27th April 2012

Movie Location Tour

It certainly was a day to remember. We set off entertained by a DVD excellently created, produced and directed by Ken (Clapperboard) Cross. This was extremely informative and we soon arrived at our first destination of Sorbas. We had no idea just how many films had been made in the Almería area but a list was passed around the coach to give us this information. We then moved onto the Tabernas area, scene of so many spaghetti westerns and of course of Fort Bravo and Oasys, a good place to take young visitors. After several more stops (shooting of “Patton”, “The Hill”, “Once Upon a Time in the West” and others) we arrived at “Bar Ambrosio” for coffee on the outskirts of Almería. This was full of movie memorabilia and the barman even gave us a demo of the 1910 film projector. Unfortunately the only screen available was Gerry’s jumper so this was for a limited audience. After a leisurely coffee we went on to the “Casa del Cine” in the Villablanca area of Almería.

This house, known locally as “Santa Isabel”, “Casa Balmas”, or “Casa de la Torre” witnessed the history of Almería over more than a century and in the sixties and seventies the house was famous for visitors such as Yul Brynner, David Lean, Peter O’Toole, Sam Spiegel, Rainer Fassbinder and John Lennon. Some clever holographic displays were shown relating the history of house and its connection to cinema. Each room in this museum brings a different surprise culminating in a tribute to John Lennon – a treat for any Beatles fan.

We then went on to lunch at “Hostal Restaurante Alba” in Los Albaricoques – another movie jewel , adding to the theme of the whole day. After lunch we had a stroll through the village to see scenes of gunfights and shootouts.

Our day continued on to the famous Cortijo Del Frailes and then through the Cabo de Gata to several more movie locations at Rodalquilar, Aqua Armarga and Carboneras.

“How I Won The War”, “Sexy Beast”, “Treasure Island” and “Emmanuelle” were shot in this beautiful coastal area although we were told that the last particular title was not available for hire from the Group of Friends Library, unlike many of the others mentioned.

Our happy band of film buffs arrived home by 8 pm and as our esteemed leader said “That was a wrap”!

Wendy Wood