Long Arm, The

The involvement of the police is established by a view of New Scotland Yard from Westminster Bridge.

The same skyline today. SJ

Behind the credits we travel through the London in front of a No 13 bus. Passing the Civil Service Store, 425 Strand, London WC2 to the right.

The clock on the corner with Bedford Street is decorated by the circumlocution "Civil Service Supply Association Ltd.." SJ

Before settling on what will be the focus of attention, the offices of ‘Stone & Co (Long Acre) Ltd’ Great Queen Street and Drury Lane, London WC2

Now. SJ.

NO traffic lights in the way now as more of the area is pedestrianised. SJ

After witnessing a safe raid and the automatic alarm being triggered we see a “Q” car do a U turn outside a branch of Barclays Bank to follow up the call from Scotland Yard. An unidentified branch of the Bank.

As the safe is closed and locked the police make a dash to the premises. Great Queen Street looking north.

Closer in on Great Queen Street. SJ.

THe change is that the former Sugar Loaf pub at no40 was 15 years ago the blue-framed O'Neills and now Philomena's. SJ

The three officers see nothing amiss………………… Great Queen Street looking towards Drury Lane. Adrian Grepnold.

And then a pan to left about 120 degrees, so that's Drury Lane facing. SJ.

Wings has become Club Soda, and Happie Loves It is LaDuca Shoes quite recently whereas Itsu established itself soon after 2009. SJ

…………….. and the 'night watchman' (Richard Leech) opens the door to enquire “what’s the trouble”. Detective (Michael Collins) left, Detective-Sergeant (Glyn Houston) center, Detective Fred (Fred Nicholas) right. The main and only entrance door was that on the far right hand side.

Paul Hatlee send us this shot of the doorway that he took a couple of years back whilst similarly on a quest for "now" shots to this film. (RL)

Having established that all is well and had the alarm re-set they leave. Great Queen Street, London WC2 with The Sugar Loaf public house identified by Tris at number 40.

Parking right outside is more difficult with the pavement extended out. SJ

The following morning we get to see Detective-Superintendent Tom Halliday (Jack Hawkins) with his family at breakfast time in the film’s ‘Bromley’ while the neighbours make their way to work.

Tom arrives ‘at the office’ to start his working day. Derby Gate, Cannon Row, London SW1

Begging for a retake when the clutter has gone. SJ

He is soon assigned the “Stone” case given the strange circumstances and he makes an early visit to the premises with his new assistant Detective-Sergeant Ward (John Stratton). Looking north on Great Queen Street with Freemason's Hall and Wild Street off to the right mid capture and Drury Lane off bottom right hand corner.

Now. SJ.

Another shot showing the new street arrangement which toke place in about 2009. SJ

Tom returns from Chester where he went to visit the manufacturers of ‘Rock Safes’, who’s product had featured in a number of ‘northern’ cases and now that of ‘Stone & Co’. There is a clue in that sign. 306 yards from Euston Station north of Granby Terrace Bridge, London NW1. Colin Rutter adds that the train's engine is a Britannia Class locomotive from a class of 55 locomotives which has special experimental tanks and equipment fitted to it. Only two of the class carried this so it is either 70043 or 70044.

Tom is met at the station by D-S Ward. Jonathan Horswell resolves the location telling us that this is Windsor & Eton Central Station that features in a number of other films but points specifically to 'The White Trap', 'Law & Disorder' and 'A Run for Your Money' specifically where the station metalwork supports the identification.

On their back ‘to the office’. Gower Street, London WC1 with University College Hospital to the right, identified by Adrian Grepnold.

Gower Street, with University College Hospital on the right, University College on the left. Picture by Adrian.

This south-looking view shows a changed road layout in the intervening years. SJ

We cut to a view up the Thames looking over Chancellors Wharf, Crisp Road/Chancellors Road, Hammersmith W6 with the Harrods Depository with the two domed turrets to the right on the opposite side of the River…….. That appears to be the same crane and yard seen in ‘Emergency Call’.

……to see a lorry approaching the warehouse of the ‘Blackwall Shipping Company’. Crisp Road, Hammersmith looking towards Chancellors Road, tracked down by Nick Cooper. Seen in many films as the studio’s were behind the camera.

Now very much for riverside living. (RL)

A man walks along the roof of Chancellors Wharf with the building of the ‘Distillers Company’ in the background.

As he enters the building through a roof light we cut to the sleeping neighbourhood. Queen Caroline Street, London W6 looking north. Crisp road out of sight off to the right. The side face of ‘Caroline House’ is near foreground. Many productions have been filed in the area including 'Mandy', ‘Cosh Boy’, 'Love in Pawn', 'The Small Voice', ‘Home to Danger’, ‘No Trace’ and ‘Deadly Nightshade’.

Softened over the years with the greenery. (RL)

After seeing another safe being opened we cut to Stanley James (Ian Bannen) leaving his home for work…… Nick Cooper identifies this as Local Authority flats on Queen Charlotte Street, Hammersmith, London W6

And Nick sends this shot to show that little has changed.

…….and crossing the road… Looking north on Queen Charlotte Street from Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6

Having identified this as the junction of Queen Caroline Street and Crisp Road, Hammersmith Nick Cooper sends this picture to support.

………and walking along Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6….. Looking towards Queen Charlotte Street with the 'The Chancellors' public house to the right. Sarah Lamden confirms that the boarded up property on the left is the original Riverside Studios which the BBC TV re-opened in 1957.

Another shot from Nick revealing the location as it is now.

….to see a man lowering himself over the gates of the ‘Blackwall Shipping Company’. Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6

I am sure they have keys these days. (RL)

As he approaches, the man runs off. Crisp Road, which can also be seen in 'The Invisible Asset', 'Small Voice', 'Recoil' and 'Love in Pawn'.

"Bill Posters" would no doubt be prosecuted these days. (RL)

Down the road he sees the get away car approaching. Crisp Road, looking towards Chancellors Road.

The building on the left that was "P.D.R Sign Co Ltd" remains, now with "Boris Bikes".

Dutifully he tries to stop the car but gets knocked down and the car disappears. Crisp Road looking towards Queen Caroline Street.

A quiet moment allowed me to adopt the correct camera position. (RL)

The following morning the police arrive to start their investigations. Crisp Road with St. James Street on the left and the corner of The Chancellors public house just coming into the left side. Identified by Nick Cooper.

Nick Cooper identifies this as Crisp Road with St. James Street on the left and the corner of The Chancellors public house just coming into the left side.

Tom and D-S Ward enter the main gates.

Replaced by two modern blocks of flats but the building line remains the same.

D-S Ward goes to see what news there is ‘on the street’ and talks with Slob (George Rose). Oxford Street, London W1 qualifies as identified by Mike Mildren. Looking west, the branch of C & A Modes (now GAP) at 380 is to the right.

A "now" shot to support Mike's identification.

Slob doesn’t have dealings with things ‘like that’, having seen that James has died. As pointed out by Mike you can make out the C&A logo on the hoarding.........quite clear now he points it out!

And now the GAP logo.

Ward returns to the Yard to tell Tom that ‘they have all put the shutters up”.

Tom invites Ward for a drink. ‘The Red Lion’, Derby Gate, London SW1

Nick Cooper confirmed the Red Lion ph, Derby Gate, Westminster but was hampered by patrons for a better angle in July 2014. I hope he will forgive this patron-free close-up. SJ

Eventually Tom arrives home.

Two boys approach their local second hand dealer to get the price for a car fog light. Dave W places the scene outside 371 / 373 Staines Road Hounslow in Middlesex looking west. Was "Lawkey's" a real shop name in 1956, or is the sign a prop? Perhaps a Hounslow historian can tell us.

Examination of the film scene reveals fascinating details but all are gone now as revealed by this shot from Dave. Even the kerb line has moved to allow a parking bay.

“How much mister”, he asks the dealer (Harry Locke).

As they tell their tale Police Constable Bates (Nicholas Parsons) turns up.

Dave's shot shows that the metal-framed window remains but much else has changed in this view, and loft conversions are a popular option.

The boys tell where they found the lamp. Steve Dearman advises that the car breakers yard is Rush Green Motors near Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

D-S Ward goes to Manchester to track down where a newspaper was delivered. After some serious sleuthing Nick Cooper has established it as W H Smith, Hatch End, London HA3 with a slight change in the shop frontage.

. . . After some serious sleuthing Nick Cooper has established it as W H Smith, Hatch End, London HA3 with a slight change in the shop frontage and this Google Image to support.

Finding that the newspaper was delivered to a garage in North Wales arrangements are made to make a visit. The vintage 20hp Rolls Royce landaulet travelling north on the A498 towards the junction of the A4086 Capel Curig road in Caernarfonshire.

Besides providing the screen grab John Barringer provides a shot from his YouTube video travelling the A4086 and then the Llanberis Pass in support of this film. His video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgqjRr_rQlg&feature= Now with white lines to control all that traffic!

The car passes the Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel on the left on its way to Mr Thomas's garage on the right.

The road has been widened and the garage has gone but that is about all that has changed.

Tom and D-S Ward walk towards Mr Thomas (Meredith Edwards) who has just appeared from his hut. Rob Wood points out that in this sequence that snow can been seen on the hills the other side of the water and disappears in the next cut.

John took the trouble to walk across the site but could not find vestige of the garage's prior existence.

Mr Thomas queries why Tom and D-S Ward now want to go to Chester

Now, without that elusive garage or Mr Thomas

On their return journey to London the trains makes an extended stop at 'Birmingham' and prompted by Ward telephoning his girlfriend, Tom decides to call his wife Mary (Dorothy Alison). Jonathan advises that this is also Windsor & Eton Central Station, here looking outwards, that features in a number of other films, pointing specifically to 'The White Trap', 'Law & Disorder' and 'A Run for Your Money' specifically where the station metalwork supports the identification.

Ward becomes impatient as the train is to depart shortly. It stands to reason that this is Windsor & Eton Central Station once again as identified by Jonathan. The station features in a number of other films pointing specifically to 'The White Trap', 'Law & Disorder' and 'A Run for Your Money' specifically where the station metalwork supports his identification.

On their return to London Tom go to Shepperton to make further enquiries concerning ‘Gilson’ a ‘deceased’ employee of ‘Rock Safes’.

Now shot from John. The house on the opposite bank is virtually obscured by the trees but you can just see the top of a chimney pot. Note the white wooden mooring post to the right of the large river cruiser. We'll see that again.

He visits 'Pear Tree Bungalow', the property where Mr and Mrs Gilson lived...... Andy Harris brings to our attention that the bungalow is also to be seen in 'The Set Up' (An Edgar Wallace Mystery) 1963, in real life called 'Shalimar'.

John Hicks has found the bungalow.

.......and discusses with the new owner and later her daily help the 'Gilson's' life whilst living there. Standing on the right hand corner of the veranda at 'Pear Tree Bungalow' - reconstructed in a studio for sure. The back projection behind is the same view as when Jack Hawkins first drove into Shepperton. If he drove in again, his car would pass right behind him! Note again the single white mooring post. The large river cruiser in the 'now' shot is moored to it. John Hicks.

A closer up view that shows more clearly the tip of the chimney pot of the house on the opposite bank centre of photo just poking above the trees. Pic by John Hicks.

He moves on to Somerset House ….. Somerset House, Strand, London WC2

Strand entrance. SJ.

…..to find a death record, but without success. Somerset House, Strand, London WC2

Strand entrance. SJ.

Now needing to find the next likely ‘Rock Safe’ in London to be ‘opened’, that at the ‘Festival Hall’ seems a likely candidate. Tom visits to talk the Manager (William Mervyn) into temporarily switching his insurance to the ‘Bristol and Birmingham Insurance Co’ via their agent Creasey (Peter Burton) whom he met at the ‘Stone & Co’ premises.

Same place now.

From the Hungerford (or eastern Jubilee Bridge) replacing the old walkway in 2002. SJ

Having talked the Manager into displaying his ‘public duty’, Creasey leaves the Royal Festival Hall. Looking at the south-eastern and north-eastern sides of the Hall. Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Center, Belvedere Road, South Bank London SE1.

Same place now.

The concrete walkway from the pre2008 comparison has gone, though it looks like some of it was left lying on the ground. SJ

Creasey is ‘tailed’ day and night. Byward Street, London EC3 looking across Tower Hill Terrace to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Now from Byward Street. SJ.

At least Tower Bridge remains free from sightline greenery to assist with angles. (RL)

Tom and Ward attend a ‘Gala Night’ at the Royal Festival Hall, a night when the takings will be large and the safe especially full. North eastern side looking south.

No luck on their first visit, as Creasey makes a telephone call the following morning. The corner of Cockspur Street and Pall Mall East, London SW1 with the statue of King George lll.

Corner of Cockspur Street and Pall Mall East.

Ward and another Detective (Frederick Treves) briefly discuss Creasey’s predicable movements.

By the statue of George III. SJ.

The latter heads off to reserve a couple of seats for lunch at the ‘George and Vulture’. Corner of Cockspur Street and Pall Mall East looking towards The National Gallery.

Now with National Gallery extension. SJ.

Ward looks on. Cockspur Street with Pall Mall going off into the distance right.

Now.

After another fruitless night at the Royal Festival Hall, Creasey is once again seen on the telephone. Pall Mall East looking across to Suffolk Street.

And I return to the spot for RS but 13 years later. SJ

The other detective trailing Creasey heads off. The corner of Suffolk Street and Pall Mall East, London SW1

Now.

The corner finally gets street signs. (SR)

This time Ward starts to follow him. Looking across Cockspur Street, London WC2 with Whitehall in the background.

Cockspur Street SW1, with the corner of Cockspur Court, behind the van, where the girl bought the ticket in 'Train of Events'.

He follows him all the way to the southern end of Sloane Street in Chelsea SW1 at the junction with Sloane Square with the distinctive Holy Trinity Church in the left background as confirmed by Michael Jay

Sloane Square looking toward Holy Trinity Church. SJ.

Watching Creasey make his way into ‘Peter Jones’ department store. Sloane Square, London SW3.

Now.

Ward follows him to the store. Sloane Square with Symons Street in the background.

Now.

As Ward watches Creasey leave he sees Mrs Elliott (Ursula Howells) who’s car was used in the hit and run, follow close behind. Inside ‘Peter Jones’ department store.

Captured by Oliver Denton during a weekend shopping spree.

Creasey’s taxi pulls away and Mrs Elliott starts to cross the road. Outside ‘Peter Jones’, Kings Road, London

Now.

Whilst apparently following her across the road a cut is made to Mrs Elliott crossing Sloane Avenue some distance away, about to enter Whitehead’s Grove, London SW3 with Cranmer Court (the film’s Crispin Court’) to the right.

Crispin Court is now Cranmer Court. SJ.

A larger hedge on the left seems to be all that has changed in 15 years. SJ

Ward watches her……..From the corner of Whitehead’s Grove with Sloane Avenue Mansions, Sloane Avenue, London SW3 behind him.

Same wall, same tree and same balcony.

The aforementioned hedge meant I had to step to the left to capture Sloane Avenue Mansions, also seen in 'The Big Switch' across the street. SJ

……..walk purposefully towards the apartment block.

Not much changed here either.

A different season. SJ

Tom and Ward wait in a taxi with Mrs Stevens (Maureen Delaney) an embittered ex-home help of Mrs Elliott, now believed to be Mrs Gilson as well, for the purposes of identification.

The contrast on this bright winter's day plays its havoc. Taken from the entrance to Gateways which runs from Sprimont Place to Whitehead's Grove. SJ

That’s her alright..” ‘Crispin Court’ confirmed by Dominic Regan.

First turn to right Whitehead's Grove into what is now Cranmer Court. SJ.

The last Gala Night to hopefully entrap Gilson and Creasey……and later Mrs Elliott/Gilson. The south-eastern face of the Hall. The Royal Festival Hall, London SE1.

Taken from a similar position by David Harrison.

The Hall starts to fill up with people. The Royal Festival Hall, London SE1.

David Harrison was very happy taking this shot as everything is pretty much identical to the screen capture, down to the rail that Jack Hawkins is leaning on.

At the end of the evening a firework display takes place, meanwhile Mrs Elliott parks up near-by. What was the BEA Waterloo Air Terminal, rear access, viewed here from across what is now Cricheley Street, London SE1. To the left can be seen the railway viaduct that runs from Hungerford Bridge to Waterloo East.

Tom and Ward arrest Gilson as he starts to empty the safe and they leave the Royal Festival Hall. North-eastern side.

As Tom goes to signal for a car Mrs Elliott can be seen driving at speed towards the scene. Looking S-W along Belvedere Road, London SE1 with the bridge and arches of the railway from Hungerford Bridge to Waterloo East.

London Eye on the right, railway in front, looking along Belvedere Road, SE1, with the RFH on the right, but out of shot.

An update with a blue railway bridge. SJ

Gilson punches Ward………… Looking S-W along Belvedere Road, London SE1 with the bridge and arches of the railway from Hungerford Bridge to Waterloo East once again.

The Southbank Centre has filled up the right hand side somewhat. SJ

………… and makes a dash for it. The view from the SE corner of the Royal Festival Hall.

A food market place occupies the area. SJ

Whereupon Mrs Elliott drives at Gilson. The view from the SE corner of the Royal Festival Hall again.

A tiny bit further to the right as the previous. SJ

Then has a second attempt. Royal Festival Hall north-east side.

Although much of the building has changed over the years, David Harrison took a few hours out to view every angle of the Royal Festival Hall aka The Southbank Centre before providing this modern view.

The concrete blocks have moved a little. SJ

Tom can only watch events.

Railway arches to west of RFH.

This is off-angle as the extended Southbank Centre makes it now impossible to replicate. SJ

Ward sees Mrs Elliott with Tom on the bonnet of the car pass by at speed. Royal Festival Hall, north-eastern side.

RFH (This is actually the South Eastern side, it should be the north-easter face. - RL)

Here is the correct side. SJ

Two policemen are told to go after Gilson. S-E face of the Royal Festival Hall looking across the Thames.

Acknowledging that the Royal Festival Hall is a bit of a mess at the moment, David Harrison provides this comparison.

Mrs Elliott makes every effort to dislodge Tom. Belvedere Road, London SE1 looking south-west.

Back at the blue bridge. SJ

The policemen close in on Gilson. Looking at what is now Concert Hall Approach, London SE1 with the Belevedere Road Bridge far right.

RFH approach and railway arches.

Belvedere Road on the right. SJ

Once again Mrs Elliott’s exit is thwarted. Sutton Walk, London SE1 with what is now the Whitehouse Apartments to the left.

Taken with the south of the Whitehouse apartments out of shot to my left. SJ

Tom smashes Mrs Elliotts windscreen, falls off and Ward rushes to help. Sutton Walk, SE1, and Concert Hall Approach, before the building of the Whitehouse Apartments.

Sutton Walk SE1, and Concert Hall Approach.

A better angle would be achieved from the garden of the Whitehouse apartments but it was locked. SJ

Gilson is captured….. S-E side of the Royal Festival Hall in the background.

Standing from the top of the steps leading to the front of the aforementioned open, or rather closed, space of the Whitehouse apartments. SJ

….and so is Mrs Elliott. Once again looking at the railway arches along Concert Hall Approach with the Belvedere Road railway bridge center background.

David Harrison found Concert Hall Approach with the Royal Festival Hall in the right background.

Tom arrives home after a hard evenings work.