Zoo Robbery, The (Children’s Film Foundation)

At the helm of Dragonfly, Penny White (Karen Lucas) rings the bell as Ben (Richard Willis) and Joe (Walter McKone) open the gates to let the narrow boat out of a lock. Salmon Lane Lock on the Grand Union Canal (Regent's Canal) in E14 with the bridge carrying Parnham Street to the left.

Jumping aboard, Joe makes his way to the stern as Dragonfly starts to move. Darnley House point block stands in the left background as a train heads towards Fenchurch Street on the viaduct.

Jimmy tends to the engine below while Penny steers the craft as the "Canal Patrol" get under way. Facing Elizabeth Wharf on the Grand Union Canal with Jerome House and Williams House on Dupont Street to the top right.

As the titles continue, Ben plots a course while Joe peers through his binoculars on the lookout for the patrol's next adventure. Facing north on the Grand Union Canal in E14 with Ennerdale House in E3 in the right distance. To the top centre can be seen the sewer ventilating column which also appears later in the production.

Joe spots suspicious activity when money spills onto the footpath as a sinister looking Man drops the large box he's carrying to his Morris Minor. Facing numbers 63 and 65 Sewardstone Road in E2.

I didn't bring my binoculars. SJ

Calling the "Shore Patrol", Ben tells Carol (Denise Gyngell) and Mike (Paul Gyngell) about the Man that Joe believes is a bank robber.

Warned that the Man may be armed when Joe sees him with a violin case, Carol and Mike cycle to where the Morris is parked. Sewardstone Road in Bethnal Green.

I didn't bring my ladder either (cap5 comparison). SJ

Passing on Ben's message, Joe tells Jimmy Bailey (Luke Batchelor) and Penny that "Shore Patrol" are going into action.

Leaning their Chopper bikes against a wall, Mike investigates the car while Carol reports back to Ben. Outside number 65 Sewardstone Road.

The wall and hedge have enjoyed a rethink. SJ

Not far away, Constable Billings (Michael Wynne) rides his moped towards the parked Morris. Facing west on Bishop's Way E2 with the distant bridge carrying the railway north from Cambridge Heath station.

The bridge looks even more distant through my lens. SJ

The Policeman's radio crackles as an information message is received from headquarters. There's a pillar box on the corner to the left as the action becomes blurred when a pan starts. Bishop's Way with the corner of Waterloo Gardens to the left.

A slightly wider shot to show the postbox on the rebuilt corner. SJ

Following Constable Billings, the camera pans left. Looking east on Bishop's Way in Bethnal Green, towards Sewardstone Road and Bonner Hall Gate.

A match with Cleland House, Sewardstone Road, on the left. SJ

Up ahead, Constable Billings spots Mike attempting to open the car's boot. Facing south-east on Sewardstone Road in E2 with the corner of Waterloo Road to the left.

Building additions to the left. SJ

From Dragonfly, Jimmy spots "Speedy" Billing through the binoculars.

Dismounting from his Motobécane Mobylette, the Policeman walks towards Mike. Sewardstone Road with Halkett House and Waterloo Road in the right distance.

Looking north-west. SJ

After Mike and Carol are told to "hop it" and the case is closed, the young crime fighters move on.

Penny steers Dragonfly towards the Canal Club. The junction of the Grand Union Canal and City Road Basin in N1... North-east corner? (SJ)

Joe spots canoes, rowing boats and Children cleaning the floating club house ahead. Facing south in City Road Basin, Islington with City Road Bridge in the distance.

Rather a different look to the basin now. SJ

Penny sounds the narrowboat's hooter as Children look up from their chores to wave. Looking north from City Road Basin with Hanover School on Noel Road N1 in the right background.

The school is still recognisable. SJ

Joe prepares to throw a rope to shore.

Close to the south end of the basin on the west side. SJ

Paul walks over to take Dragonfly's rope. City Road Basin in Islington N1.

This is facing north-west from the east side but I'm not convinced I have the correct chimney as there were others which have not survived. SJ

Mooring Dragonfly close to London Zoo, Penny, Ben, Joe and Jimmy make their way to see Yen-Yen, a Yeti that zookeeper Mr. Bailey is looking after. The Grand Union Canal to the north of the Regent's Park in NW1.

Mr. Bailey (Alexander John) takes his son and his friends through the Birdhouse to visit Yen-Yen's cage where they learn that the rare beast's favourite foods are ice lollies and bananas.

Crowds wave as Yen-Yen appears in her enclosure. Facing the Lion House from the enclosure in front of the Deer & Cattle Shed at London Zoo with Sir Hugh Casson's Elephant and Rhinoceros Pavilion in the left distance.

Walking past with an ice lolly, Ben becomes suspicious when he spots Mr. Smythe (Frank Gatliff) reading a newspaper and his accomplice Jack Watson (Seán Barrett) taking pictures of a crane rather than joining the crowd to see the world's only captive Yeti. Looking towards the old Deer & Cattle Sheds at London Zoo.

Smythe and the Skipper (Neil McCarthy) look on as Jack shouts at Penny after their boat Chiswick collides with Dragonfly as they make their way from the zoo.

With Dragonfly taking in water after the crash, Penny tells Ben and Joe to start bailing.

Penny sets up a pump as Jimmy takes the tiller.

Ben radios Mike and Carol asking them to tell Penny's Dad about the damage to Dragonfly.

Water is pumped from the narrowboat to get the "Canal Patrol" home for repairs. The junction of the Grand Union Canal and City Road Basin in N1 with City Road Lock to the right.

The lock and chimney survive on the right side looking west. SJ

Seeing the Men that rammed Dragonfly unloading their boat at the Alton Trading Company warehouse, Ben suspects that they're up to something.

Reaching the dock where repairs can be made, Ben throws Mr. White a line. St. Pancras Basin on the Grand Union Canal in N1 with the water tower of University College Hospital in the top background.

Running over to Mike and Carol. Ben tells them that he's got a special assignment for them. St. Pancras Basin with the King's Cross gasometers in the distance. The basin was recognised by the guys at The Record Deck and it can also be seen in '30 is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia' and 'Smashing Time'.

This is the basin now, and, while I'm not completely confident I'm exact, the removal of the gasometers the background has revealed St. Pancras. I also believe the shed in the original can be seen on the left behind the new one. SJ

Mike and Carol cycle to the warehouse where Ben saw the Men unloading.

The two hide in a doorway when Smythe appears from the building with another Man.

From behind a Hillman Minx, Mike and Carol watch as Smythe gets into his car after his Associate drives away in a Rover.

The pair find a way into the warehouse through an open window.

From inside the warehouse, Mike and Carol see the Skipper and Jack nailing planks over the windows of a door.

Next, the two Men unload bananas and ice lollies from Chiswick.

With repairs to Dragonfly's seams completed, the boat is returned to the water. St. Pancras Basin on the Grand Union Canal with the railway heading north out of St. Pancras in the background.

Without access to the basin, this is about the best view attainable looking west from an elevated walkway about the towpath. SJ

That night at the zoo, camels grunt, elephants trumpet, tigers yawn and pelicans sleep. Facing the Mappin Terraces at London Zoo on Outer Circle in NW1.

Security Officers complete their rounds of the enclosures before departing.

At the canal on the north side of the zoo, Smythe, the Skipper and Jack climb up to a bridge from their boat. The footbridge over the Grand Union Canal within London Zoo, close to the North Entrance on Prince Albert Road NW1.

Under cover of the darkness, Smyth and Jack make their way through the zoo. Facing the Elephant House at London Zoo in the Regent's Park.

Taking the crane that Jack was photographing the previous day, the two men drive towards Yen-Yen's enclosure. The cage side of London Zoo's Lion House.

When Yen-Yen is discovered missing the next morning, Mr. Bailey is interviewed by television reporter Andrew Harris (Andrew Lodge). The background Deer & Cattle Shed is where Giant Panda Chi-Chi lived until her death in 1972.

Alerted to the kidnapping, Mike climbs up a fire escape when he and Carol return to the warehouse.

Mike runs back to tell Carol to radio Ben that Yen-Yen is being held prisoner by the Skipper and Jack.

Unaware that Carol has been captured by Smythe, Mike is caught by Constable Billings who questions him about a radio transmitter. Jon Robertson recognised the view from Twig Folly Bridge on Roman Road in Bow E3 at the junction of Ashwell Road and Lessada Street with the corner of Gardener's Road to the left, Totty Street to the right and St. Barnabas' church on the corner of Grove Road in the right distance. Wennington Green and Haverfield Green now occupy the foreground.

Arriving at the warehouse, Ben and Joe see the Crooks loading the Yeti's cage onto their boat.

Leaving Carol tied up in their hideout, Smythe, the Skipper and Jack set off with Yen-Yen on board Chiswick. The Grand Union Canal running between Goods Way and Wharf Road in N1 with one of the King's Cross gas holders in the right background.

When Mark explains that he has seen the captured Yeti, the "Canal Patrol" make their way to the warehouse. At the junction of the Grand Union Canal and City Road Basin with the windows of Hanover School in the background.

The brick shed with sloping roof can be discerned behind the canopy on the right. SJ

Heading for Limehouse Basin to rendezvous with their Associate, Smythe asks the Skipper if Chiswick can go faster.

The Skipper assures Smythe that they'll be there before three o'clock when the lock gates are closed.

After Carol is rescued from the warehouse, she and Mike spot the Kidnappers passing beneath a bridge. Looking north-east from Packington Street Bridge in N1 which takes Shepherdess Walk over the Grand Union Canal.

Aboard Dragonfly, Joe keeps a lookout.

To delay the Crooks, Mike and Carol place a heavy beam of wood across the canal. The gate at the bend in the Grand Union Canal as it runs between Goods Way and Wharf Road in N1 with the King's Cross gas holders in the right background.

All change apart from the course of the canal. The green bit is the south end of Camley Street Natural Park and the cluster of 5 gasometers were moved for extensions to St. Pancras. And there's a new pedestrian bridge to what is now Bagley Walk. SJ

The Criminal's narrowboat appears from around a bend in the canal. A closer shot of the bend in the Grand Union Canal with buildings fronting Wharf Road to the right.

There is some matching brickwork at the top right. SJ

Jack spots the beam blocking their way. The Grand Union Canal in N1 with the King's Cross gas holders in the background.

Behind the trees would be the outer edge of the new St. Pancras shed. SJ

Smythe tells the Skipper to smash through the obstruction as they haven't time to stop. Facing east at the gate on the Grand Union Canal with Bridge 35 giving access to former railway goods sheds from Goods Way in the background.

Carol and Mike borrow Mark's dinghy and carry it to the canal. The West Lake in Victoria Park, Bethnal Green E2.

Looking east. SJ

As they approach the first lock, Smythe checks his watch. In the background, Bonner Hall Bridge, number 53, crosses the Regent's Canal in E2.

The ironwork is intact. SJ

Mike and Mark row the dinghy into the path of Chiswick. Facing south-east on the Grand Union Canal with the tow path alongside Victoria Park in Bethnal Green to the left and Old Ford Lock in the distance.

A little bit closer than the original. SJ

Smythe and the Skipper watch as Chiswick's bow narrowly misses the two Boys. The background building is Cleland House on Sewardstone Road E2.

A winter shot would be preferable. SJ

Penny, Jimmy, Joe and Ben keep up their pursuit on Dragonfly.

As Mike and Carol tie a heavy rope to a canal side tree, Chiswick enters the first lock. Old Ford Lock in E2 with the ten storey Velletri House on Mace Street in the left distance.

Looks a bit smarter now. SJ

The youngsters pull the rope tight.

Up ahead, the Crooks are sighted by Joe. Bonner Hall Bridge on the Regent's Canal as it passes through Victoria Park in Bethnal Green.

Looking north-west. SJ

Jimmy and Joe jump ashore to close the gates that have been left open as Chiswick leaves the lock. Old Ford Lock, number 8, in Bethnal Green E2 with Old Ford Road Bridge in the distance.

As far out over the canal as this pedestrian could manage. SJ

When the Skipper is blinded by Carol and Mike as they reflect sunlight into his eyes, Chiswick hits the canal bank and Jack is knocked into the water by the taut rope.

Constable Billings approaches the bridge where Mike and Carol have parked their Choppers. Old Ford Road Bridge in Bethnal Green E2 with the Royal Cricketers public house at the corner of Sewardstone Road to the left. The pub closed in the early 2000s and the building has since been converted into flats.

The former pub is almost hidden by tree growth. Puteaux House on the far left. SJ

As the Skipper struggles to right Chiswick, Dragonfly catches up

As Constable Billings makes his way onto the towpath, the Skipper manages to put Chiswick back on course.

The Constable blows his whistle when he sees Dragonfly approaching. Looking towards Packington Street Bridge in N1.

Constable Billings holds his palm up to Penny as an order to stop. The Grand Union Canal, just to the south of Old Ford Road Bridge with the junction of the Hertford Union Canal to the right.

More greenery and graffiti today, looking south-east along Stoneway Walk, E3. SJ

The Kidnappers get away as Penny turns off Dragonfly's engine. Facing Twig Folly Bridge in E3 with buildings on Victoria Wharf to the top right.

Penny brings the narrowboat to a halt beside Constable Billings. The Grand Union Canal opposite Twig Folly Wharf with Velletri House in the top left background.

After the Policeman is held captive while Ben shows him his transmitter, Penny starts the engine and resumes the chase. Facing southward from the junction of the Grand Union Canal and the Hertford Union Canal with Twig Folly Bridge in the left distance.

Carol finds an old pram and takes it to the canal. St. Pancras Basin on the Grand Union Canal in N1.

From a bridge, Mark signals to Carol when he sees Chiswick approaching. Filling the left background is the Bass Granary Warehouse and Ale Store on St. Pancras Way N1 with, on the right, the since removed railway bridge which once gave access.

Hiding behind the pram, Carol appears and starts to throw rotten vegetables at the Skipper. Looking towards the Oblique Bridge that takes what is now Camley Street over the Regent's Canal in N1.

Taken from the towpath rather than the canal. SJ

Mark climbs over the bridge parapet and jumps down onto Chiswick's hold. The Oblique Bridge on what is now Camley Street with the gas holders of King's Cross in the right distance.

One needs access to the apartments across the canal for a proper angle. So this will have to suffice for now, showing on the left the Oblique Bridge. SJ

With only 25 minutes before the lock closes at Limehouse Basin, the Skipper points out the railway bridge they're approaching on a chart. To the left stands Angela House on Salmon Lane E14 while the since removed viaduct that once carried the Limehouse Curve railway passes overhead on the right.

Carol makes her way to the Canal Club to get help. City Road Basin in Islington N1.

Finding Paul, Carol explains what's happening before all boats are ordered to come in. Water Gipsy, moored to the left, was a former Brentford based barge which arrived in City Road Basin in the spring of 1970 to become the clubhouse for Islington Boat Club.

The left hand side is now a housing development The Waterside Estate, Grand Junction Wharf. SJ

Jack questions Smythe about the money they're being paid for the job as Mark turns off the fuel tap to Chiswick's engine.

With Constable Billings complaining noisily from below, Dragonfly catches up with Chiswick lying dead in the water. The Grand Union Canal, facing the bridge carrying the railway to Fenchurch Street, which was seen at the start of the film, from the opposite direction.

The Policeman is let out of captivity to confront Smythe. The Grand Union Canal in E14 with the still extant sewer ventilation column to the centre and properties on Rhodeswell Road to the right.

After Yen-Yen is revealed, sending the shocked Constable into the water, the Skipper manages to restart the engine.

With Smythe and Jack grappling with the Children and the Yeti, the Skipper heads across the basin. Limehouse Basin in E14 with the chimney of the Paperboard Mill on Northey Street to the top left. The mill closed in 1986 and the land it occupied has since been redeveloped.

The Skipper steers towards the channel towards the river beyond. Looking towards the eastern quays of Limehouse Basin.

The channel from Limehouse Basin to the River Thames with the bridge carrying Narrow Street crossing the background.

Jimmy and his Dad arrive at the Dockmaster's Office. As sign reads, the Regent's Canal Dock Dockmasters building which stands at the mouth of the canal's entrance on the River Thames off Narrow Street in E14.

As Chiswick nears the lock, the gates begin to close. The entrance to Limehouse Basin and the Regent's Canal with Our Lady Immaculate church on Commercial Road in the background.

Jimmy and Mr. Bailey look down from the gates as Smythe orders the Skipper to turn around. Looking towards the bridge carrying Narrow Street, with the Thames beyond, through the gates at the entrance to Limehouse Basin.

Across the basin a way out is spotted. Facing the entrance of Limehouse Cut on the eastern side of Limehouse Basin.

Having overheard Ben's radio transmissions, a police car speeds to the basin.

The Skipper stays alert as he steers towards the narrow passage. Limehouse Basin in E14.

A flotilla of Children in canoes and rowing boats appear. Looking southeast along Limehouse Cut from Limehouse Basin.

Smyth directs the Skipper to take evasive action and head for the cut. Looking into the entrance channel of Limehouse Basin.

As the canoes surround Chiswick, Carol and Paul climb board from their rowing boat. Limehouse Basin in E14 with the entrance to Limehouse Cut to the left.

The police car arrives at the basin to find Children swarming around the Kidnappers. Looking towards the entrance to Limehouse Basin with Narrow Street bridge and the Regent's Canal Dock Dockmasters offices in the background.