League of Gentlemen, The

In the dead of night a man hole cover is lifted in a City of London street. Eastcheap, EC2 looking east with Rood Lane off to the left.

Thank you for this, George Spey.

The cafe on the corner alongside St Margaret Patten Church has changed paint colour and the manhole seems to have moved. SJ

Suddenly a street cleaner is approaching spraying water. Eastcheap looking west.

A slightly lighter scene. SJ

Once past we see Hyde (Jack Hawkins) confirm that the coast is clear for him to emerge. Eastcheap, EC2 looking east with Rood Lane off to the left.

This would benefit from a crouched-down shot. SJ

Impeccably dressed he appears to cross the road to his awaiting car. In fact, it is on the same side of the road outside 41 Eastcheap and the corner with Rood Lane.

This is a confusing one. Hawkins appears to cross Eastcheap but in a cut here he is on the same side of the street with the Rolls magically appearing out of thin air. SJ.

I returned to a fatter tree on the right. SJ

He calmly drives off to his home where he cuts bank notes in half and inserts them with a message in a book. Alan Gowdy advises that this is St. Huberts, St. Huberts Lane, Gerrard's Cross, Bucks.

The following day one copy of the book is received by Major Peter Graham Race (Nigel Patrick) who, by chance, is "on his uppers" financially. Similarly, Rupert (Terence Alexander), as well as Martin Porthill (Bryan Forbes), who here, arrives back to his own home in the early hours of the following morning. Belgrave Mews West, SW1 looking towards West Halkin Street with what was the Scottish Presbyterian Church but now the home of the exclusive dining club 'Mosimann's' partially visible.

Rather a busy day in the mews, and a parked van on the left preventing an updated comparison for the next shot. SJ

Sending his "female companion" on to her own home by the taxi he approaches the door of his mews house where he finds in his mail, a copy of the book and the same message. 2 Belgrave Mews West. Info from 'London Film Location Guide'. The same mews as seen in 'The Fallen Idol'.

Now by SJ.

A return trip found no parked van in the way of this update, which shows different hedging, an elevated garage door and some new paint. SJ

Yet another person is introduced into the ring of intrigue Lexy (Richard Attenborough). David Dorion identifies the location as facing circa 1 Queens Gate Place Mews to the north of Cromwell Road in Kensington in SW7.

This is what's there now. SJ

We get introduced to Lexy's father, Wylie (Patrick Wymark) who wants Lexy to do 'a job' for him. Circa 1 Queens Gate Place Mews to the north of Cromwell Road in Kensington in SW7.

Neil Kenny found that with 1 Queens Gate Place Mews behind him, it is one the least changed apart from the loss of the garage space. Interestingly, as I was leaving, he passed by an actual garage of historic cars within the mews.

Instructed to read the book and meet with the sender 'Co-Operative Removals Ltd' at the Café Royal, Regent Street, W1 a lobby board tells the invitees that the Maple Room has been made available to them. We cut to them enjoying a drink together with other invitees, Mycroft (Roger Livesey), Stevens (Kieron Moore), Weaver (Norman Bird) and in due course Race, before the arrival of Hyde who explains the purpose of the luncheon.

Neil Kenny took this picture from outside the adjacent 'Cakes & Bubbles' store to try and get the Cafe Royal lanterns to match. Thanks Neil from all of us who remember it as it was. He adds "The Cafe Royal awning last appearing on Google Street View in 2009 where its earlier and marching appearance was temporarily revealed". (RL)

With Race 'signed up' to Hyde's proposed 'bank raid job' Hyde stops by in his Standard Vanguard to pick him up on their way to meet with the others to progress with the plans. "The Rolls didn't fit the part". Pont Street, SW1 having just passed Cadogan Lane with the post box on the corner.

Looking west with the post box in its full glory. SJ

Exiting Chesham Place, SW1 entering Belgrave Square. No 24 on the left was also seen in 'Edward, My Son' and 'Lady with a Lamp' while no 23 on the right was seen in 'The Seventh Veil'. SJ

A car on cue at the junction. SJ

Not the Café Royal this time, "We are at war now". Dean Street, London W1 looking north circa 82/83.

Neil Kenny was on his way to the Tower of London but managed to stop off in the West End to capture this comparative shot for us. Fortunately not all has been redeveloped.

Where the operation is unfolded and arrangements are made for all to meet the following evening at 6 o'clock. Once again, this is Hyde's home St. Huberts, St. Huberts Lane, Gerrard's Cross, Bucks.

Firstly, the required arms for the operation are to be acquired from the groups 'old employers', the British Army, at Mulverton Training Camp in the film's Dorset. Dressed for the part, they pay a surprise visit to the camp "following a series of complaints about the food". William Worthington identified this as a collection of buildings and a water tower near the entrance of Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.

William proves the location of the previously unidentified location with this view. Image copyright Google.

Meanwhile Rupert and Weaver prepare to enter the camp's grounds. Whilst not 100% certain Alan Gowdy believes that this on the southern edge of Black Park on the A412 facing Avenue Drive. The road here is now a dual carriageway. Having regard to the location of the gate and entry fencing now, all set back from the road, other filming being very close and the line of the road in the next capture it is hard to beleieve that he is not absolutely correct.

The arms acquired they drive off. A request bus stop on the opposite side of the road. The southern edge of Black Park on the A412, Avenue Drive going off left. The road here is now a dual carriageway. See previous capture.

Hyde, Mycroft and Race stop briefly to remove their uniforms and the regimental sticker from the boot of their car. Alan Gowdy advises that this occurs at the junction of Pinewood Road and Seven Hills Road at the northern edge of the studio backlot.

The second requirement is for removal transport. The nightwatchman leaves the premises for a pint. Likely to be a set, the sign is also seen in 'Upstairs and Downstairs' 1959, also made at Pinewood.

The morning of the operation arrives and they leave St. Huberts. I do not believe this to be St Huberts Lane, Gerrard's Cross as the property behind the cars appears too near the gates and here, together with subsequent frames there is a footpath, there is no such footpath in St Huberts Lane. Alan Gowdy is reasonably confident (not 100%) that this is the southernmost exit from Pinewood, turning north onto Pinewood Road. The wooden fence is a good match but the brickwork less so as it appears remodelled since 1960. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find any evidence to finally confirm Alan's confidence. (RL)

The removal van similarly leaves for the City. Townmead Road, London SW6

Townmead Road facing south west approaching Wandsworth Bridge Road. Ismailia Road off to the right followed a partial view of what was the 'Wandsworth View Tavern'.

Shortly to cross Wandsworth Bridge, London SW6, here looking north.

Taken from an impressive road angle by John Harwood. (SJ)

As the removal van moves out of shot Fulham Power Station is seen.

John H. panned right. (SJ)

The rest of the group reach the City of London having passed the Royal Courts of Justice and the Temple Bar Memorial that marks the boundary. Strand/Fleet Street, London EC4

Busy as ever. SJ

We catch up with them again, still in Fleet Street, London EC4. Looking west with Bouverie Street off to the left.

Always fun to stand in the middle of a road when the opportunity arises. SJ

And up towards St. Paul's Cathedral. Bouverie Street off to the right.

Recent demolition in the middle on the south side of Fleet Street provides an unusual shot. SJ

Past the offices of the 'Daily Express' at 120 Fleet Street.

Tricky to capture the correct angle as building works, mentioned above, protruded onto the street opposite. SJ

Then past those of the 'Daily Telegraph' at 135 Fleet Street, although they would have passed them prior to the 'Daily Express' given their direction.

A bit of scaffolding as is so often the case. SJ

A brief stop at the lights before entering Ludgate Circus, London EC4

Ludgate House, 107, on the right. SJ

The camera pans down to see them come to a standstill as the light turns red. Fleet Street at Ludgate Circus looking west.

Panning down brings a skyline dominated by St. Dunstan's-in-the-West. SJ

Hyde and Mycroft look across to see the removal van. Looking across to 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4

There looks like a bit of remodelling here at Gatehouse, especially on the ground level. And the shops behind the removal van can be seen in "The Pot Carriers." SJ

The lights change and they turn left to go up Ludgate Hill.

A match to the building on the left. SJ

A further change of lights in Fleet Street enables the other part of the party to move off. Looking over Ludgate Bridge (now demolished) towards St. Paul's Cathedral.

The light is still red. SJ

And we view them crossing Ludgate Circus, to go under the railway bridge that served the line into Holborn Viaduct. The bridge was removed in 1990.

The approach to St. Paul's is clearer. SJ

With the removal van waiting for them. Ludgate Hill looking west.

Looking down the hill. SJ

In a line of four they continue up the Hill. 'Palmers' at 3 Ludgate Hill is now an hotel called 'Lost Property'.

Really not my best effort as I'm too far forward omitting the corner with Creed Lane on the left. SJ

Hyde anxiously looks up to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral.

Not need to be anxious, it's still there. SJ

And then to the 'Scales of Justice' above the Old Bailey, perhaps wondering his fate if his plot should fail.

Definitely should be anxious, as this view from the north of the street Old Bailey, would not be on the route. SJ

Any tensions will have surely mounted when confronted by the 'stop' hand of the law. St. Paul's Cathedral and the Statue of Queen Anne in the background.

Now.

And another now from the middle of the road. SJ

Only for a child to cross the road. St. Paul's Churchyard.

No kindly policeman sees you across the road these days. (RL)

The policeman allows them to continue their journey. St. Paul's Churchyard with Dean's Court off centre.

Pawson and Leafs Ltd moved in 1964, just after appearing in "It Happened Here," and closed in the late 60s. SJ

What equates to a RPV as the van brings up the rear. St. Paul's Churchyard looking north west.

The bollard arrangement appears original. SJ

The line continues through St. Paul's Churchyard.....

Looking west. SJ

......and into Cannon Street looking back to St. Paul's.....

One of the few clear views of St Paul's. SJ

....turning into Bread Street while Lexy hangs back. The area around Bread Street appears in 'Mantrap', 'The Oracle', 'The Lavender Hill Mob', 'Kaleidoscope', 'Tiger in the Smoke', 'Stage Fright' and 'His and Hers'.

Now.

I think JT was a little too far back for the original comparison. The layout has changed after war damage with the trapezium-shaped building now a cleared space even though it survived the war.

Meanwhile normal business continues at the 'City & County Bank Limited', 53 Great Tower Street, London EC3

It now seems to be Plantation House, 60 Great Tower Street. SJ

Looking west from Great Tower Street to Eastcheap. EC3 can be seen the party approaching. This, and the frames either side appear to be an almost unique image of the premises before re-development.

All change on the right while the centre is as was. SJ

Porthill signals for the group to turn left into Mincing Lane, EC3

The extreme right still stand, as does All Hallows by the Tower. SJ

A RPV Great Tower Street from Mincing Lane, EC3

This stretch of Great Tower Street is intact. SJ

Hyde parks the car in Mincing Lane and with Mycroft, gets out. Great Tower Street in the background.

Mincing Lane, but not quite the right angle. The bank's architecture on Great Tower Street appears to seal it though ... or so I thought back in 2009. However the cut in the sequence and the sign for the Old Red Lion pub, clearer in other frames, would suggest that this is elsewhere or a set. SJ

Stevens starts to put the diversionary elements into place. 53 Great Tower Street in the background.

Opposite 51 and 60 Great Tower Street. SJ.

As do Rupert and Weaver.

That's All-Hallows-By-The-Tower in the background. SJ.

Meanwhile Lexy still waits in Cannon Street for the arrival of the bullion van.

I had to step to the middle of Cannon Street to avoid the traffic in the way and show more of St Paul's. Friday Street to the left. SJ

And here it comes. Cannon Street looking towards its junction with Queen Victoria Street.

Albert Buildings on the triangle between Queen Victoria Street and Cannon Street is still there. SJ

Lexy follows the bullion van as it turns into Bread Street.

Now. Bread Street, London, EC.

Not long after the pre 2008 shot, the corner of Bread Street was Watling Street was redeveloped. SJ

The bullion van draws up to the kerb. Great Tower Street looking west.

Great Tower Street merging into Eastcheap at Rood Lane. Manhole covers galore. SJ.

Harry Hulme was in the area ten years after the previous comparison shot was taken.

Whilst Hyde is undertaking his duties a ball crosses his path which he throws back to its owner, a small boy Billy Miles (Martin Mileham) who is then drawn to the American Ranger car that is stopping beside him. 5 Vine Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex.

He takes its registration number. Vine Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex.

The bullion van drives off. Great Tower Street looking towards the Tower of London. A view that is time worthy of a comparative shot I believe.

And here is the comparison with a matching background. SJ

Everything having gone to plan they return to Hyde's home to disperse, but things do not quite go as was anticipated.