Universal Soldier (1971)

Phillip Goodhand-Tait sings the title track as various shots of Heathrow Airport are shown while Jeffrey Ryker passes through passport control. One of the car parks at Heathrow Airport in Hillingdon, Greater London.

Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport. The building closed in 2009 and was demolished in 2010.

Heathrow Airport's Central Control Tower which was demolished in 2013.

More views of Heathrow Airport appear in a number of productions including 'Three Hats for Lisa', 'A Matter of WHO', 'Jet Storm' and 'Hot Millions'.

Jeffrey Ryker (George Lazenby) approaches Customs Control where he is taken to an office after his gun is spotted.

Met by Jesse Jones (Benito Carruthers) and Freddy Bradshaw (Robin Hunter), the former mercenary is taken to their car. Outside Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

Ryker is taken to an exercise where he and his fellow weapons consultants explain their skills and show various weaponry to revolutionary leader Mbote as well as other interested parties. Gilkicker at Gosport in Hampshire identified by Alan Bourke.

A pair of military hovercraft skim across the scene. Alan Bourke advises that this is Gilkicker in Gosport where the hovercraft were flown by Dick Sign, Malcolm Beckingham and Tony Hands. Apparently "one craft suffered a damaged propeller caused by spent shell cases from the machine gun, another a broken windscreen when it ran into the the third craft which lost its rudder". The hovercraft in the foreground is a Hovercat developed by Manx Hovercat Ltd.

The craft show of their aquatic abilities to prospective customers. Steve Randall discovered Stokes Bay Pier near Gosport in Hampshire, which was being demolished at the time of filming.

On the way back to London, Jesse and Bradshaw's Reliant Scimitar pulls up behind the Daimler Limousine carrying Ryker and Mbote. Dave W does of course always recognise things associated with 'culture', so he has kindly pointed out that we are looking at the Royal College of Art Darwin Building in Kensington Road, SW7. He adds that at the furthest point on the right is Broadwalk House residential block. The camera position is just inside Kensington Gardens and looking west. (RL)

Better a winter shot as the trees are taking over the view. SJ

Mbote's limousine follows the Scimitar as they arrive at the London International hotel. The London International Hotel on Cromwell Road SW5 with properties on Collingham Place to the top left.

One can just make out the "up-and-down staircase effect" of the rear windows of Collingham Place. SJ

As they get out of the cars, Mbote asks Ryker how he picks his mercenaries. The London International hotel on Cromwell Road in Kensington, currently the London Marriott Hotel Kensington.

Some sort of "vibe" in the refurbishment. SJ

Temple Smith (Alan Barnes) arrives in his Porsche 911. Across Cromwell Road stands the West London Air Terminal in SW7. Closing in 1972 the terminal was redesigned to become Point West.

From the raised entrance. SJ

Ben Rawlings (Edward Judd) shows Ryker, Jesse and their Customers around Orbit Arms International.

A shipment of arms leaves the Orbit International factory.

The convoy negotiates a roundabout.

Parting from the main convoy, the last three lorries turn off.

The lorries arrive at a warehouse on an industrial estate.

Jesse and Smith stand with Mbote (Rudolph Walker) as Rawlings tells a Workmen to hurry up transferring crates to one of three blue trucks.

After one of the crates is dropped and smashes to reveal its contents, Ryker sees Mbote and his Aides off in the Daimler.

While following the limousine and the lorries, Smith, Ryker and Jesse are pulled over by the Police. Geoff Dodd places this as to Swanland Road, South Mimms in Hertfordshire before the whole junction was completely remodelled when the existing A1(M) and M25 configuration was created. This capture shows what was the Esso Motor Hotel on Swanland Road. It is still there but is now a Premier Inn and has had a different frontage added. (RL)

Having identified the location Geoff felt that the least he could do was to provide the comparative shot showing the resultant changes, thanks Geoff. (RL)

Getting back into the Scimitar, the Weapon Dealers speed away followed by the police Jaguar. Antony Blair found that this is looking east on Uxbridge Road in Southall, Greater London with the the corner of Lyndhurst Avenue in the foreground.

Antony's view looks quite rural.

The peace of quiet suburban streets is shattered as the pursuit continues. Lyndhurst Avenue, Southall located by Antony Blair.

No milkman in sight when Antony returned to the location.

In the driving seat, Ryker accelerates to beat the Policemen to a gate at the end of the road. Antony Blair identifies this as facing northward from the end of Lyndhurst Avenue in Southall.

Taken from ground level by Antony.

The Jaguar follows the Scimitar towards a pedestrian tunnel. Antony Blair explains that this is the now disused subway that led to the A. E. C. bus and commercial vehicle works.

Becoming trapped within the tunnel, the Officers watch the narrower Scimitar escape. Inside the tunnel linking the former A. E. C. site with Lyndhurst Avenue in Southall, Greater London recognised by Antony Blair.

At the other end of the tunnel, Ryker, Smith and Jesse abandon their car and climb a fence before fleeing. Antony Blair locates this as within the former A. E. C. bus and commercial vehicle works is Southall with the Great Western Main Line passing in the background.

Catching up with the others, Smith opens the gates to his Grandmother's house to let the vehicles in. The gateway to Brocket Hall on Ayot Green to the west of Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, which has since had taller gates fitted.

Following the Daimler, the lorries drive up to the house.

On the estate the Mercenaries check the ammunition as they head to the lake where they let Mbote fire the guns he has bought.

Back in London, a troubled Ryker is dropped off in Soho.

After pausing for something to eat, Ryker continues his lonely walk through the seedy night time streets. Great Windmill Street in W1 with the wall of the Lyric Theatre to the left. The pavement outside the Lyric Theatre on Great Windmill Street W1. The street appears in many films including 'The Small World of Sammy Lee', 'Secrets of a Windmill Girl', 'White Cargo', 'Night and the City' and 'Babylon'.

The next day, Ryker wakes in his hotel room. The London International Hotel on Cromwell Road SW5.

There's a lot of glass or acrylic or even polycarbonate here. SJ

While he finishes getting dressed, Ryker tells Jesse that he's only here for the money. Looking out from the London International Hotel onto the junction of Cromwell Road and Collingham Road.

Leaving the hotel, Ryker takes a taxi and is driven past Buckingham Palace.

Pausing for a moment, the Cabbie remarks that the Queen isn't in today. Looking eastward along The Mall SW1 with Admiralty Arch in the distance.

Understanding that his passenger wants to be with people more like himself, Ryker is dropped off outside Finch's on Portobello Road. Outside the Duke of Wellington public house at the corner of Elgin Crescent and Portobello Road W11.

This replaces my blurry effort from May '24 as well as being an angle improvement. SJ

After walking along Portobello Road and having a pint, Ryker meets Gered who gives him the address of a flat to rent in Hampstead. Facing the front wall of numbers 23 and 24 Downshire Hill in Hampstead NW3.

The best angle without trespassing into the front garden. SJ

Ryker's taxi pulls to the kerb outside the Bowden's house. Outside number 25 Downshire Hill with St. John's church in the right background.

Looking directly south-west. SJ

The door is answered by Derek Bowden who shows him the basement flat. 25 Downshire Hill NW3.

The same today. SJ

After taking the flat and meeting Clara Bowden, Ryker falls in with a group of pacifists and becomes involved with Chrissie. The Vale of Health in Hampstead NW3 with properties on East View to the left and The Gables on the right.

Tricky to achieve the correct angles here as I was reluctant to intrude on the fairground and caravan site which has stood for over a 100 years. SJ

Pigeons fly across the scene. The Vale of Health with East View on the right and Spencer House to the right. The Vale of Health also appears in 'The Monster of Highgate Ponds' and 'Les Bicyclettes de Belsize'.

Panning left to the west. SJ

After following the birds, the camera moves to find Ryker. Facing East View on the Vale of Health.

Taken just outside the caravan park. SJ

Cut to London's docklands. North Woolwich E16 with the River Thames disappearing into the left distance, Albert Road and Factory Road diagonally crossing the centre, Dunedin House right of centre and Grenadier Street to the bottom right.

A pan right finds the lorries carrying Mbote's weapons. Homes on Grenadier Street and Silverland Street stand to the left with Brixham Street running towards the bottom right.

The pan ends with a view towards King George V Dock in E16.

After the lorries back up on the quayside, Bradshaw walks towards Jesse telling him that "everything is not cool".

Getting into his car, Bradshaw explains that they're all wanted at a meeting later that day.

Rawlings leads Mbote, and the Dealers into the meeting. Syon House Great Conservatory in Syon Park, Brentford. Also appears in 'Bedazzled', 'Follow Me!', 'Goodbye Mr. Chips (1969)' and 'Catch Us If You Can'.

In the rain, Ryker and Chrissie attend a concert in Hyde Park.

Ryker and Chrissie spend more time together. This appears to be one of the pedestrian subways at the northern end of Park Lane W1 with the top of Marble Arch visible to the left.

I couldn't quite stretch to work in the top of Marble Arch (shrouded at the time anyway) but it's there behind the red barrier.

Climbing the steps from a subway, the pair appear on the other side of the road.

This is the same side and very much mere speculation. Perhaps the stairs made way for vehicular access and the banister adjusted accordingly. I think it's worth a suggestion as clearly there are some trees to factor in, ruling out the east side of Park Lane. SJ

Ryker and Chrissie approach the the Royal College of Art. Facing north on Kensington Gore SW7 with the Albert Memorial in the right background.

The memorial is barely visible on the right. SJ

The two kiss before parting. Looking out from the Royal College of Art onto Kensington Gore. Also seen in 'Joanna.'

The view outside the doorway which appeared out of use on my visit. SJ

Jesse and Smith arrive on Portobello Road. Facing north-west on Portobello Road W11 with the corner of Talbot Road to the top right.

A misty market day. SJ

Inside Finch's, Jesse and Smith show Customers a photograph of Ryker and ask if anyone has seen him. The Duke of Wellington at the corner of Elgin Crescent and Portobello Road.

Still plenty of litter. SJ

Watched by Smith, Ryker makes his way home. Looking south-east, past the Freemasons Arms on Downshire Hill in Hampstead NW3.

A move towards 'al fresco' eating and drinking rather governed the camera position for Denis Hoare but he still managed the background pillars and the foreground railings. We can rely on Denis. (RL)

In the back garden of the Bowden's house Jesse tries to persuade Ryker to come back and work with them. The rear of number 25 Downshire Hill.

Ryker takes Jesse back to the flat after a Sniper tries to shoot him on the heath. Looking towards the back of the Freemasons Arms, with Hampstead Heath beyond, from the rear of numbers 23 and 24 Downshire Hill.

Finding Chrissie in the garden, Ryker explains what's happening before the two follow Jesse to the parked Porsche. The passage running between numbers 23 and 24 Downshire Hill in Hampstead.

The passage is still there but access is gated, so this is taken from outside. Therefore the only evident match is no. 40's shuttered window half covered by temporary hoarding. SJ

After Ryker and Jesse pay a visit to Mbote as he sleeps in his bed, the limousine brings him to a rendezvous. Moxon Street W1 with Marylebone High Street in the right distance.

And Garbutt Place between the two. SJ

While the Ford Zephyr reverses to park, Mbote gets out of the Daimler. Moxon Street with Ossington Buildings leading off to the left.

New building to the left. SJ

Walking to a corner, Mbote pauses as a Wolseley slows to a halt. Ashland Place at the corner of Moxon Street.

Double value for yellow lines. The bollard and wall look the same. SJ

Carrying a case full of money, Mbote continues into a park. Paddington Street Gardens in W1.

I nearly caught the chap with a bag rather than briefcase standing in for Mbote. SJ

Figures watch Mbote. Facing the corner of Moxon Street and Ashland Place.

A new restaurant (Le Vieux Comptoir) to the right. SJ

As the sound of playing Children fills the air, Mbote looks around. Paddington Street Gardens with the rear of a property on Manchester Street as the background.

There's a fence and hedge to the left which prevents an exact angle here. SJ

Ryker appears and leans on a signpost from where he can see the park. The corner of Moxon Street and Aybrook Street.

Just too late to capture the car park before it was built on as recently as 2022. SJ

As Mbote walks towards Ryker, a Figure follows. Looking towards the gate to Paddington Street Gardens at the corner of Moxon Street and Ashland Place.

The corner today. SJ

As Police Officers leave a nearby police station, Mbote remarks that this isn't an ideal location. The corner of Moxon Street and Aybrook Street.

The doorway and window seem to have swapped places. SJ

Mbote looks towards the blue lorries standing in a car park. Facing southward across the car park located between Aybrook Street, Moxon Street, Cramer Street and St. Vincent Street in W1.

Now that the car park has been built over, thus rendering a fairly meaningless comparison, here's a shot looking down Cramer Street from Moxon Street to compare to the top of the original. SJ

To check on the contents, the pair walk towards the lorries. The cleared land that became known as Cramer Street car park with Cramer Street in the background.

Now that I've loaded it, I may have got this wrong unless there's been some rebuilding, but I think I should be further south down the street looking at new building there. SJ

From the cab of one of the lorries, Jesse sees two Figures on the street above the car park. Looking towards Moxon Street with Ossington Buildings on the left.

Looking towards Grotto Passage. SJ

The Figures approach the entrance to the car park. Looking north at Moxon Street with Moxon House in the background.

Moxon House is unchanged but will have lost some of its light with the big building now across the road. SJ

Taking the case from Mbote, Ryker and Jesse get into the Porsche and drive away, scattering the African's Men. Cramer Street car park with buildings on Aybrook Street to the top. The land was developed as Marylebone Square in the early 2020s.

A view south down Aybrook Street. SJ

Rawlings and Bradshaw discover that they've been double-crossed.

En route to the airport the Porsche 911 turns off the motorway. Cranford Parkway Interchange at Cranford in Greater London with the bridge taking Cranford Lane over the River Crane in Cranford Park beyond the the trees. The bridge can also be seen in 'The Big Chance' and 'Circus of Fear'.

Jesse argues with Ryker after finding that the case contains £100,000 less than expected. Cranford Parkway Interchange at Cranford located on IMDb.

After Jesse hits Ryker, Rawlings and Bradshaw arrive in the Daimler. Looking across the roundabout at Cranford Parkway Interchange at Cranford, towards the Motorway maintenance depot off Church Road.