Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Location: Cortijo Sotillo - Day of Anger Ring
While staying at Hotel Cortijo Sotillo, beyond the obvious exterior and interior of the main building, there was also this ring in the back of the property which was used when LVC was captured and dragged behind 3 bandits.
Like the rest of the property the ring has been restored. I am not sure of it's actual real world purpose now. The below comparison wide shot will show you how much the area has changed in the past 45 years.
Panoramic - Click to ENLARGE!
opposite side - the hill
Talby gives another lesson
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Location: Torre de los Alumbres - Indio's Hideout Exterior
The Torre de los Alumbres was built in 1510 to protect Rodalquilar from Berber pirates who frequently made incursions along this coast to acquire water, minerals and people to sell as slaves. In 1520 it failed to repel a pirate attack and many of the inhabitants of Rodalquilar were captured and enslaved. It was abandoned in 1590.
I am under the impression that the bell tower was something constructed for the film.
Groggy and his men arrive
riding out to El Paso
Leone would use this location again for Duck You Sucker!, even adding a tower, only to promptly blow it up.
The actual interior of Indio's hideout was shot in a church in Turillas. I didn't make it there on this trip! Below are some additional photos, including the interior. Click to enlarge.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
BQ(mL082d!~~60_57.jpg)
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Location: Cortijo Sotillo - Farrow Farm
One of the most recognizable Spaghetti Western locations in Spain is that of Cortijo Sotillo in San Jose. This structure was of course featured in the first shot of Fistful of Dollars and featured prominently in a few scenes both exterior and interior.
Opening of Fistful of Dollars
While it's most famous appearance is well known, LVC fans also know it from an appearance in Day of Anger. Once again the exterior and interior are featured.
Today Cortijo Sotillo is a hotel (yes I have stayed there!). The familiar main structure is now the restaurant and bar. While the building has been restored, it still retains it's original look.
the familiar interior
Lee Van Cleef display near the lobby
Entrance view
Yes, Lee and I share a parking spot... 45 years apart
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Happy Birthday Lee Van Cleef!
Today we celebrate LVC on what would have been his 89th birthday. What film will you be watching tonight to honor him?
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Location: Mini Hollywood - Bank of El Paso
The most recognizable building within Mini Hollywood is the "Bank of El Paso" featured in For a Few Dollars More. Despite it's subsequent uses in many other spaghetti westerns it still maintains much of it's original look today (with modifications to accommodate seating multiple park visitors to watch the "western show")
While I am unsure if the interior for the film was shot here or at the studio, currently the inside houses a museum of spaghetti westerns. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well it's not. Basically the inside is filled with old theater film projectors. A lot of them. Not cameras. Projectors. If you've seen one, you've seen them all, and trust me, they have them all. To me this is a HUGE missed opportunity. They should have props or wardrobe from these films featured. Or maybe a screening room of some sort as well. Bah! <end of rant>
Bank of El Paso becomes the Bank or El Pepsi
At least they filled the hole in!
Groggy is still counting!
The building has also naturally appeared in other westerns shot in the town. Often times looking quite different. LVC would return here two more times.
Background building in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Monterey Bank in The Stranger and The Gunfighter
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
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