Bigelow stayed at the historic century-old St. Francis Hotel at 335 Powell Street on Union Square.
Then ... The movie view from outside the main entrance looks north up Powell Street with Union Square off to the right (click image to enlarge).
... and Now, the background buildings along Post Street have been rebuilt but the iconic cable cars still clang their way up and down the hill. Note the same awning pillars and the row of globed lampstands still there along the sidewalk in front of the hotel.
Bigelow. a tax accountant from small town Banning, California is being crowded by his secretary and flame Paula Gibson (Pamela Britton) and takes a few days off away from it all in San Francisco. She wants to join him but he resists.
Then ... Bigelow heads off alone to the city. A vista is shown to announce his arrival - this is the view looking east towards the Bay Bridge from the Top O' The Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. The tall building on the right is the Russ building in the Financial District.
... from 1950 ... a vintage photo of the high-class Top O' The Mark lounge with the same view visible through the window (click image to enlarge).
... and Now, extensive Financial District development has surrounded the Russ Building, still there and partly visible at far right
As the movie credits roll the camera follows Frank Bigelow (Edmond O'Brien) as he walks into a public building.
Then ... The scene was filmed in the Los Angeles City Hall. The 454 ft high art deco building has been featured in many movies over the years and its iconic image has been on the L.A. Police Department badges since 1940.
... and Now, the imposing structure continues to serve as the center of the city's government (below), flanked by palm trees, symbolic of its Southern California location.
In two long continuous takes the camera follows Bigelow until he reaches his destination - the Homicide Division. There follows perhaps the most dramatic opening lines ever ...
"I wanna report a murder"
"Where was this murder committed?"
"San Francisco, last night"
"Who was murdered?"
"I was"
Bigelow starts to explain and the director flashes back to reveal his bizzare tale ...
One down, two to go. The men on a mission next go in search of the flatware brought into the country by passenger Sanders who lives at 2090 Jackson Street.
Then ... The house used for this scene is indeed that at 2090 Jackson (map). This is the Whittier Mansion, built in 1896 by the man who became head of P.G & E., it has been home in the past to the Deutsche Reich consul and the California Historical Society. It is said by some to be haunted. Perhaps by the victim described below?
... and Now, This house and its neighbors look the same today. Sorely in need of a paint job, though. This is the corner with Laguna in the tony Pacific Heights neighborhood.
Dancer meets the butler in the house and tries to persuade him to let him borrow the flatware for a short while. When the butler resists, calling for Mr. Sanders, Dancer shoots him, the hit cleverly filmed reflected in a mirror, and takes off with the flatware and the drugs hidden inside. A case of the butler getting it instead of doing it?