Too Many Crooks

Fingers (George Cole) waits for William Delany Gordon to leave home before putting moving in to case the joint for his planned robbery.

The gang drive their hearse through early morning streets after kidnapping, who they think, is Gordon's daughter. Peter Cain locates this as east of the junction of Carlton Avenue East and Preston Road in North Wembley, Middlesex.

The same location captured by Peter Cain.

Mark Alford updates the record with this matching view.

A suspicious Policeman eyes the hearse. Near the junction of Carlton Avenue East with Preston Road in Wembley advises Peter Cain, who adds that he traffic lights and Police Box were props.

Gerald Wynter sends this shot of the Corner Circle Junction of Carlton Avenue West, Wembley at Junction with Preston Road, Wembley. (RL)

The hearse stutters to a halt while climbing a hill and Sid (Sid James) gets out. Beverley Gardens, Wembley in Middlesex identified by Dave Buckley.

Visiting the location, Mark Alford replaces the previous Google image.

As Sid reaches the rear of the vehicle, Snowdrop (Bernard Bresslaw) and Whisper (Joe Melia) climb out. Beverley Gardens in Wembley.

Gerald provides this shot of number 60 Beverley Gardens. (RL) Philip McIntyre advises that the action was outside No 33 Beverley Gardens, not 60, and has agreed to send us a new "now" to match. Not anticipating COVID restrictions and life's subsequent disruption Philip has at last been able to provide the replacement showing No 33 (RL)

After pushing the hearse up the hill, the gang chase it down the other side after losing control. Dave Buckley advises that this is Beverley Gardens and that the tower visible to the left of the telegraph pole was on the GEC site in East Lane, North Wembley.

Dave also recalls that a water tanker sprayed the streets to make it appear that it had rained and also provides this comparison shot.

A Vicar (Gibb McLaughlin) says farewell to one of his parishioners. Dave Buckley, who lived for many years in Beverley Gardens, advises that this house is at the corner of West Hill and Beverley Gardens. Dave missed seeing the filming as his family was on holiday for the two weeks of shooting!

Gerald provides this view of 53 West Hill as it is now. (RL)

The driverless heare rounds the corner where the Vicar has just mounted his bicycle. This is the roundabout where Beverley Gardens crosses West Hill advises Dave Buckley.

Dave Buckley also provides the proof.

Turning to pay his respects, the Vicar falls from his machine when he sees no one at the wheel. West Hill, Barn Hill in Wembley Park advises Dave Buckley.

Another 'Now' shot by Dave.

Sid, Fingers, Whisper and Snowdrop run into view as the old man picks himself up.

Gerald says that this is an uphill view of 49 West Hill to 53 West Hill. (RL)

A sleeping Tramp (Sam Kydd) wakes when he hears the out of control hearse approach during it's downhill journey.

This shot from Gerald raises the question as to whether the bench was a prop as well. The junction of West Hill and The Avenue. (RL)

The hearse crashes at the bottom of the hill. Confirmed by Gerald Wynter as Forty Avenue with the bridge carrying the then Bakerloo, now the Jubilee, Line between Wembley Park and Kingsbury in the top left background.

Rail bridge on The Avenue photographed by Gerald Wynter. (RL)

Having recovered himself, the Vicar suffers a further shock when he sees the undertakers pick up the coffin from the crashed hearse. Facing numbers 6 to 10 West Hill identified by Gerald Wynter.

The gang run from the scene. Peter Cain recognised this as the junction of West Hill and The Avenue in North Wembley.

Now. Peter Cain again.

Increased foliage covers the scene in Mark Alford's comparison.

William Delany Gordon (Terry-Thomas) arrives in town with his secretary Beryl (Delphi Lawrence). Part of the same studio set that featured at the beginning of the film.

Escaping with their share of the cash, the gang come to a halt when traffic lights turn red. Adorned with prop traffic signals is Village Road in Denham Buckinghamshire with the Falcon Inn to the centre.

The same location in daylight by Antony Blair.

The money is lost when the case comes open as the gang pull away when the lights change. Village Road in Denham with the bridge over the River Misbourne ahead. The location was also seen in 'Murder She Said', 'The Man in the Moon', 'Stormy Crossing', 'Vice Versa', 'Deadlock' and 'Murder at the Gallop'.

Antony Blair provides this comparison.