Then … Mount Davidson Park is on the right as Gonzalez drives up a steep hill and pulls over.
… and Now, this is Dalewood Way in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood (map) where the view looks west across Forest Hill, West Portal and beyond. For locational reference, the house at far left by the power pole is 125 Dalewood Way.
Then … Meanwhile Callahan reaches his destination atop Mount Davidson, San Francisco’s highest hill. As he approaches he is dwarfed by the massive illuminated cross.
… and Now, the cross is still there, a reverent attraction for thousands of visitors every year.
In 1934 this 103 foot tall reinforced concrete structure replaced a succession of three smaller wooden crosses that had been built here between 1923 and 1931, each destined to be destroyed by fire. The new cross was illuminated year-round with twelve 1,000 Watt lamps until the energy crisis of 1976 dictated otherwise but this 1971 Dirty Harry scene is a record of its former dramatic luminance. (Go here for an interesting history by FoundSF of Mount Davidson Park and the cross)
The nearby Twin Peaks isn’t the only vista point with sweeping views of downtown and the surrounding city; check out this view across Diamond Heights just steps from the cross.
At the base of the cross Scorpio’s voice from the shadows commands him to drop the bag, raise his hands and turn to face the cross.
From behind, Scorpio rifle-whips Callahan to the ground. Barely conscious, our helpless hero appears doomed but before the gloating killer dispatches him (…“Goodbye, Callahan!”…) Gonzalez arrives and engages him in a fierce gun battle.
During the confusion Callahan grabs a concealed knife - he had taped it to his shin just in case - and manages to stab Scorpio. Shrieking, the startled psycho grabs the ransom bag and staggers off with the knife protruding from his thigh; Callahan and Gonzalez, both wounded, are in no shape to stop him. As police arrive in response to the gunshots Scorpio escapes but drops the bag along the way; at least the ransom has survived intact.
Then ... Jake returns home unsure whether or not he should confront his son about seeing him in the porno theater.
... and Now, the front door today, at 156 Robinhood Drive in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood, has new glass side-panes but the peephole, now polished, has survived.
Then ... He checks the son's bedroom but he's not back yet.
... and Now, another teenager occupies the same room!
Then ... He opens the door to his wife's bedroom and tells her that their son is out late but she's more concerned about a button of his about to fall off. This is a couple who have forgotten how to communicate.
... and Now, mirrors cover the closet doors.
The sound of a motorbike alerts Jake to the son's return but when he goes to confront him he finds his bedroom door 'keep out' closed and decides to let sleeping dogs lie.
Then ... After spending all night investigating the crime scene Jake drives home to catch up on some sleep. He lives at 156 Robinhood Drive in the city's Sherwood Forest, a tiny neighborhood gem of winding streets on undulating hills just south of Mt. Davidson (map).
... and Now, in this view down the same street today it has changed very little, other than window upgrades and a lone home down the block with a second story. The Alameda County shoreline is seen from here across San Francisco Bay. CitySleuth almost got lost finding his way through the maze of streets but was relieved to find he was not alone - none other than Herb Caen had the same experience, as recounted by this article in which Robinhood Drive gets many a mention.
Then ... The panning camera paints a view of the home's exterior as it follows him entering the enclosed garden that leads to the front door.
... and Now, 156 Robinhood Drive has been repainted, there are different garage doors and brick posts now flank a metal gate, but it's basically as it was more than 40 years ago.
Then ... Jake isn't in much of a mood to talk to his wife (Shirley Ballard), in fact the viewer senses there's not a lot of communication between them, but he does share the news of his partner's murder.
... and Now, with the exception of the modern kitchen appliances the same cabinets and countertops take us on a 1970s time warp.
Then ... His alarm awakens him the next morning and we see he doesn't share the same bed with his wife. He may not be awake enough to appreciate the fine view through the window but we certainly do.
... and Now, from the same room the view remains a constant.
Then ... He carries his morning cup of joe out to the patio and contemplates the collapsed barbecue that he evidently has no interest in or no time for fixing.
... and Now, several changes are evident here. French doors have replaced the windows of the living room and the concrete patio has been covered with a redwood deck. And, the home next door has been remodeled or replaced.
Then ... A hot cup of coffee in hand, breezes from the Pacific Ocean off to the right, San Francisco Bay on the left, a panorama spread out before him ... his job may be unforgiving but he can be forgiven for enjoying these small pleasures.
... and Now, the vista looks across San Francisco's southern neighborhoods towards San Bruno Mountain; Daly City is over to the right.