The Adventures of Gordon Bennett

Points of Interest in the Trilogy

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Filthy Rich In Miami by Ted Scott
Points of Interest in the Trilogy
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London’s Street Markets.
From East London’s Petticoat Lane to the more salubrious Portabella Road, London boasts a cacophony of fascinating markets. Many specialize; jewellery, fish, flowers, clothes and a multitude of bric-a-brac. Gordon Bennett’s sidekick, Richie Gale was looking for a vegetable stall and the delectable Rosie Russell, before he found Glass Street Market (based on Queen’s Road market in Upton Park. (Book 1 HOW THE RICH LIVE)

Leytonstone High Road, London E.11.
Even before the war, Pops (bottles) Bennett owned a bottle washing plant situated in Leytonstone High Road, at the Green Man end. After leaving a vicious, disgruntled father, young Gordon went to live with Pops, his Uncle, before meeting up with Richie Gale. (Book 1)

Chelsea Football Club – Stamford Bridge.
A stones throw from Richie’s luxurious Chelsea pad off the King’s Road, although he would say metaphorically, a million miles. Often the roar of the crowd insinuates through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Nearby is Ebury Street, one half of which is owned by his fiancée Pamela’s odd-ball parents. Gordon Bennett uses this pad for nefarious flirtations. (Book 1)

The North Circular Road.
This busy road circumnavigates much of east and north London, approaching the junction leading to it from Hendon, Gordon Bennett panics when a police car is on his trail. Happily, he is able to take avoiding action giving him the chance for a name change and a bolt-hole near the newly opened Brent Cross Shopping Centre. (Book 2)

The Harleyford Marina at Marlow.
Probably one of the most prestigious marinas in Europe, at the heart of the huge estate stands Harleyford Manor, dating back to the 1740’s. Today is boasts lavish properties among its nautical attributes. Here Gordon meets up with Lucky Ellis, who offers him the chance to tread the straight and narrow. (Book 1) 

Bridgetown, Barbados.
This beautiful Caribbean Island gives Gordon Bennett the dubious opportunity to meet a scrapyard mogul while holidaying with the incredible beautiful Ginger Hopkins.  (Book 1)

Maidenhead
In the royal borough of Berkshire some 25 miles from London, Maidenhead is home to beautiful Thames-side properties. The despicable Catesby’s have a mansion here where Gordon Bennett seeks a missing friend (and a quantity of Krugerrands). Forever on his mind is the treatment he suffers at the hands of James and Cloris Catesby Filthy rich contenders. (Book 1)

Julia Tuttle Causeway.
An eight lane highway nearly five miles long across Biscayne Bay leading to Miami Beach was formulated in 1961. Julia Tuttle, known as the Mother of Miami was instrumental in persuading Henry Flagler to extend his railroad. She died in 1898, aged 50 with a form of encephalitis. Miami, as we know it today, was built on land, largely donated by Mrs Tuttle.  Porn villains, Gregoria Pulletin and Karovic Jackman use the Causeway frequently as do Harold Gott and Jimbo, often passing like ships in the night.(Book 3)

Judge SS Jolley Bridge.
The bridge was constructed in 1969, linking Marco Island to route 951, some 20 miles to the city of Naples. The other bridge leading to Marco is the Goodland Bridge but this only handles 10% of the traffic. The Jolley Bridge is due for widening and may yet become a toll bridge. Gordon and Richie traverse the Judge Jolley Bridge aiming to steal the luxurious waterside property owned by James and Cloris Catesby. (Book 2)

Marco Island.
On Florida’s gulf coast it is the largest of the 10,000 islands leading to Key West. Its 17.5 square miles contain 8 square miles of water, manly man-made canals with waterside property built alongside. Boasting a sub-tropical climate, Marco Islanders call it ‘their Paradise’ Good for posing in! (Book 2 and 3)

The Gulf of Mexico.
The ninth largest body of water in the world, the Gulf of Mexico is 810 nautical miles in width. Tidal ranges are small due to narrow connection with the Atlantic Ocean. It was probably formed 300 million years ago. Here, Gordon Bennett hits a squall and loses an engine, just managing to chug into Everglades City. (Book 2)

Naples Downtown.
Renowned for its shopping, cafes, accessibility to the sea and superb architecture, Naples has probably more millionaires pro rata than any city in the U.S. Tin City is a bizarre mixture of shops, pubs and restaurants. Dining in Olde downtown Naples is equal to anywhere in the world. Here, Gordon dines with June Gibson . . .  a meal that has disastrous results for them both. (Book 2)

Empuriabrava.
Was Ampuriabrava when it was formulated in the 1960’s, just a few miles from France this marina village, hemmed in on both sides by bird sanctuaries, is thought to be the largest marina in the world with room for over 5000 craft. Several miles of man-made canals give access to the Mediterranean and provide space for hundreds of villas and apartments. The Catesby’s own luxury property here and a Princess 45 motor cruiser. More fodder for Gordon’s charitable aims.(Book 2 and 3).

The Bay of Roses.
The jewel of Catalonia’s coastline, rugged and very accessible for hundreds of boats to explore from Salvadore Dali’s village, Cadaques to Empurias, where the Roman ruins are to be found today. The occasional Tramontana sweeping down from the Pyrenees prevents all boating activities. Gordon tries to get the gorgeous Jessica to play ball here – but, you’ll never guess? (Book 2) Figueres. Figueres is renowned as the birthplace of Salvadore Dali. As was Narcis Estarriol the inventor of the first submarine engine, but he didn’t build a fantastic museum so it isn’t surprising we haven’t heard of him. Our hero is convinced the Bank of Bilboa holds the pot of gold. Gerona. This beautiful Catalan city offers sightseeing for many of the 24 million tourists visiting the Costa Brava every year. Museums are in abundance. The Museu D’art – the Museu D’Histporia De La Ciutat – the Museu Cinema to name only three. None of the above attract Gordon  . . . he is searching for a bank with safe deposit boxes. (Book 2 and 3). 


Princess Yachts.
In the 1970’s Princess Boats were just as sought after as today. The Princess 32” was a treasured purchase. A long, roomy saloon led to a forward cabin with a Vee berth. Usually twin engined, they were capable of off-shore cruising but mainly to be found on rivers and lakes. Gordon Bennett has his eye on one in a Marlow marina, but first he needs to learn boat handling and in which direction is France? (Book 1)

Bertram Yachts.
This famed brand of American yachts has an iconic fishing version offering Gregoria Pulletin the pleasure of showing adversaries the thrilling experience of sampling his fishing chairs before cutting their throats. (Books 2 and 3)

The Triumph Stag.
Gordon Bennett’s choice of wheels, the 2000 cc sports saloon (made 1970-78) is a luxury sports car designed by Giovanni Michelotti. In bright yellow, which later (book 2) he reluctantly changes for a red E Type Jaguar. Thus the ‘yellow devil’ becomes the ‘red devil’.

Marlow Lock and Suspension Bridge.
Is the location where Gordon Bennett clashes with the Catesby’s. His Princess 32” nearly collides with their 60” monster causing the delectable Rosie Russell to fall in and christen her brand new yellow swimming costume. (Book 1)

Eel Pie Island.
On the River Thames in the Borough of Richmond, the island was famed as a jazz and blues venue in the 60’s, the island has around 100 inhabitants, many artistically inclined. Gordon invents a naughty film show event on the island in order to gain access to the Catesby’s Maidenhead house. (Book 1)

Coral Gables.
The city was planned with probably the first gated community. The properties are Mediterranean revival style containing the University of Miami instigated in 1925, many museums a botanic garden and a theatre. Porn-art producer Karovic Jackman lives here in How the Rich Live style. (Books 2 and 3)

Fisher Island.
Only attainable by ferry, an exclusive, wealthy community some 3 miles off the coast of Miami, once the whole island was the family home of the Vanderbilt’s. Gregoria Pulletin resides here with his Bertram yacht and Anton, his beautiful boy-friend. (Books 2 and 3)

The Fontainebleau Hotel.
This luxurious Miami Beach hotel lies on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Built in 1954 by Morris Lapidus and thought to be his most significant building. 1500 rooms on millionaire’s row. “The Bellboy” starring Jerry Lewis was shot here. Harold Gott the gentle Chicago gangster and Jimbo the Costa-del-crime aficionado always stay at the Fontainebleau. (Books 2 and 3)

The Eden Roc hotel.
Also on Miami Beach this hotel opened in 1956 was also designed by Morris Lapidus. Favoured by Hollywood film stars it was often used for ‘I Love Lucy’ TV show inserts. Harold Gott’s henchmen and Martin Sellafield, the disgraced Hollywood film director are ensconced here. (Books 2 and 3)

Amelia Earhart Park.
Situated in Miami, this park commemorates the aviator Amelia Earhart who disappeared over central Pacific on July 2nd 1937. The park is a popular venue for families where farm animals can be mingled with. Harold Gott opens an office here where he battles with an intricate coffee machine as jets thunder overhead. (Books 2 and 3).

The Tamiami Trail
Cutting virtually a straight line through the Everglades, this 275 mile long road links Miami to Tampa. 12 years in the making and costing $8 million it used 3 million sticks of dynamite. Alligators are in abundance at various points between Miami and Naples. (Book 2). Gordon drives Richie on this route, dejection in one direction, exhilaration the other.Biscayne Bay.
A watery wonderland seen from downtown Miami, these aquamarine waters and coal reefs provide 10,000 years of history stretching from pirates to shipwrecks. A haven for snorkellers and boaters alike, Richie houses a cacophony of girls here to help recuperate Gordon Bennett. (Books 2 and 3)

Longboat Key Marina.
This beautiful marina in the Sarasota area has space for 291 boat slips and a recently added 20 court tennis gardens. It was used as vacation land by the Caloosa Indians hundreds of years ago. Another How the Rich Live contender, Wilhelm Grasbii did murky business here until Harold and Jimbo arrive on the scene. (Book 3)

St. Armands Circle.
A collection of fantastic up-market shops in the Circle built by John Ringling the circus impresario. He purchased the site in 1917 as a winter home for his troupe of animals and performers. 80 circus greats are commemorated in a series of bronze plaques installed around the shopping centre. He gifted it to the City of Sarasota in early 20th century (Book 3)

Flights backwards and forwards from Europe to Florida are facilitated by British Airways and Pan American. Money transfers from Florida and UK to Spain and often back again would have been easier today. As Gordon Bennett remarks; "Are the banks making a fortune out of us ... you wouldn't cocoa!"