The Long Arm

Set in postwar Britain, the story depicts a London in the 1950s, a period of rapid urban change and evolving policing. The detectives rely on legwork, surveillance, and cross-location coordination to piece together a nationwide series of safe-breakings. The era’s security practices and the use of genuine keys heighten the intrigue and stakes.

The film unfolds across central London, with Long Acre anchoring the urban crime drama. Much of the action centers on the Royal Festival Hall, a major public venue that also becomes a backdrop for cash handling and high-profile gala nights. The investigation expands to North Wales and a nearby scrapyard, illustrating how the crime network operates beyond the capital.

🕵️ Investigation

A disciplined police investigation threads together disparate burglaries, tracing patterns and linking clues across cities. Halliday and Ward marshal time, surveillance, and interviews to build a coherent case against a clever fraudster. The partnership demonstrates professional diligence and collective problem-solving under pressure.

🔑 Deception

The criminals rely on forged keys and a staged persona to commit 14 safe-crackings with real keys. Gilson’s fake death and a network of trusted accomplices show how ordinary workers can orchestrate elaborate fraud. The plot turns on misdirection and the thin line between legitimate industry and criminal enterprise.

⚖️ Justice

Evidence accumulates through careful police work, car chase plots, and the eventual capture of Gilson and his wife. The climax links back to the original safe, sealing the case against those who exploited trust and security. The ending reinforces the city's rule of law and the detectives’ perseverance.