Father Brown

Police rush to a warehouse following reports of a burglary. Chiswick Mall, London W4 found by Jules Ballantyne.

Replacing Jules's Google image of exactly four years ago, Antony Blair provides this comparison.

A corner is taken at speed.

Only meters away Jules found the junction of Chiswick Mall and Chiswick Lane South. Replacing the Google shot and still showing that the "extension" has been taken away and the space consumed in greenery. (RL)

As thief Bert Parkinson makes his escape, the police pull up and rush inside the warehouse offices where they find Father Brown in front of the open safe. Given the surrounding grabs Jules suggests that this must surely be the Fullers Brewery. (RL)

Confirmed by Antony, this is half way down Church Street at Fuller’s Brewery.

When it's explained that he was returning 'the swag' after one of his parishioners had stolen it, Father Ignatius Brown (Alec Guinness) leaves the police station following a night in the cells. Jules Ballantyne finds another! 140 Thames Road in Chiswick W4.

Antony Blair found a new front wall and changes to the Georgian windows in his view which replaces Jules's Google image.

Bert Parkinson (Sid James) catches up with Father Brown when he sees him appear from the police station. Strand on the Green in Chiswick, London W4. Strand-on-the-Green was also seen in ‘The Third Secret’, ‘Four in the Morning’, ‘The Jigsaw Man‘ and ‘Darling’.

Just as peaceful a walk 60+ years on. (RL)

After the Sunday sermon, Father Brown leaves his church with Lady Warren (Joan Greenwood). Holy Trinity church, Brook Green, Hammersmith in London.

The door to the side. SJ

Bert exercises his duties in the new, legitimate role that the Father has provided for him - Lady Warren's chauffeur. Brook Green, Hammersmith W6.

Same tree: the church is to the left. SJ

As he walks back through the churchyard, part time sleuth Father Brown is attacked. Holy Trinity church in W6.

New building right behind me prevented an exact shot. The gateway has been bricked in, quite sympathetically. SJ

During the ensuing brawl, the Bishop's Secretary (Ernest Clark) appears. Next to Holy Trinity church looking towards Brook Green.

There's the new building on the right. And a fence built next to the wall is obscuring the church for some reason. SJ

Charlie (Aubrey Woods) is introduced and it becomes apparent that the attack was an exercise. In the background stand St Joseph's almshouses next to Holy Trinity church in Hammersmith.

Unchanged. SJ

The Bishop's Secretary takes Father Brown to see the Bishop who tasks him to take the cross of St Augustin to a congress in Rome. St. Mary's College, Waldegrave Road in Twickenham, Middlesex. The location was also seen in 'The Trygon Factor', 'Villain', 'Eat the Rich', 'Personal Affair' and 'Bullseye!'.

Antony Blair proves the location with this view.

Priests from all over the country descend on London to catch the boat train to the coast. Anthony Spencer advises that this is one of the platforms on the 'Brighton' side of Victoria station in London SW1 adding "The train is standing at an odd numbered platform. I'm fairly sure, from the row of advertising posters above and behind, that it's the one nearest Buckingham Palace Road with the News Theatre off camera to the left."

Father Brown almost drops his luggage and the priceless cross as he hurries for the train. Victoria Station on Victoria Street identified by James Holmes.

There have, of course, been significant changes to the Victoria Station concourse but based on 'the only common element to the two images being the corner of the rendered wall plinth seen under the PAL and the Medi Centre adverts, Dave W has provided the "now" shot. (RL)

The ferry leaves port and Father Brown becomes acquainted with another Priest on the crossing. Spotting the row of houses to the centre background and the the profile of the Downs in the distance, Anthony Spencer identifies this as the SS Canterbury leaving Folkestone in Kent.

The Priests arrive in France and board the train to Paris. Likely to be a second unit shot, this is Gare de Boulogne-Maritime, Quai Thurot, Boulogne-sur-Mer.

In Paris, Inspector Dubois (Gérard Oury) of the Sûreté Nationale waits for Scotland Yard's Inspector Valentine who has been sent to watch over Father Brown's journey. Gare du Nord dans le 10ème arrondissement de Paris, France.

Father Brown and his Companion (Peter Finch) head for the Metro after arriving in the French capital. Facing Gare du Nord on Rue de Dunkerque from Boulevard de Denain in Paris.

I clearly captured a moment when it wasn't chaotic. (RL)

With time to spend whilst waiting for their connecting train to Rome, the two Priests walk together through the streets.

Father Brown becomes suspicious when he sees two strangers watching.

Inspector Valentine (Bernard Lee) and Inspector Dubois watch from across the street.

To escape who he believes to be international thief Gustave Flambeau, Father Brown and his companion plan to hop onto a tour bus when only two seats remain.

Valentine and Dubois run after the bus as it departs with the Priests on board.

Inspector Dubois attempts to hail a taxi, but it is occupied.

Valentine joins Dubois before the pair hitch a ride in a police van and follow the bus.

Father Brown and his Companion arrive at the tour's destination and enter the Paris catacombs. Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris 75014.

A few minutes later, Inspectors Valentine and Dubois arrive at the catacombs. Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.

In the catacombs, Father Brown's companion is revealed to be the international thief Gustave Flambeau. Catacombes de Paris, Place Denfert-Rochereau, Paris.

In another disguise, Flambeau evades the two Inspectors and makes his escape from the catacombs with the cross of St Augustin. Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.

Back in England, the amateur detective discusses recovery of the cross and the redemption of Flambeau with Lady Warren. The doorway of Holy Trinity church, Brook Green, London W6.

Rather resplendent. SJ

Father Brown is at a loss to find a method of locating Flambeau. Facing Chiswick Mall behind Fuller’s Brewery in W4 located by Antony Blair.

Taking this picture, Antony wonders if that's the same boat to the right.

Also on the case, Inspector Valentine approaches seeking information. Identified by Antony, this is the foreshore of the Thames near Chiswick Mall.

Sadly, there's no sign of any legendary actors in Antony's modern shot.

Bert opens the car door for Lady Warren as she and Father Brown arrive for the auction of her silver Cellini chess set.

After months of work Jules Ballantyne admits that she "randomly spotted" the location, the corner of Ebury Street and Lower Belgrave Road, London SW1. (RL) Now, replacing the Google image. SD

The two head for the auction house where the chess set will be sold in an effort to entrap Flambeau.

Whilst "in the area", Jules also found 22 Ebury Street, London SW1 - The Blue Plaque is to Ian Fleming. (RL) Now, replacing the Google image. SD

The Inspector arrives at Lady Warren's house where, inside, Flambeau has returned the chess set that he had stolen at the auction. Found by Ronnie Hackston who advises that this is Grove House in Roehampton, now part of the University of Roehampton, London SW15.

Same bell buzzer arrangement. SJ

With help from Bert and Father Brown, Flambeau makes his escape from the Inspector. This is the courtyard of Old Court and, to the left, the gateway leads onto Roehampton Lane SW15.

Very much a temporary shot with a firmlyy closed gateway taken from the wrong side but to confirm the location. SJ

The Father suggests a diversion as Valentine speaks with Lady Warren. The background building appears to form part of Livingstone Cottage and this is the courtyard of Old Court, on the opposite side of Roehampton Lane to Queen Mary's Hospital.

I had rather a bit of fun with this one, raising my camera above the aforementioned closed gate and hoping I could capture some sort of confirmation. The windows have had a rethink but the entrances remain. SJ

Inspector Valentine sees the dairy van drive away and alerts the police to intercept. Grove House on Roehampton Lane, Roehampton located by Ronnie Hackston.

Grove House looking east. SJ

Lady Warren watches as Father Brown and Flambeau escape. Looking out from Old Court onto Roehampton Lane. The building is now accommodation for the University of Roehampton.

Flambeau disappears soon afterwards, but not before the light fingered Priest picks his pocket, taking a cigarette case displaying a crest. I know it's not a location but the extra image is needed so that the story flows.

Ignatius Brown returns to France and starts his search for Flambeau's whereabouts. The Musée des Archives nationales, Hôtel de Soubise on Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Paris 75003.

Raymond Edwards confirms the location with this image. Image copyright Google Streetview.

The Father visits the Vicomte de Verdigris in Paris. Tilting down from image fatbr039, outside Hôtel de Soubise on Rue des Francs Bourgeois.

The Vicomte is an expert on French heraldry at the National Archive. Hôtel de Soubise, Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Paris.

Father Brown makes his way blindly from the building after his glasses are broken, along with those of the Vicomte. Hôtel de Soubise.

The Vicomte fails to be of assistance because of his lack of sight and Father Brown heads to obtain new spectacles and some refreshment. Hôtel de Soubise in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris.

In a small cafe, the bar tender brings wine to Father Brown that has the Flambeau family crest on the label and points to it's origin. Another additional image.

Now hot on the trail of Flambeau, Ignatius arrives in Cluny to board a train for Fleurency. Gare de Cluny, Saône et Loire, France.

Having followed Father Brown, Inspectors Valentine and Dubois arrive at the station and ask the Stationmaster (Jim Gérald) if he has seen the Priest. Cluny station, off Route de Mâcon, Cluny in Burgundy.

The Stationmaster delays the Inspectors and the train departs. The station still exists almost in its entirety, albeit trackless.

Valentine and Dubois return to their car and set off after the train. The railway station in Cluny.

The Inspectors race the train. Unidentified location. Most of the closed railway route used in the film remains as a pathway but some sections have disappeared.

Panning from image fatbr049 sees the train heading towards the next station on the line.

The Inspectors are held up as level crossing gates are closed to allow the train to pass. La Croix-Blanche near Sologny.

The same location now. Image copyright Google Streetview.

Father Brown alights when the train stops at the station just past the crossing. La Croix-Blanche-Sologny station. The station was on the route between Cluny and Mâcon which closed on 1st November 1968.

When the crossing gates are opened, the Inspectors' car breaks down. La Croix-Blanche, Sologny 71960.?

The car is pushed over the crossing and Dubois asks the Garagiste (Daniel Clérice) if he has seen the Priest. La Croix-Blanche-Sologny station, La Croix Blanche, between Sologny and Berzé-la-Ville in Burgundy.

Behind the trees, the station building still stands. Image copyright Google Streetview.

After the Garagiste helps Father Brown elude the Inspectors, Flambeau is found celebrating the wine harvest.

Whilst Father Brown is encouraged to join in the celebrations, Flambeau leaves the party.

The Inspectors finally make it to the village, long after Father Brown and Flambeau have left.

Valentine checks a sleeping drunk but there's no sign of their quarry.

Father Brown finds his way to Flambeau's Château. Château de Berzé-le-Châtel, Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne.

Flambeau walks his dogs in the grounds of the Château.

Father Brown approaches the main gate. Le Château, Berzé-le-Châtel 71960.

When he asks for the Duke, the Father is denied access. Château de Berzé-le-Châtel.

A while later, the gates are opened and a horse and cart makes it's way in. Le Château, Berzé-le-Châtel.

Sporting a suitable disguise, entry is finally gained. Château de Berzé-le-Châtel, Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne, France.

Once inside the Château, Father Brown searches for, and finds Flambeau.