On the Double
Date: 1961
Director: Melville Shavelson
Production Company: Dena Productions
Stars: Danny Kaye, Margaret Rutherford, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Diana Dors, Dana Wynter
Location(s): East Sussex, London
Region(s): London O-Q, South East M-Q
Storyline:
A reluctant American GI is persuaded to impersonate a British Colonel in an effort to confuse the enemy.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson
Can you help:
If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.
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
- 19 Aug 2015
During the war, enemy agent Captain Patterson (Allan Cuthbertson) receives instructions from the enemy to assassinate General Sir Lawrence MacKenzie Smith. Looking across the Thames with the Houses of Parliament in the left background.
Peter found the location packed with tourists!
- Capture 2
- 13 Aug 2015
Whilst working on plans for the Allied invasion of Europe, MacKenzie Smith leaves the War Office with General de Gaulle, General Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery. Great George Street in SW1. The location was seen in 'High Treason' and 'The Odd Job'.
The same location captured by Peter.
- Capture 3
- 17 Dec 2015
A shot is fired at Sir Laurence from a car that speeds away as soldiers try to apprehend the gunman.
Great George Street again in this shot from Peter, with the corner of Little George Street in the centre.
- Capture 4
- 12 Sep 2015
The Rolls Royce is followed through London as the titles roll. The south end of The Mall in SW1 with the Victoria Memorial centre left.
Peter captures the same scene at the same angle, but more colourful and more people. (RL)
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
An army Jeep chases after the enemy agents. Those scrolls evoked memories of enjoyable perambulations for Dave W, particularly, Carey Street WC2 looking through the covered passageway to New Square. (RL)
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
The Rolls corners at speed. Amen Corner at the junction Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row and Ave Maria Lane in EC4.
- Capture 7
- 23 Sep 2015
St. Paul's Cathedral is passed. The camera pans and tilts up from Amen Corner.
Peter took the best shot possible due to redevelopement.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
The pursuit continues through the city until the leading Jeep crashes, allowing the enemy to escape. After entering New Square from Capture 5 Dave established that the railings are outside No 56. (RL)
- Capture 9
- 19 Aug 2015
American GI Ernie Williams is driven to the War Office. Little George Street in SW1.
A similar view by Peter.
- Capture 10
- 26 Aug 2015
The corner of Little George Street and Great George Street.
Peter proves the location again.
- Capture 11
- 19 Aug 2015
Inside the War Office, Ernie meets the man that he is to impersonate . . . . General Sir Lawrence MacKenzie Smith. Great George Street with the Government Offices as the backdrop.
The same location by Peter.
- Capture 12
- 26 Aug 2015
An enemy agent looks down on Ernie Williams as he masquerades as the General. Tower Bridge dominates the scene and this appears to have been shot from the top of warehouses that once occupied the site of City Hall in Potters Field SE1.
Peter provides this comparison from ground level.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
After shaking the double's hand, Captain Patterson looks up at his associate.
- Capture 14
- 19 Jul 2016
Ernie is captured and driven to the south coast. Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex. The area was seen in 'Corruption', 'Mr. Holmes', 'Half a Sixpence' and 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'.
Now, without the coastguard lookout. SD
- Capture 15
- 04 Jul 2016
Captain Patterson leads the bound GI towards a waiting boat. Cuckmere Haven beach with the Seven Sisters in the left background.
Now. With a matching low tide. SD
- Capture 16
- 'Now' required
In Berlin, Ernie runs into a theatre after managing to escape from his captors. Possibly a studio set, possibly not.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
Returning to England after parachuting from an enemy bomber, Ernie is taken to a military hospital where Colonel Somerset (Wilfrid Hyde-White) arrives to see him.
- Capture 18
- 'Now' required
Papers are shown and the Colonel enters the base.

