Two-Way Stretch

The feature opens with a view of Huntleigh Prison, where Dodger Lane, Jelly Knight and Lennie (The Dip) Price are coming to the end of their sentences. The entrance to Willems Barracks on Farnborough Road in Aldershot, Hampshire.

John Leete, with assistance from Chris Wilson, provides this modern view showing that some of the South Cavalry Barracks' walls remain.

Outside the prison walls, Harry the Milkman (Ian Wilson) places milk, butter, eggs, French bread and that morning's newspapers into a net bag before attaching it to a rope for Lenny to haul up to the window of their cell. Redmead Lane in London E1 located by Ian Stewart who draws our attention to the spaced ventilators in the dock wall that to ventilate the vast wine vaults and deep cellars recalling the wonderful alcoholic scent that emanated from them. The tall building in the background was a Port of London Authority warehouse. Redmead Lane is now a rather straighter Vaughan Way.

Horatio Bennett (Maurice Denham), the Prison Governor, proudly shows the prison garden off to committee members Miss Meakin (Myrette Morven), Miss Prescott (Noel Hood) and Miss Pringle (Beryl Reid) from the Ladies League of Prison Reform.

Warder George (Cyril Chamberlain) heads over to open the main gate when Dodger, Jelly and Lennie are sent to the quarry to collect rocks for the Governor's garden. Willems Barracks, also known as South Cavalry Barracks, in Aldershot located by Nick Ross who adds that although the majority of the site was knocked down in the 1960s, the gatehouse and guardroom have been preserved.

Dodger Lane (Peter Sellers) walks towards the gate with Soapy Stephens (Wilfrid Hyde-White) dressed as a vicar after the conman outlines a plan to steal the Sultan's diamonds. Willems Barracks on Farnborough Road in Aldershot, Hampshire recognised by Isabella Raine who watched the film being made when she was just eight years old. At the time, her family lived in Willems Barracks and shooting took place behind the married quarters.

After a word from Dodger about their local Vicar, Lennie Price (Bernard Cribbins) and Jelly Knight (David Lodge) shake Soapy's hand. Behind the gates of Willems Barracks on Farnborough Road, Aldershot found by Nick Ross.

Having told the boys that he has had a chat with Dodger about their future prospects, the "Vicar" leads Warder Charlie (Edwin Brown) and the three convicts through the gate.

At Rockhampton Prison's quarry, Officer “Sour” Crout (Lionel Jeffries) screams orders at Convicts before receiving news of his promotion to Huntleigh. Following a good deal of research, Shell Rubin believes this to be Betchworth Quarry between Leatherhead and Reigate in Surrey.

Calling to Warder George when the bell rings, the keys are handed to Dodger who opens the gate to come face to face with Chief Officer Crout. Facing the gateway at the west end of the South Cavalry Barracks.

David O'Donogue provides this comparison of what remains of the barracks noting that the old guard room has been demolished.

At the quarry, Crout watches the three jailbirds hammering one of the few remaining rocks before telling Jelly to use a stick of dynamite to blow more from the cliff face. Shell Rubin is 99% certain that this is Betchworth Quarry in Surrey.

Crout staggers back to the prison after Jelly places far more dynamite than needed. The long lost Willems Barracks in Aldershot identified by Nick Ross who adds "I worked in these barracks as a student, shifting furniture prior to demolition."

While the prisoners exercise in the yard, Jelly and Lennie tunnel into the ground from inside the vaulting horse. Facing west inside the gates of Willems Barracks with All Saints Lodge to the right. Isabella Raine continues that the director asked me and my friends for advice on locations and that her den appears in the film. "They even left a red rag that I tied onto the bush outside my den and told me to watch out for it".

The yard has been repurposed in David O'Donogue's shot who adds that this is now a beer garden of a Premier Inn. "The rest of the Willems barracks is now the Aldershot branch of Tesco but the main entrance to the “prison” is still there behind the trees."

Crout approaches Dodger, telling him to move the horse. Also remembered by Isabella was being bought hot dogs every day by members of the cast. "They were all lovely to us Army kids".

Standing on the board covering the hole dug by Jelly and Lenny, Crout leads the inmates in "jumping up and down on the spot".

Warder Charlie sees his Chief Officer disappear into the ground when the board breaks as the prisoners start to laugh. Facing All Saints Lodge and Willems Lodge at Aldershot's Willems Barracks.

Along with the other convicts, Dodger runs away to hide while Crout investigates the tunnel. Willem Barracks on Farnborough Road in Aldershot, Hampshire.

Following the escape attempt, Crout enquires if Dodger Lane knows anything about the tunnel. Facing the gates of Willem Barracks.

The best angle available to David O'Donogue due to the encroachment of trees and bushes.

Seeing a Black Maria pass below the cell window, Dodger has an idea of how they can escape to carry out the robbery.

A carrier pigeon takes a message from Dodger to Soapy.

The Army prepare to escort the Sultan's diamonds. The Port of London Authority building at 10 Trinity Square, London EC3.

Not quite as busy today.

A quick pan and an indiscernible cut brings an apartment block into frame where Lenny's Mother is watching the armoured van being positioned. Located by Jason Crimp, to the right stands Great Arthur House on the Golden Lane Estate off Old Street in London EC1 with Bowater House on the left.

Paul Lincoln found, that surprisingly, no re-development had taken place in the intervening years. (RL)

When told by a Corporal (Eddie Boyce) that the vehicles are in place, Colonel Parkright (Thorley Walters) and Captain (John Wood) break off from their discussion. Facing The Trinity House at the corner of Savage Gardens and Trinity House Square from the front of the Port of London Authority buildings.

The same corner now.

Calls of "Stand by" resound around the building's columns as the Corporal marches towards the door in readiness for the precious cargo to be brought out. Looking onto Trinity House Square with Trinity House Gardens to the right.

Now, with Savage Gardens just out of view behind the left column.

With loading complete, the Sergeant Major secures the van. The front of the PLA building on Trinity House Square in the City of London.

A wider view of the location.

Police Superintendent (Robert James) appears unimpressed with Colonel Parkright's arrangements. Trinity House Square EC3 with The Trinity House as the backdrop. The location can be seen in 'Patriot Games', 'Konga' and 'Sweeney!' among other productions.

Stepping back brings the far corner of The Trinity House into perspective.

Soapy Stephens puts the receiver down and leaves the call box where he has had word from Mrs. Price that the jewels are on their way.

Sitting in her Aston Martin, Dodger's girlfriend Ethel (Liz Fraser) watches the convoy in the rear view mirror. As suspected by Mark Brady, this is Fortune Street EC1 facing Bowater House on Golden Lane in the left background with Fortune Hose to the right which is confirmed by Jon Robertson.

Greenery softened Paul's shot of the location revealing little other change. (RL)

After Mrs. Price gets into the car, Ethel pulls away to follow the motorcade. Facing north on Golden Lane in EC1 with the western end of Fortune Street to the extreme right, located by Jason Crimp and confirmed by Mark Brady.

Distinct evidence from Paul that bikes and scooters are replacing cars in London. (RL)

As Dodger, Jelly and Lennie escape from their sells inside, Soapy arrives at Huntleigh Prison in a Black Maria. The gates of Willems Barracks on Farnborough Road in Aldershot.

A closer shot of the same location now from John Leete and Chris Wilson.

Collecting his accomplices before being joined by Ethel and Mrs. Price, Soapy drives the Morris-Commercial to the spot where the jewellery heist is to take place. Dawney Hill Bridge on Dawney Hill near Pirbright, Surrey with Gole Road to the left.

David O'Donogue returned to the bridge for this daytime view.

Lennie helps Mrs. Price (Irene Handl) from the Black Maria before the gang set up barriers and temporary traffic lights. Facing Dawney Hill from Gole Road.

John Harwood found the spot. (SJ)

Lights are switched on when the Colonel stops his convoy outside a pub and starts outlining the next stage of the operation. The White Hart Inn on The Green in Pirbright, Surrey.

Geoff Gwillym provides this shot of the inn at Pirbright. Image copyright Google.

An Angry Woman (Olga Dickie) appears at the window telling the Colonel to shut up. The White Hart Inn on the side of The Green in Pirbright,

With the aid of Chris Wilson, John Leete found the location to provide this closer view of the window.

Colonel Parkright tells the Driver to move off before the Angry Woman tip a bucket of water onto him. In front of The White Hart in Pirbright, Surrey.

David O'Donogue found the same window.

Coming to a halt at a red traffic signal, the convoy reaches the roadworks set up by Soapy and the gang. Gole Road, between Pirbright and Brookwood in Surrey identified by Tony Charman.

John H replaces Tony's GEV from Jun '19

Dressed as a Constable, Soapy prepares to signal to the security after it's isolated from the convoy when Lennie sabotages the Captain's armoured car. In the background stands Pirbright Bridge taking the unnamed road, now known as Bisley Camp Road, over the Basingstoke Canal while Connaught Road heads for Brookwood to the right.

David O'Donogue advises that the brickwork was replaced in 1994.

The Bedford A2 security van continues forward and stops over a net laid in the road. The railway bridge where Dawney Hill becomes Connaught Road at Sheet’s Heath between Pirbright and Brookwood.

John H took this. (SJ)

As the Security Van Driver (Joe Wadham) asks what the trouble is, Dodger starts a steam crane and the net is raised. The bridge carries the railway between Brookwood station and Pirbright Junction.

John again (SJ)

Retracing his route, the Colonel returns to the bridge where he meets up with his Captain and discovers the suspended security van empty. The junction of Dawney Hill and Connaught Road at Sheet’s Heath between Pirbright and Brookwood in Surrey.

And a final one from John. (SJ)

Dawn breaks and the next part of Soapy's plan is put into action as a dustcart approaches Ethel whilst she looks under the Aston Martin's bonnet. David Hizzey advises that this is Staple Hill road crossing the centre of Chobham Common, opposite Staple Hill in Surrey. The common can be seen in various other films including ''The Break', 'Carry On Cowboy', ‘Only When I Larf’ and 'A Weekend with Lulu'.

A Dustman (Joe Gibbons) crosses to see if he can help which allows Dodger, Jelly and Lennie to climb into the dustcart. Staple Hill on Chobham Common identified by David Hizzey.

Continuing its collections, the dustcart arrives at Huntleigh Prison where the lads get out and return to their cell. Outside Willems Barracks in Aldershot with Farnborough Road to the left.

David O'Donogue captured the scene now.

Following the release of Dodger, Jelly and Lennie later that day, a minibus takes them to the station along with Crout, the Governor and a disguised Soapy. Windsor & Eton Central Station off High Street in Windsor, Berkshire.

Now by Dave Wood.

The Austin Omnicoach swings round to park outside the station entrance. Windsor & Eton Central station.

The same forecourt.

Allowing the former prisoners to get out first, Chief Officer Crout apologises to Governor Bennett for demanding a lift. Almost every aspect of Windsor & Eton Central station has been filmed for a great number of productions including 'Carry On Loving', 'A Run for Your Money', 'Upstairs and Downstairs', ‘Left, Right and Centre’, ‘Carry On Regardless’, ‘The Lovers!’, 'Allez France!', 'The White Trap', 'That's Your Funeral', 'Doctor in Trouble', 'Doctor in Distress', 'The Wildcats of St Trinian's' and 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'.

Now.

As the Governor helps Soapy out of the minibus, the ex-cons say "goodbye" to Mr. Crout. Windsor & Eton Central station in Berkshire.

Now.

Crout tells the three that they'll be back. Through the doorway lies platform 2 at Windsor & Eton Central.

As Governor Bennett shakes Dodger, Jelly and Lennie by the hand, Soapy worries that Crout has recognised him. Looking out onto the forecourt at Windsor & Eton station.

Soapy leaves the others to keep out of the way. Windsor & Eton Central station off High Street, Windsor.

Careful not to be seen, the conman keeps close to the station walls. Windsor & Eton Central station.

More coffee shop than railway station these days.

Soapy turns a corner . . .

. . . . to check that the coast is clear . . .

. . . before emerging onto the concourse . . .

. . . where Chief Officer Crout passes him after collecting his cases from the Left Luggage Office. The concourse of Windsor & Eton Central station.

A look of realisation crosses Crout's face.

Turning and dropping his cases, Crout shouts "Soapy Stephens" which prompts the crook to scarper.

Crout soon loses Soapy who makes his way to the train on which Dodger, Jelly and Lennie are waiting. The forecourt of Windsor & Eton terminus in Windsor, Berkshire.

Returning to the concourse, Crout sees the Vicar heading for the ticket barrier.

The Chief Officer pauses before running across the open space. Windsor & Eton station in Windsor.

Edging along a wall . . . .

. . . . Crout peers through the ticket gate to see the Vicar. Looking along platform 2 at Windsor & Eton Central station.

Creeping up on his quarry, Crout grabs Reverend Patterson (Walter Hudd) by the shoulders.

Crout makes his apologises to the Reverend as the Guard waves his flag for the train with Dodger, Jelly and Lennie on board to depart.

While Soapy is discovered sitting in an unattached carriage by Crout, the train speeds away with the other three thieves.

After searching for Soapy on the train, Lennie climbs onto the roof of the carriage with the jewels as Police search the train. Approaching Fittleworth station in Sussex from the west.

Two Postmen (Harry Littlewood and Jack Dearlove) stand waiting for the mail train to drop the post off. Fittleworth station on Tripp Hill south of Fittleworth in Sussex.

Fittleworth station was converted into a private dwelling in 1987. This is viewed from the fence at the edge of the property. (SD)

As the train passes through the station, Lennie leans from the carriage roof to pass the loot back to Dodger. Opened in 1889, Fittleworth station closed to passengers in 1955, five years before this film was released.

The postal apparatus grabs the bag from Dodger as he leans through their compartment window. Fittleworth station continued to be served by freight trains until 1963 and the line through the station remained in use until May 1966.

Mark Alford provides this clearer view of the background bridge.

With diamonds dripping from the deposited bag, the two Postmen look puzzled as the mail train isn't due. Fittleworth station in Sussex.

The restored station building viewed from the fence at the edge of the property. (SD)