The police visit Philip Dressler (Raymond Bailey) at his office in the Opera House after replacing the concealed heroin with a look-alike packege. He is the passenger who brought the statuette into the country and they hope he might incriminate himself by passing the drugs on.
Then ... from Van Ness near Grove Street, the panorama shows City Hall on the right and the War Memorial Opera House on the left (map). The frame assembly up the steps was most likely being set up for an upcoming gala event
and Now ... just as it was then - check out those same lamp posts.
Then ... Below, they enter the main foyer. The Van Ness entrance is to the right and the steps on the left lead up to the auditorium.
and Now ... just the same - even down to the marble table in the center. (To get these Now pictures, CitySleuth, a patron of SFOpera, was able to avoid the crowds by accessing the Opera House between performances).
Then ... The foyer wraps around the Grove Street side of the building (to their left). Note those two large tapestries on the wall ...
and Now ... there's only one tapestry there but it's different from either of the original two.
They leave Dressler's bag with him and exit the building. Outside, Lt. Guthrie calls his office from a police phone and instructs his staff to put a 24 hour tail on Dressler.
Then ... Behind Guthrie is the War Memorial Veterans building, next to the Opera House and a bookend twin to it architecturally.
and Now ... more than 50 years older and no worse for wear.
Outside the motel after the unconsummated tryst, Archie sends Petulia home in a cab and crosses the street. The number 225 can be seen on the other side.
Then ... This is 225 Ellis Street opposite the Hilton Union Square garage, colorfully captured by cinematographer Nicholas Roeg
... and Now, still remarkably similar
Then ... Jean finally arrives at the Paper Doll Club, where she entertains nightly on the piano. The club, at 524 Union Street (map), was a popular North Beach / Telegraph Hill watering hole for many decades, subsequently going through several name changes over the years: 524 Club, Russo's, Cadell Place, Silhouettes and most recently The Field Restaurant & Pub. In the 1950s it had a reputation as a gay bar, even advertising as such.
... and Now, awaiting a new tenant after some remodelling. The entrance has been moved away from the corner.
Then ... Miller sneaks into the building opposite the club, 517 - 523 Union Street, and, unseen, makes his way up to the roof to wait for Jean to come out (map).
... and Now, the house today, with an added front door for extra security and bars on the windows, looks less inviting than it did then
When Jean leaves the club she pauses briefly in front of her billboard and pow, a bullet to the head ... the sniper has struck for the first time
Parry knocks Baker out with a swift punch to the jaw and while he considers what to do next an attractive young artist, Irene Jansen (Lauren Bacall) pulls up in her station wagon and asks him to come with her. Puzzled, but short on options, he reluctantly agrees.
Then ... He hides in the back of her wagon and they drive south on Highway 101 through the Waldo Tunnel (map) to the Golden Gate bridge.
Then ... As they exit the tunnel we see that back then it was single bore with 2-way traffic.
...and Now, a second bore was added in 1955, on the right below, allowing one way traffic. After 1969 newly painted arches prompted many to call it the Rainbow Tunnel until 2015 when it was named the Robin Williams Tunnel in honor of the late actor/comedian who grew up and lived in the area.
Irene talks her way through a police blockade at the bridge and they drive into the city.
Then ... In the Presidio they turn from Lincoln Blvd into Long Avenue (map) . Crissy field is ahead; originally an Army airfield in the Marina district from 1921 to 1936.
... and Now, the red-roofed building in the foreground is still there but one of the piers is not.