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FILM ROUTE: BEACHES AND THE PORT OF ALICANTE

From naval battles to stories of great discoverers, not forgetting the most Mediterranean romantic comedies!!!

The golden beaches and the emblematic Port of Alicante have hosted great stories on the big screen. This route invites you to discover how the sun, the sea and the vibrant life of Alicante have inspired directors and actors to film on its coast. A perfect route for cinema and sea lovers!

Alba de América(1951)

Spanish film directed by Juan de Orduña in 1951. This historical blockbuster, which narrates the voyages of the navigator Christopher Columbus until his arrival on American soil in 1492, marked an era, and featured figures of the stature of Amparo Rivelles as Isabella the Catholic and Antonio Vilar in the role of Christopher Columbus. In 1950 a replica of the Santa Maria Caravel was made for the filming of this movie, which appears in this photograph with the Santa Barbara Castle in the background.

La fragata infernal (1962)

Billy Budd, or The Infernal Frigate, is a 1962 British adventure film produced, directed and co-written by Peter Ustinov. It stars Terence Stamp as Billy Budd, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the film, Robert Ryan as John Claggart and Ustinov as Captain Vere.

The plot is set in 1797, during the Napoleonic Wars, on an English warship, where an innocent young man is forcibly recruited and will gradually win the sympathy of the rest of the crew.

The frigate was anchored for years in the Port of Alicante. The filming coincided with the Bonfires of San Juan, and the ship where the film was being shot was attended by the Management Commission of the Bonfires, together with the Bellea del Foc and Ladies of Honour of that year.

Locations:
Port of Alicante

Foto cedida por el Archivo Histórico Municipal de Alicante

Búsqueme a esa chica (1964)

Spanish musical comedy and a classic of Spanish cinema from the 1960s, starring the popular singer and actress Marisol. The film tells the story of a cheerful and talented young girl who makes a living singing and dancing for tourists.

Marisol, a girl full of life and with a charming voice, lives with her father in Mallorca. They are both dedicated to music and perform in small tourist venues. One day, a large hotel company organizes a convention on the island, and Marisol becomes involved in a series of entanglements and love affairs. Her talent and beauty attract the attention of several young men, including a handsome and wealthy American.

Locations:
San Juan Beach, Alicante

Surcouf, l’eroe dei sette mari (1966)

Surcouf, l’eroe dei sette mari, or The Tiger of the Seven Seas, is an adventure film about the life of Robert Surcouf, a French privateer who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Known for his daring and maritime skill, Surcouf became a legend in his time, capturing numerous British ships and amassing a large fortune. The film offers an interesting insight into life at sea during the 18th century, showing the hardships and dangers faced by sailors.

Locations:

Port of Alicante

DiDi Hollywood (2010)

Spanish film directed by Bigas Luna and shot in the Ciudad de la Luz film studios, which tells the story of Diana Diaz, played by Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, a young woman with a dream: to become a big movie star. Tired of her job in a bar and determined to fight for her dream, Diana sets out on a trip to Miami to try her luck in the world of Latin show business.

From Miami, Diana ventures to Hollywood, the mecca of film, where she will face the harsh realities of the industry and competition from other aspiring actresses. Along the way, she will meet various characters who will either help or hinder her in her quest for fame.

The film portrays the dreams, hopes and difficulties faced by those who aspire to make it in the world of film. DiDi Hollywood is a story about perseverance, ambition and the price that sometimes must be paid to achieve success.

Locations:
Playa de San Juan, Casino Mediterraneo, Plaza Gabriel Miro, Hotel Sidi San Juan, Restaurante Niza, Motel Abril, Zeta night-club, Alicante.