Wide Boy

The London location scene is set. The end of the Prudential Assurance building on the left followed by Gamages department store for those old enough to remember the pleasures. Holborn EC1.

The much changed view with the tower of St. Andrew, Holborn now barely visible to the right hand side. (RL)

Selling nylons from a suitcase, Benny Mercer (Sydney Tafler) takes his place amongst other Wide Boys plying their trade.

A Policeman hurries towards Benny and the other black market salesmen. Holborn looking east across Holborn Circus which features in 'Hue and Cry', 'The Primitives' and 'King of the Underworld'.

At least the equestrian statue of Prince Albert remains to confirm the location. (RL)

From the other direction another Policeman approaches. Holborn looking west.

The entrance to Fetter Lane has now been pedestrianised. (RL)

The fingers of a gloved hand touch his collar as Benny is arrested. Holborn in London EC1.

Having found an incriminating letter after stealing Caroline Blaine's handbag, Benny watches the block where she lives. Robbie Higgins has resolved the location, the junction of Westbourne Street and Stanhope Terrace, London W2.

Supporting Robbie's identification. (RL)

Benny takes a last draw from his cigarette before putting his blackmail plan into operation. The corner of Westbourne Street and Stanhope Terrace.

I think my lens needs a little wipe! SJ

Phoning Caroline, Benny tells her that he won't be return the letter, explaining that he will be in touch to make arrangements.

I did manage to find a cluster of 4 boxes in a shapely square formation. SJ

After the call, Caroline phones her lover Robert Mannering (Colin Tapley) who soon arrives by taxi. With thanks to Robbie Higgins for identifying Westbourne Street and Stanhope Terrace, London W2.

If the telephone box ever existed it is not there now and I didn't have to wait long for a taxi to fill the scene. (RL)

As instructed, Robert arrives at the film's Cleveland Mews with an envelope containing £200.

After collecting the envelope, Benny remains in the shadows as a Policeman walks past.

Benny heads to town and meets his girlfriend Molly before beginning to spend his ill gotten gains. Dave W would only have well earned gains to spend here in New Bond Street, looking north at the corner of Brook Street. (RL)

Paul Lincoln visits on a quieter and more festive time. (RL)

On another evening, as Benny continues to extort money, a struggle breaks out and Robert Mannering is shot.

When the police identify the murderer and come to arrest him, Benny escapes from his lodgings and flees over a back wall.

A stock shot of a train speeding beneath a bridge precedes this sequence after Benny has arranged for Molly to meet him with money to help him get to the Continent. The Torquay Street landing of Westbourne Park Passage in W2. PW

With a school yard below and the Westway above, this is the best view possible. PW

Whilst visiting the hairdressing salon where Molly works, Caroline overhears a phone conversation with Benny and accompanies the police to the the arranged meeting place. James Churcher identifies this as looking along what was Torquay Street with the Great Western Main Line behind the wall to the right.

A daytime shot of the same location, now underneath the A40, by Chris Churcher. With acknowledgement to the kind assistance of the two gents at reception of The Westminster Academy for allowing access to take this otherwise unobtainable shot.

Caroline and the Officers watch as Molly (Susan Shaw) appears. James Churcher advises that this is what was Torquay Street, Paddington W2 looking towards the footbridge and walkway that led to the long demolished Hampden Crescent, a street which features in 'Herostratus'.

Taken by Chris Churcher from what was Torquay Street, now a local sports complex. (The Westminster Academy) Looking towards the footbridge and the walkway that led to what was Hampden Crescent. With acknowledgement to the kind assistance of the two gents at reception of The Westminster Academy for allowing access to take this otherwise unobtainable shot.

Molly climbs the steps to Westbourne Park Passage from Torquay Street to meet her boyfriend on the bridge. A similar view was seen in 'The Knack . . . and How to Get It' and other sections of the passage can be seen in 'Children of the Damned', 'The Crowded Day' and 'Seven Days to Noon'.

The steps have gone and the walkway off the bridge has been extended to pass under the A40 Westway. Again, Chris Churcher acknowledges the kind assistance of the two gents at reception of The Westminster Academy for allowing access to take this otherwise unobtainable shot.

Benny appears from the shadows but is trapped by the police. Westbourne Park Passage crossing the Great Western Main Line.

Looking northward along Westbourne Park Passage. PW

The petty crook's body is taken away after he falls from the bridge whilst trying to escape. Torquay Street in London W2.