Small World of Sammy Lee, The

In the hours just after dawn, a water sprayer cleans the streets of Soho before the morning's business begins. Facing west on Peter Street in London W1.

Peter Street now.

With the titles appearing as the water sprayer continues along Peter Street, the camera turns into Berwick Street.

Redevelopment has changed the scene. (PW)

Pigeons peck around on the littered street as the cast are introduced. Facing northward on Berwick Street.

Berwick Street market.

The tour of early 1960s Soho continues as we pass a restaurant at 44 Frith Street W1 . . .

Clues remain to identify the location. (PW)

. . . next, Choy's at 45 . . .

Yep, the windows look right.

. . . and finally, Chez Auguste at number 46.

Which is next door to a helpfully indicated 45. (PW)

The view crosses to the opposite side of Frith Street to face number 15. Next door at 16 was 'The Modern Hairdressers' and Terence Higgins tells us "I worked for a Bookmaker behind there. The entrance was through the white door at the side and I clearly remember 'Isola Bella' next door."

Now, and the unusual top to the shop window confirms it, but the house next door has lost its upper storey.

At 14 Frith Street was Trattoria Toscana which Greg advises can also be seen in 'The Informers' released the following year.

Now, but the house has gone topless!

Back to Berwick Street, now facing southward with Kemp House rising beyond the junction with Broadwick Street.

Yes, the copper topped tower and the skyscraper both fit.

The southernmost corner on Ingestre Place with the boy's entrance to the Pulteney Schools to the bottom centre.

The background building remains the same. (PW)

Ingestre Place W1 with Kemp House prominent.

Yes, confirmed.

Facing south on Newport Place WC2, facing the back of the Hippodrome Theatre at the corner of Little Newport Street and Leicester Court with Lisle Street to the right. If, like Dave W, the poster in the top right "bothers" you, it was for "La Belle Américaine" starring Robert Dhéry and his wife Colette Brosset. (RL)

The same junction.

Turning into Lisle Street gives a clear view along Leicester Court towards Leicester Square as well as of the canopy at the side of the Warner Theatre.

Buildings at the far end of Leicester Court remain in place. (PW)

The titles continue as our tour heads westward on Lisle Street WC2.

Not as dreary these days. (PW)

More of Lisle Street, the far end of which is seen later as well as appearing in 'Wonderland' as well as 'No Trace'.

Now part of today's Chinatown.

Moving on, we find ourselves outside the Swiss Hotel on Old Compton Street W1 before . . .

Now, see square panel centre, top left, end of the facia board, and the drainpipe near the windows.

. . . . passing the Heaven & Hell and the famous 2i's coffee bars.

Now, in colour, but not much improved. The small green plaque confirms the location of the 2i's.

Pigeons take flight from a ledge at the side of the building on the corner of Peter Street and Berwick Street.

Is the replacement better? (PW)

The corner of Peter Street and Hopkins Street with the Lex parking garage straight ahead and Pulteney Schools on the right.

Hardly changed.

At 44 Great Windmill Street W1 stands the Cameo Moulin. The cinema appears in 'How to Undress in Public Without Undue Embarrassment' and 'The Man Who Had Power Over Women' while the film showing is featured here on ReelStreets.

The frontage uncovered!

Across the road, the Windmill Theatre occupies the corner of Great Windmill Street and Archer Street. The legend "We Never Closed" was a reference to the Windmill remaining open during the Second World War and was often written as "We're Never Closed". The theatre's history is told in 'Mrs. Henderson Presents' starring Judy Dench and the building can also be seen in 'The Gelignite Gang', 'Secrets of a Windmill Girl', 'Murder at the Windmill', 'Time Without Pity', 'White Cargo', 'Last Night in Soho' and 'The Optimists of Nine Elms'.

Spot on, with the Red Lion public house in the left background.

Another Moulin, not quite as appealing. This one is the Moulin Rouge at 50 Frith Street found by Richard Lovejoy. JT remarks "Certainly not gay "Paree" . . . Did you ever go there? Maybe you were an exotic dancer? One of the girls who used to live in the flats above my Soldier Shop was. But to see her first thing in the morning with her hair in curlers, no make-up or false eyelashes, with her woolly slippers and her Winceyette dressing gown, it was hard to imagine!!!

Richard explains that Le Versailles restaurant was at 50 Frith Street.

To the left stands the since redeveloped 155 Wardour Street in W1 and there's another Strip-Tease club coming up . . . non-stop too.

The upper window to the right survives. (PW)

The Metro Revue Club at 157 Wardour Street identified by Richard Lovejoy.

Richard tells us for the "Band Wagon Restaurant" read "Band Wagon Club", Gotcha!

Leaving the real Soho behind, the action moves to Shepperton Studios, then in Middlesex, and we find Dustmen collecting the previous day's rubbish from outside the Peepshow Club where Sammy 'Lee' is a compère.

Carrying a suitcase, Patsy (Julia Foster) approaches the Peepshow Club after being told to look up Sammy any time she's in London.

After an all night card game, Sammy 'Lee' Leeman (Anthony Newley) appears from a smoky basement. The steps from Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club which was then at 39 Gerrard Street W1.

The original railings are hidden by cladding. (PW)

Sammy rubs his eyes as he reaches the pavement. Facing north-east on on Gerrard Street with Newport Place in the distance, located by Dave W.

Dave W's comparison shows that, yes, some of the railings are still there! (RL)

Crossing the road as he walks through Soho, Sammy is conscious that he owes £150 after losing badly at poker. The sequence takes place on set at Shepperton Studios in Littleton, Middlesex.

Nick slaps Sammy on the back as the two exchange greetings.

Lofty (Elmer) gives a racing tip as he sells the first editions.

As he heads towards a well needed black coffee at Cosmo, Sammy says hello to Jimmy.

Failing to raise interest from Big Alf who doesn't want to buy his watch and unable to place a bet with his bookmaker Joe Connor due to being over his credit limit, Sammy makes his way home. The real Soho, looking southward on Frith Street in W1.

The railings now enclose the window next to the door.

Opening the door to his lodgings, Sammy climbs the stairs to his one room flat. Outside number 60 Frith Street, which also makes an appearance in 'The Last Train'.

Sorted, the same pair of doors.

Following a phone call to Sammy on behalf of their employer, Mr. Connor, Johnny and Fred set off towards the Peepshow Club. Dean Street W1 with the corner of Carlisle Street in the left background. This section of the street was seen in 'A Cock and Bull Story', 'Last Night in Soho', 'Zeta One' and 'The Sandwich Man'.

Not too many changes. (PW)

The Mark VII Jaguar nears the club where Sammy is on stage. With Cecil Gee to the right, this isn't somewhere in Soho, it's actually back on set.

Sammy looks down into the alley behind the club before Fred and Johnny enter his dressing room to collect a total of £300 that he owes.

Given until 7pm to raise the cash, Sammy takes a taxi into the East End. Facing Whitechapel station on Whitechapel Road E1 standing opposite the Royal London Hospital. The station can also be seen in 'The Informers' and 'The Barber of Stamford Hill'.

Now.

The shot is out of sequence, with Wood's Buildings, to the left, coming before Whitechapel station as the journey progresses. Richard Lovejoy advises that Berry Pianos and Vyners were at 265 and 267 Whitechapel Road respectively while Berni Deenihan gives us the name of the public house, it was The Grave Maurice, currently masquerading as a betting office.

The same parade with the name 'Wood's Buildings' still continuing. (RL)

Reaching his destination, Sammy pays the Cabbie. Facing the corner of Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street in E1.

The background properties at the junction don't have the same character. (PW)

Walking along the damp pavement, Sammy passes through Petticoat Lane Market. Facing eastward on Wentworth Street, other lengths of which feature in ‘It Always Rains on Sunday’, ‘A Kid for Two Farthings’, ‘The Informers’ and ‘Sparrows Can't Sing’.

Wentworth Street now. (PW)

Rubbish from earlier trading litters the gutter. Looking eastward on Wentworth Street with the corner of Toynbee Street in the left background.

Proof of the location.

A fine day for a walk through the East End. PW

Wentworth Street E1 with the corner of Goulston Street to the right.

Off angle due to market stalls filling the roadway. (PW)

Having checked his watch, Sammy quickens his step. Passing number 26 Wentworth Street and the entrance to Wentworth Dwellings through Merchant House. The painted sign advertising I. Paul Ltd. Worsted & Woollens above the entryway to the top left survived until the mid-2010s.

The buildings on the left in the screen capture still stand. (PW)

Turning a corner, Sammy sees Lou Leeman's shop. Richard Lovejoy's research found H & R Churnin dry cleaners at 13 Cobb Street E1 with Berman’s café and restaurant next door at number 15.

Unfortunately Richard was a little late collecting his cleaning.

Inside the delicatessen, Sammy tells his older brother Lou that he's in a little spot of bother. Although thought to be part of the set at Shepperton, the obscured shop sign top left would suggest a real location.

After Lou is prevented from going to the bank when his wife Millie enters the shop, Sammy takes a cab home and begin to telephone his contacts in an effort to raise funds. Frith Street W1, facing the corner of Bateman Street with Shaftesbury Avenue in the distance.

The railings and lamp survive.

Harry (Wilfrid Brambell) arrives with a van to collect the cases of whisky that Sammy has arranged to buy and sell on to Mr. Anderson at a profit. The backlot at Shepperton.

Unable to sell watches to Mr. Anderson and unwilling to sell him his late Mother's 18th century chair, Sammy sets off to carry out the next part of his venture. Outside number 6 Broadwick Street in W1.

A change of use is apparent at number 6. (PW)

Sammy jogs across the road. Broadwick Street with Wardour Street crossing the background located by Richard Lovejoy.

Broadwick Street, now by RL.

At a corner, the desperate man keeps up his pace. Steve Crittall found the Blue Posts public house on the corner of Broadwick Street and Berwick Street looking towards Wardour Street.

Case proven by Richard Lovejoy. Is that the same lounger against the wall?

Sammy appears on Brewer Street after leaving Walker's Court . . .

The stepped pavement now slopes but the two inspection covers are still there, and the corner cut-off on the right.

. . . and walks through the market on Rupert Street.

From empty street level. (PW)

Rupert Street in Soho W1 with the door to number 55 to the centre top.

A clearer view of the buildings. (PW)

Sammy enters a doorway next to the Hong Kong Emporium and makes his way upstairs. Number 53 Rupert Street.

The surviving corbel is obscured. (PW)

In Morrie Bellman's 2nd floor office, Sammy agrees the sale of enough 'guaranteed' Swiss watches to make £130. One of the 2nd floor windows at 53 Rupert Street.

The wall and window are cleaner. (PW)

Leaving the building, Sammy heads to phone Mr. Anderson and agree to purchase four dozen watches. Rupert Street, apposite the junction with Winnett Street.

Taken from a similar position. (PW)

Terence Higgins recognised St. Annes Court, running between Wardour Street and Dean Street as he worked in that very betting shop to the centre during the 1960s. The alley also features in ‘Inadmissible Evidence', 'Son of a Stranger', 'Secrets of a Door-to-Door Salesman', 'The Share Out' and ‘Cover-Girl Killer’.

Providing this comparison, Richard Lovejoy adds "If it has not been part of your life it is difficult to identify the thoroughfare with all the changes and building work that have taken place."

Lisle Street WC2 with the shutters of number 25a to the left.

Changed frontages line the same street. (PW)

Leaving the Peepshow Club just after 4 o'clock, Sammy runs to his next call. Old Compton Street at the junction with Dean Street.

Less busy on a Sunday morning. (PW)

Facing frontages on Old Compton Street W1 with number 41 to the right.

All rosy at the corner now. (PW)

The brick wall and advertising hoarding stand in front of the car park that occupied the bomb site on the south side of Old Compton Street.

Redevelopment eventually took place. (PW)

Facing the Swiss Hotel on Old Compton Street.

Not as neat and tidy but still a bar. (PW)

Another check of his watch reveals that time is unrelenting. Old Compton Street with the Compton cinema to the right, identified by Richard Lovejoy.

Old Compton Street indeed and what was the Compton Cinema taken by Richard Lovejoy. Knowledge of the familiar name for this cinema is obviously the sign of a mis-spent youth!

Rupert Court, London W1 with Rupert Street through the archway beyond the sign for the Blue Posts public house..

Found again!

Crossing to the Lucky 7 Club, Sammy makes a deal to supply Lucky Dave with drinking glasses. Back at Shepperton Studios in Middlesex.

Half past four. Looking onto Wardour Street from the corner of Old Compton Street.

Without the clock. (PW)

A car brakes to avoid Sammy as he walks straight across the road without looking. The junction of Wardour Street, Brewer Street and Old Compton Street with the Round House public house to the left.

Yes, same layout and a "Boris Bike" stand on the right.

Wardour Street with the windows of The Falcon public house to the right.

The pub window remains in situ. (PW)

The corner of Wardour Street W1 and Lisle Street WC2.

Pedestrianised. (PW)

Great Windmill Street with the Windmill Theatre to the right and the Lex parking garage on Brewer Street in the distance.

Windmill Theatre still on the right.

Sammy enters a billiard hall where Big Eddie stakes him for the supply of marijuana. Number 42 Great Windmill Street W1, between the Nosh Bar and Club Panama.

The same doorway. (PW)

Facing the Cinerama cinema at the corner of Old Compton Street and Greek Street in Soho W1.

Now the Prince Edward Theatre once again.

Sammy picks up speed as time moves on. Old Compton Street with the corner of Greek Street to the centre and Charing Cross Road in the right distance. Other views of the Cinerama cinema and this section of Old Compton Street can be seen in including 'Womaneater', 'Melody', 'Beat Girl', 'Rock You Sinners' and 'Craze'.

The former Cinerama to the left.

Looking north-east on Old Compton Street with the Wimpy Bar at the corner of Moor Street in the distance.

Also part of a half-timbered building in the distance.

Facing the Helvetia public house on Old Compton Street with the half timbered Three Greyhounds public house at the corner of Greek Street visible to the top left.

The pub is currently known as Bar Soho. (PW)

While Harry drives around making collections and deliveries, Sammy ponders his fate should his calculations fail. To the left stands Bifulco at the corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street.

Time hasn't been kind. (PW)

Sammy crosses Shaftesbury Avenue at the junction with Wardour Street, the Queens Theatre out of view to the right and 64 Shaftesbury Avenue as the background, well sleuthed by Richard Lovejoy.

Richard returned to the junction.

Crossing again, Sammy heads to where he finds Buddy Shine playing piano in a bar but is told that he doesn't have or use pot. Wardour Street W1 with Garners restaurant at number 27 to the left and Rupert Court on the right.

Welcome to London, I'm sure it'll look lovely someday. (PW)

Sammy sends Patsy to his flat after she's fired from the Peepshow Club shortly after being given a job as an exotic dancer. Old Compton Street with St. Anne's church top left, the corner of Frith Street bottom left and the junction with Dean Street to the centre.

The shot pans left to find the upper floor and roof of the Helvetia.

Sammy arrives home to find Patsy asleep. The pan ends with a view of the dormer windows at the back of 27 Romilly Street W1.

Failing to raise the last £50 of what he owes, Sammy sells his Mother's chair to Mr. Anderson before setting off to the club to pick up the cash that Harry has accumulated. To the left, the premises of G. Parmigiani Figlio stands at the corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street. The junction also appears in 'It Happened in Soho' and 'Wonderland'.

Different businesses now populate to the corner. (PW)

Discovering that Harry has received a cheque for the payment from Morrie, Sammy takes a taxi to Victoria coach station where Pasty is waiting to board her coach to Bradford. This appears to be a passenger entrance at Victoria coach station leading from Buckingham Palace Road in SW1.

No longer an entry point, Emergency Exit Only. (RL)

Intending to leave London with Patsy, Sammy goes to the booking hall to buy a ticket. Victoria coach station with a Royal Blue Bristol, a Midland Red C1 and a West Yorkshire Bristol waiting to depart.

Yes, Vicky Coach Station.

As he emerges from the booking hall, Sammy spots two familiar men. London's Victoria coach station.

Now by Simon James.

Johnny (Clive Colin Bowler) and Fred (Kenneth J. Warren) look towards Sammy as the engine of the Yorkshire bound service starts. Victoria coach station in SW1.

The Station Master gave up his office for a branch of 'Starbucks'. (RL)

Patsy calls out as she presses against the window of the departing coach. Victoria coach station also appears in 'Rattle of a Simple Man', 'The Deadly Affair' and 'Track the Man Down' as well as 'The Knack, and How To Get It', ‘Lost’, ‘Rotten to the Core’, 'Escape Route' and 'Three Hats for Lisa'.

Gone are the days, if they ever existed, that one could bring ones car in. (RL)

Sammy begins to walk towards Fred and Johnny. London's Victoria coach station at the corner of Buckingham Palace Road and Elizabeth Street.

A lot more glass in the waiting area now. SJ

Johnny drives Fred and Sammy from the coach station. Looking out from Victoria coach station towards the Imperial Hotel on Elizabeth Street SW1.

Paul Lincoln was left wondering whether the development to the left of 'Travellers Rest' was that underway in 1963. (RL)

Fred directs Johnny to a suitable location. Facing west on Victoria Street SW1 with Wilton Road and Terminus Place in the right distance.

A stickler for accuracy, Paul risked his safety to capture the scene some 60 years on. (RL)

Reaching a quieter part of town, Johnny pulls off the road. Facing west on Sclater Street E1 with the lights of Bethnal Green Road in the background.

Looking west along the same street. (PW)

Creeping across waste ground, the tyres of the Jaguar crunch shale and stones. In the distance across Bethnal Green Road stands the Dolphin public house at the corner of Redchurch Street and Turville Street in Shoreditch E2. The pub had closed by 2001 and was converted into flats and retail premises.

With many buildings now occupying the land between Sclater Street and Redchurch Street, this is a much closer view of the premises. (PW)

The sound of a distant railway engine starting away drifts through the air. The background above Sclater Street is dominated by a shed on the north side of Bishopsgate railway goods yard.

Looking onto Sclater Street from the entrance of the Avant Garde apartment block. (PW)

Fred pulls on his gloves as he follows Sammy from the car. The triangle of waste land between Bethnal Green Road, Sclater Street and Cygnet Street in E1.

Taken from within the Avant Garde apartment block. (PW)