris's house. These homes on Freston Road have since been demolished and replaced.

In the nearby park, Davies asks Mrs. Norris (Pam St. Clement) if she can go through the events of that day. The Bandstand in Queen's Park NW6.

Richard Bennett this view of the now decorated bandstand.

Mrs. Norris recalls the day that her daughter didn't come home. Queen's Park is located between Chevening Road, Kingswood Avenue, Harvist Road and Milman Road.

Taking this shot, Richard Bennett explains that this is looking west towards Milman Road which is now obscured by trees and foliage.

Davies buys a cuppa for them both. The refreshment room adjacent to the tennis courts in Queen's Park.

A wider shot from Richard Bennett which shows extensions made to the cafe.

The connection between Mr. Norris and Ramscar is brought up. Facing the tennis courts in Queen's Park NW6.

Richard Bennett aimed his lens beneath the awning outside the extension.

Mrs. Norris looks back when Davies asks if Ramscar could have cause Celia's death. Queen's Park with what seem to be properties on Milman Road in the distance.

Th pathways remain the same in Richard Bennett's view.

In his 1939 Austin Eight Military Tourer, Davies approaches The garden of Oooo-la-la, a sex shop where Dave Boot works. Facing east on Mill Lane in NW6 with the southern end of Hillfield Road on the left and The Alliance public house at the corner of Ravenshaw Street to the right.

We really wouldn't have expected you Denis to wait for a passing Austin of any model. (RL)

Pointing at Kitty when she growls, Dangerous goes inside the shop to question Celia's former acquaintance. Mill Lane in West Hampstead with Gondar Gardens to the left and Hillfield Road on the right.

A BMW replaces the old Austin. That is progress Denis. (RL)

Catching up with Mr. Norris (Ken Jones), Davies asks him where Ramscar is. The towpath alongside the Grand Union Canal as it passes between Kensal Green Cemetery and the site of the former Kensal Green Gasworks.

Antony Blair found the same wide grassy canal bank.

Mr. Norris insists that Ramscar didn't do it. "Do you think I'd have kept quiet?" The Grand Union Canal with the water tower of Kensal Green Gasworks in the right distance.

The view today by Antony Blair.

Following another lead given to him by Mrs. Norris, Davies sets off to find Celia's friend Ena Brown.

Ena had married William Lind three years after Celia's disappearance.

Dangerous finds Ena Lind on the 7th floor of Gladstone Heights.

After learning from Ena that Boot had had relations with both her and Celia, Davies is attacked near the canal and has to be rescued by Father Harvey.

Following a spell in hospital, Davies heads back to see Dave Boot. Mill Lane NW6 with Ravenshaw Street to the right.

With all that smoke, Denis contemplated that it's a good job the Austin would be exempt from the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) regulations. (RL)

Dangerous brings his old car to a halt. Mill Lane with the Alliance on the left.

Denis noticed that the sex shop has now been replaced with a more respectable outlet today. (RL)

Rushing inside, Davies is told by Tarquin that Boot has just left. Facing number 38 Mill Lane in West Hampstead.

The Austin grew up into a BMW. Had the handbrake not been on Denis was prepared to have pushed it back to match the original capture. (RL)

Appearing from the car park at the back of his shop. Dave Boot rides away on his Triumph Bonneville. Dave Faithful identifies this view as the bridge over the West Coast Main Line and Bakerloo Line on Chamberlayne Road in NW10.

Just as much traffic in Richard Bennett's comparison.

Spotting Boot on his motorcycle, Davies sets off in pursuit. Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise recognised by Dave Faithful.

A change of use and new buildings appear in this view from Richard Bennett.

The camera follows Davies as his red Austin passes. The junction of Mortimer Road, Chamberlayne Road and Harvist Road in NW10 located by Dave Faithful who points out his old school, Kensal Rise Primary, in the right background.

Richard Bennett found more greenery, some of which partly obscures the school.

Boot pulls in to a station car park. Facing the side of Kilburn Park Underground station from the car park on Alpha Place in NW6.

The fence is more substantial now, and the yard owned by the Salvation Army. Denis Hoare extends his thanks to the Salvation Army for allowing him access to take pictures. (RL)

Steering into a suitable space the motorbike is parked. The car park on Alpha Place with Gorefield House to the left and Alpha House in the centre.

Another taken by Denis from within the Salvation Army's yard. Apart from there being more foliage and cladding added to the block of flats, there's little that has changed. (RL)

Taking off his helmet, Dave Boot (John Leyton) leaves the car park. The entrance to the car park on Alpha Place.

Denis found that there was more substantial fencing in place these days. (RL)

Davies approaches the car park. Alpha Place with the Prince of Wales public house as the backdrop.

The area around this side door of the pub has been remodelled, with a larger window and planter, plus the seemingly now statutory bins to spoil this comparative shot from Denis. (RL)

The pre-war car is secured and Davies follows Boot towards the station. Once again, the car park on Alpha Place NW6 with Gorefield House to the top right.

Once again Denis found the fence to be more prominent than it's chain link predecessor, plus a few changes to the buildings in the background. (RL)

Boot enters the station, followed by Dangerous. Kilburn Park station on Cambridge Avenue in Kilburn. The station frontage can also be seen in 'Press for Time'.

The tobacconist now replaced with a pharmacy. A natural progression, Denis proposes? (RL)

Riding the train to the end of the line, Davies lays into Boot verbally and physically. Although the 1977 moquette fits with London Transport's 1938 stock of the era, the train is a set . . . as is the station through the window.

Knowing that the scene took place on set, Richard Bennett was at the real station any way so took this shot.

Coming out of the library after telling Mod of his progress, Davies finds Josie Norris (Cindy O'Callaghan) waiting. Outside Kilburn Library on Salusbury Road in Queens Park.

The modified K6 has gone and new railings and signage have since appeared, as Richard Bennett's comparison shows.

Josie tells the detective that Ramscar has been threatening her mother and that she and her father are petrified. Salusbury Road in NW6 with Kilburn Library in the background.

Richard Bennett found refurbishment taking place.

Davies asks Josie to tell her parents not to move and to call him if there's any trouble. Salusbury Road with number 73 at the corner of Victoria Road in the left background.

A clearer shot of the background from Richard Bennett.

Police and the Fire Brigade attend Mrs. Fulljames's lodging house after Dangerous and Mod let a horse into the building whilst under the influence of a night out. Dave W with a very clear head takes us to 177 Walm Lane, London NW2 (RL)

Similarly with a clear head Denis noticed that only a stump remains of the bare Maple tree outside the house in the film capture, although it looks healthy enough today. (RL)

Having sobered up and obtained their alibi. Davies and Mod return to the scene of their misdemeanour. Having established the previous property Dave says that we are now looking at 206 Walm Lane, NW2 (RL)

On the day Denis visited number 206 across the road had the decorators in. (RL)

After speaking with Mrs. Edwina Fennel about her husband, Davies heads to St. Austin's hospital near Bedford. Aldenham Road outside Aldenham Lodge at the entrance to the drive leading to The Haberdashers' Aske's School in Elstree, Hertfordshire.

Just 41 years later, Antony Blair returned to the location.

Dangerous turns into the grounds of the mental institution to see former Constable Fred Fennell. Aldenham Lodge on Aldenham Road, Elstree with the gates of The Haberdashers' Aske's School on the right. The location also appears in 'Quatermass 2, 'Kill or Cure', 'Bottoms Up!' and 'It's in the Air'.

Antony Blair captured the same scene minus the left hand gate pillar, the base of which is still visible.

Marie (Betty Romaine) tends a flower bed as Davies drives up to the hospital entrance.

When he greets Marie with "Morning" she pulls out a gun and points it at Dangerous.

Dangerous explains that he's come to see the superintendent, Dr. Longton.

Marie orders Davies to "walk" before following him into the building.

An emotional Fred mentions Madame Tarentella, who produces Celia's bike when Davies visits. Portobello Docks, 344 Ladbroke Grove, London W10. (SR)

Richard Bennett discovered an upward extension here.

Beaten up for a second time, Davies goes through the possible events that led to Celia's death whilst lying in his hospital bed.

Dangerous meets Josie who tells him that her Dad knows where Ramscar is. Facing the Champion Dining Rooms on Freston Road W10, a distant view of which can be seen in 'Operation Third Form'.

Josie explains that her old man had suffered a heart attack and had spoken about Ramscar being up to something big. Freston Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Acting on Mr. Norris's final words, Dangerous goes to Bracken Farm near Uxbridge.

A Heavy (Frank Jarvis) lights a cigarette as Davies creeps up on him.

Using a length of pipe, Davies holds the Heavy at 'gunpoint' before the two walk to the barn where Ramscar is meeting with several other Men including an American ambassador.

After travelling to Bristol where 101 year old Charlie Harkness tells Davies the name of the Policeman that he saw Celia with on the night of her disappearance, Mod drives the detective back home. Denis Hoare places this as looking at 177 and 175 Walm Lane, London NW2. (RL)

Mr. Patel (Barbar Bhatti) hurries from the house to help Davies out of the minibus. Denis sees Mr. Patel exiting 177 Walm Lane. (RL)

Mod drives Davies away after opening a letter from Superintendent Carter advising that the detective is getting a presentation for apprehending Ramscar. Here, says Denis, we are looking across the road from 177 to 210 Walm Lane. (RL)

Before the presentation, Fennell hands a statement over to Davies written by P.C. Dudley which reveals that he saw . . . .

. . . Someone coming up the alley from the canal.

Returning to London with the fifteen year old murder case solved, Dangerous is taken to the police station for the presentation by Detective Superintendent Carter and Chief Inspector Yardbird. Geoff Dodd establishes this as the onslip of the M1 at Junction 4 with the bridge being that of Brockley Hill. (RL)

Geoff provides this Google Earth View just in case someone using the road doesn't feel safe or is not able to take a comparative shot. (RL)

After Celia's murderer is charged, Davies, Mod and Josie celebrate with fish and chips. Facing north on Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise NW6 with Kempe Road on the immediate right identified by Dave Faithful.

Richard Bennett made his way to Kensal Rise.