Radio Pirates (aka Big Ben Calling)

The music of publisher and composer Billy Brooks continues to play after the credits end. Westminster Bridge crossing the Thames from SE1 to SW1 with the Houses of Parliament on the west bank of the river.

What a splendid day! SJ

Panning left, the Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament, now known as the Elizabeth Tower, comes into view.

I should have taken this the previous year when there was an abundance of scaffolding. SJ

The Crew of a GPO detector van attempt to home in on PBQ’s unlicensed signal as Billy Brookes and Leslie Wilmot make a broadcast. Dave W 'homed in' looking along Bulinga Street SW1 with the rose window of Millais Buildings on the right a location also spotted by Steve Randall. (RL)

The trees have thickened over the last 87 years and we have scaffolding. SJ

As the Officials inside the van adjust their equipment, the camera follows the vehicle around a corner. Dave W, along with Steve Randall, now find the van at the back of Tate Britain in John Islip Street, looking across Millbank Gardens to the roofline of Leighton Buildings. (RL)

This would be improved as a winter shot, as Leighton Buildings are seasonably obscured. SJ

When the net begins to close in on them, Billy, Mary and Leslie move out of their premises on Denmark Pavement leaving the Police and GPO Officials looking up at the building in anticipation of the next broadcast. Dave follows the progress of the van to Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1 to see it turning right into Chapter Street. The shop sign of Littlewood Bros at 77 Vauxhall Bridge Road confirms that we are on the right wavelength. (RL)

The block on the left replaced a tennis court in the mid 2000s, and the right went up in the early 2010s. SJ

After the removals van completes a turn, the shot widens to reveal more of the junction along with a tram that has passed from right to left. Following on from Capture 5 the van is now in Chapter Street with Vauxhall Bridge Road crossing behind it. (RL)

Will a bus do instead of a tram? Nothing much else to even closely match. SJ

In the back of the van, Billy, Leslie, Mary and their singer Enid climb from the coffins that they were smuggled out of 15 Denmark Pavement in. Staying in SW1 Dave tells us that we are now in Herrick Street looking across Millbank Gardens to the bulk of the Tate Britain Building including its dome. (RL)

I found this really rather challenging to match but the back of the Tate is behind the trees so maybe I'll have another go in winter. SJ

Looking for a high place from which to set up their transmitter, the four lean out of the back of the van. Continuing the SW1 theme Dave sees this as looking north along Millbank SW1 with Victoria Tower Gardens on the right. Ray Glenister, more specifically, sees this as Millbank looking north with the buildings top left (now demolished in favour of Abingdon Street Gardens) on Abingdon Street. (RL)

Once again, a winter shot would be better. SJ

Facing north along Parliament Street SW1 from the Parliament Square with Bridge Street to the right.

As they pass the Houses of Parliament, Mary suggests that they transmit from the Clock Tower. Looking across Parliament Square from Great George Street.

Where was the scaffolding when it was needed? SJ

Making their escape when the Police arrive during the broadcast, Leslie and Mary climb through the tower’s clock face. Looking down onto the junction of St. Margaret Street, Great George Street, Parliament Street and Bridge Street at the north-east corner of Parliament Square in SW1.