Silver Bears

Establishing shot of Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The street is now a covered mall. The names of the casinos have changed over time with Coin Castle currently known as La Bayou and Mint now replaced by Binion's. The street featured in 'Diamonds are Forever'.

Doc Fletcher flies into Lugano with Albert and Marvin when mobster Joe Fiore is persuaded to buy a Swiss bank, Lugano Airport, Agno in Switzerland. Looking down from the eastern slope of Monte Calangelo towards Lugano Airport at Agno in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland. Manuel Gurtner adds that, at the time, the paved runway from 1960 had a length of 1200m and beyond it the N2 motorway in the direction of Chiasso on the Italian border can be seen.

Manuel Gurtner took a short trip across the Alps to take a similar view at Via Gaggio above Bioggio village. In the distance Pazzallo village can be recognised beneath Monte San Salvatore.

After securing a bank in the town, Prince Gianfranco di Siracusa (Louis Jourdan) waits for Doc. Lugano Airport, Lugano. The the regional airport has been continuously modernised and expanded from the mid-80s, a boarding pass is required to reach the runway.

Manuel Gurtner had to stand directly in front of the steel security fence, but without attracting the attention of a security, who smoked in the far right corner of the covered square to the terminal building. The parking lot can still be recognized behind the shuttle bus stop in the centre background, but it is now secured by a barrier.

Doc introduces the Prince to Albert Fiore (Jay Leno), the son of Joe Fiore. Lugano Airport, where Manuel Gurtner explains that all the background buildings have since been demolished.

The impoverished Prince drives Doc and his cohorts into Lugano. Manuel Gurtner tells us that the1937 McLaughlin-Buick is curving its way down the northern slope of Monte San Salvatore over Via Carona. The municipality of Paradiso is partially visible on the left.

It was too risky for Manuel to take the shot from the road.

As they are driven through the town, Doc, Marvin and Albert are impressed by the multitude of banks. Banca Commerciale Lugano, at the time of filming at Viale Carlo Cattaneo 9 right on the corner with Via Pasquale Lucchini advises Manuel Gurtner (MG).

The bank is long gone but the trees have grown significantly and Estella Gurtner managed this comparison shot from on top of Simon Müller's shoulders, to gain height.

Banca Commerciale, Banca Unione di Credito, Banca-Discount Bank, all looking very respectable.

It seems, that the time for Banca-Discount Bank (Overseas) Ltd. was limited too, as the comparison shot towards the property Piazza della Riforma 10 proves. On the right the palazzo is visible, which housing now the UBS. (MG)

The Prince drives into Piazza Riforma and indicates where their bank is. Lugano in Ticino Canton, Switzerland. Manuel adds that the shot was taken from the balcony on the first floor of the then Unione di Banche Svizzere (later UBS).

Of course, the UBS balcony was not accessible, hence the view is from ground level. From left to right we see former Palazzo della Banca Popolare Svizzera at Piazza della Riforma 3, later hosting Banca di Depositi e di Gestione, partially hidden by the parasols of Ristorante Olimpia, Banca dello Stato del Cantone Ticino at Via Nassa 1 and Credit Suisse (former Istituto di Credito Svizzero) at Piazza della Riforma 6. (MG)

Prince Gianfranco pulls up outside Credito Svizzero.

In front of the bank with Via dei Pesci to the left and Via Francesco Petrarca to the right. (MG)

Doc, Albert and Marvin Skinner (Tony Mascia) look toward the bank. Piazza Riforma, Lugano.

The trio clamber out of the car . . . .

This comparison shows Palazzo Civico as the Municipio (town hall) at Piazza della Riforma 1, hosting the Tourist Information on the right corner. (MG)

. . . . . and head towards the bank.

The Prince realises that Doc and the Americans are about to enter the wrong building. Piazza della Riforma, Lugano 6900.

Too late, the 'new owners' walk into the bank.

A closer look at the colonnades of the "wrong" bank. (MG)

When it's explained that this is not the right bank, Doc, Albert and Marvin return to the square. Piazza della Riforma, Lugano.

The three look about for another likely, 'well to do' bank. Manuel Gurtner identifies the corner of Piazza della Riforma 6 with Via Francesco Petrarca to the centre and Via dei Gorini branching off to the left.

In the right background Via Francesco Soave can be seen. (MG)

The Prince attracts their attention. Piazza della Riforma with Via Francesco Petrarca to the left.

Prince Gianfranco points at their bank. The view towards Via Nassa . . .

. . . known for its expensive jewellery and fashion stores. (MG)

What greets the trio's eyes is a shabby office above a pizza restaurant. Piazza Riforma.

Manuel Gurtner captures the building now.

The Prince leads them inside to view the offices of Banca del Lago, with assets of just $900. Before the bar stands the stationary store Garbani which was located there until 1963. (MG)

Like the other buildings around the square, the property Piazza della Riforma 9 now makes a well-kept impression, housing the Sass Café restaurant on the ground floor. (MG)

Albert wonders why his Father paid $3,000,000 for the bank and the Prince produces a Charter from the Swiss Banking Commission.

Because of the greenery around Sass Café, just a similar comparison shot towards the colonnade of property Piazza della Riforma 6. (MG)

Doc watches as Albert threatens Prince Gianfranco whilst Marvin gets to grips with spaghetti.

A rather annoyed Doc asks the Prince how much he has made out of the deal. In the background stands the then Unione di Banche Svizzere, existing until 1998. (MG)

The view across Piazza della Riforma with the now UBS palazzo on the corner by Piazza Alessandro Manzoni in the background.

Before leaving, the now humiliated Prince Gianfranco tells Doc that he was going to ask them to join him in a venture worth millions.

Establishing shot of the Hotel Splendide Royal, Lugano, where Doc and his associates are staying. Looking across Riva Antonio Caccia towards the 5-star Splendide Royal. (MG)

A splendid comparison shot by Manuel, Originally built around 1870 as Villa Merlina and inaugurated in 1887 as Grand Hotel Splendide.

The three discuss their options. Hotel Splendide Royal, Riva Antonio Caccia, Lugano.

It's decided that they should make the best of what they have . . . . . nothing! Riva Antonio Caccia with Lake Lugano to the right.

A precise comparison view at the so-called lungolago (lakeside) along Riva Antonio Caccia towards Lugano centro. Please note that the red bench in the foreground is still unoccupied. (MG)

Doc broaches the subject of the 'venture' as he and the Prince walk on the terrace of Gianfranco's huge but empty residence. Giancarlo Bernardi advises that this is Villa Cicogna Mozzoni at Bisuschio in Lombardy, Italy.

Prince Gianfranco says that he will take him to his Cousin who will explain everything. Villa Cicogna Mozzoni at Bisuschio identified by Giancarlo.

The Prince smiles as he announces that his Cousin lives in Persia. Recognised by Giancarlo Bernardi, this is Villa Cicogna Mozzoni at Bisuschio in Lombardy.

Doc and Prince Gianfranco arrive at the Firdausi's property in Iran. Addi ou Addi on Boulevard Oued Issil in Marrakech, Morocco located by Zineb L.

Agha Firdausi (David Warner) greets his guests. Zineb L. identifies this as the grounds of Addi ou Addi in Marrakech.

Shireen Firdausi (Stéphane Audran) appears. Zineb L. found Addi ou Addi, a villa in Marrakech that dates from the 1920s.

Agha Firdausi introduces Doc and Prince Gianfranco to his sister Shireen before they enter the house and discuss the 'venture'. Addi ou Addi on Boulevard Oued Issil in Marrakech, Morocco discovered by Zineb L.

Early the following morning, Agha and his Sister lead Doc and the Prince to a secret silver mine. IMDb lists Morocco as one of the locations.

Marvin drives Doc and the Prince from the airport when they return after striking a $5,000,000 deal with Agha to produce silver from the mine. This looks like Riva Antonio Caccia in Lugano, Switzerland with Giardino Belvedere on the left, however, Manuel Gurtner explains that Giardino Belvedere is located more towards Lugano centro, nearby Riva Vincenzo Vela.

To gain some height for the comparison shot, Manuel was able to use the front terrace of the Splendide Royal hotel looking along Riva Antonio Caccia towards Paradiso. The striking glass palace in the background is the Palazzo Mantegazza, located on the corner of Riva Paradiso and Via Giuseppe Cattori. Monte San Salvatore can be seen in the distance.

The Rolls Royce is driven past the hotel where they were staying and into the suburbs of the city. Manuel Gurtner tells us that this is the view from the western slope of Monte Brè towards the Albonago stop of the Funicolare with the Rolls running along Via al Roccolo, while Cassarate, a quarter of Lugano, can be seen in the far background.

The same view of the Albonago stop, 46 years later, where the kind female driver of the uphill cable car stopped especially for Manuel.

Albert surprises Doc when he says that they have moved out of the hotel. Coming from the Via Montalbano the Rolls-Royce drives along the access road to the villa. Manuel adds that this is located above Lugano in the, then, municipality of Gentilino, known for the Parish church of Sant'Abbondio, first mentioned in 1140.

Gentilino village today belongs to the municipality of Collina d'Oro (Golden Hill), one of the poshest suburbs, located above Lugano. The current CEO of UBS and an incumbent Swiss Federal Councillor also live in the area. Manuel Gurtner's shot is of the access lane, which branches off from Via Montalbano, and was taken a little further ahead, showing the properties Number 10 and Number 8 on the left.

Marvin pulls up outside their new villa, complete with pool and maid, which was paid for with the proceeds from forgery and gambling. The Rolls in front of the villa at Via Montalbano 14, located by Manuel.

In order not to attract too much attention, Manuel immediately took a reverse shot too. Unfortunately, free access to the forecourt of Number 14 is now blocked by a steel portal with separated entrance. Nevertheless, the garage wing can be recognised, but from the main part of the large villa only the roofs are visible behind it.

Doc throws a party to celebrate the opening of their bank. Piazza della Riforma.

A brighter comparison shot with Caffè Federale restaurant, first mentioned in 1840, seen partially on the right, which was in the process of being totally redeveloped at the time. (MG)

The bank that they buy for the party is a little more impressive that their own. Piazza Riforma looking towards Via Giacomo Luvini in Lugano.

Another daylight comparison view towards Via Giacomo Luvini with Ristorante Vanini Dolce & Caffé to the left, established in 1871. By the way, the Gelateria is highly recommended. (MG)

After Henry Foreman, President of the First National Bank of California, sends Donald Luckman to Europe to find a bank to take over, Members arrive at the London Metal Exchange. Leadenhall Market in the City of London which also appears in 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus', 'Brannigan', 'Half Light', 'Hereafter', 'Hidden City' and 'Pool of London'.

Richard Lovejoy found White vans preventing an accurate picture! The building on the left out of shot has been redeveloped anyway!

Inside the Exchange, the price of silver falls as the Firdausi's mine starts production. Leadenhall Market in EC3.

Henry Foreman accompanies Donald Luckman and his Wife to London. Piccadilly Circus in London W1 with Regent Street to the right.

The same scene now by Peter.

Donald's wife Debbie spots Carnaby Street as the taxi drives through London. Looking from Beak Street in W1 . . . .

. . . . and still a popular thoroughfare today. The same place now taken by Richard Lovejoy with assistance from Phil Wilkinson.

The taxi draws up outside the Metal Exchange.

Richard found that the building on the right hand side has been redeveloped too. Leadenhall Market, London EC3.

Henry Foreman (Joss Ackland) arrives for discussions with silver dealer Charles Cook. Leadenhall Market.

Whilst Foreman and Cook negotiate taking over the now significant bank, Prince Gianfranco and Doc enjoy their new found wealth and the fame that comes with it.

The pair walk towards their successful and respectable bank where Donald Luckman is waiting inside. It seems that the "Bank of America" was also fictional, then housed in the property now occupied by the PKZ fashion store, located at Crocicchio Cortogna 6. (MG)

Unfortunately, the ground floor of the corner building is hidden by the parasols of a Pizzeria restaurant. (MG)

The Prince and Doc dine at the Antico Restaurant. An unknown location, but Manuel Gurtner suggests this is likely to be on the shores of Lake Lugano because this is the terrace of Hotel Lido Seegarten, located in Cassarate at Viale Castagnola 22.

Debbie Luckman (Cybill Shepherd) arrives at the restaurant. Still on the terrace of Hotel Lido Seegarten on the waterfront of Cassarate. Located at the Viale Riviera along the shoreline beneath the Monte Brè, the building from 1912 visible in the background still exists, but has converted over the years into an exclusive appartment dependance of the nearby Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola and houses now the Michelin starred restaurant Gallery Arté al Lago. (MG).

Manuel Gurtner found that there was no way to reach the terrace of Hotel Lido Seegarten, because the lakeside of the hotel has been completely rebuild over the years, hosting now also an outdoor pool. The comparison shot made on the eastern site, from the jetty of the Lanchetta marina, with the hotel's terrace to recognized on the left edge.

The Prince and Doc approach Debbie and gain her confidence. Still on the terrace of Hotel Lido Seegarten, while on the opposite side of the Lago di Lugano, on Swiss territory too but very close to the Italian border, the summits of Termine Quadro and Monte Sighignola are visible

For the same reason as in the previous comparison, this is Manuel's shot across Lago di Lugano was taken from a position very close to the previous capture.

Doc takes Debbie back to the villa where he finds out about Cook and Foreman wanting to take over the bank and the silver mine. Manuel Gurtner identifies this as Gentilino, in front of the villa at Via Montalbano 14.

Fletcher drives to the bank to tell the others. Piazza Riforma, Lugano with Via Canova to the left.

After Donald Luckman returns to negotiate purchasing the bank, Doc visits Joe Fiore in the States. Joe W Brown Drive, Winchester, Nevada, USA.

Doc walks towards the Las Vegas Country Club. Joe W Brown Drive, Winchester.

The entrance to the Las Vegas Country Club on Joe W Brown Drive in Winchester, Nevada. Graham Kelly updates us to confirm that the building is still standing.

Doc makes his way to see Joe. In the background stands the Las Vegas Hilton which was seen masquerading as the Whyte House in 'Diamonds are Forever'.

Joe Fiore (Martin Balsam) wants to sell the bank to Cook and Foreman for $60 million but Doc wants to keep it. Las Vegas Country Club on Joe W Brown Drive in Winchester.

The discussions continue before Joe allows Doc a week to raise money to buy the bank. Las Vegas Country Club in Winchester, Nevada.

Doc and the Prince set out to find the Firdausis. An unidentified location, possibly in Morocco.

The pair head to meet with Agha and his Sister where they find that the mine doesn't exist, that Shireen Firdausi is a smuggler and Agha is an actor. Unknown location.

Doc hatches a scheme to save himself and the bank before visiting Foreman to negotiate a deal. Petworth House, Petworth, West Sussex. The location was also seen in 'Mr. Turner'.

Donald Luckman (Tom Smothers) is congratulated on his handling of the deal before Foreman himself begins negotiations with Cook. Petworth House in West Sussex.

After the machinations of Doc, Foreman and Cook see Donald Luckman going to jail, Prince Gianfranco Pietro Annunzio de Siracusa marries Shireen Firdausi. This is entering the inner courtyard of Palazzo Civico (Town Hall), the doorway up to the civil registry office can be found just around the corner on the right. (MG)

A wider view of the entrance now, without the red carpet by Manuel.

Doc walks alone into the square after the ceremony.

A similar view of the passageway to the Palazzo Civico courtyard, in the left background. (MG)

The wedding party drive away and Debby Luckman appears. Identified by Manuel Gurtner, this is the north side of Piazza della Riforma with the Sass Café on the left where 46 years ago the ominous "Banca del Lago" was located on the first floor next to the Caffè Federale.

The location now, facing the Caffè Federale, at the moment closed for refurbishment, and the Ristorante Vanini, where the cars headed towards Via Giacomo Luvini. (MG)

Doc drives alongside whilst Debbie tells him that Donald has been imprisoned for three years in the Cantonal penitentiary just outside of Lugano. In the background on the left is Via Nassa and on the right Via dei Pesci branches off from the square. (MG)

Debbie continues that she isn't going to leave her Husband and reveals that she is looking for a place to live near to the jail holding him. Looking towards the pharmacy at Piazza della Riforma 10, located just on the corner where Via Canova branches off from the square. (MG)

The pharmacy survives in Manuel's comparison.

Doc Fletcher and Debbie Luckman drive away together at the end of the film. Lugano, Canton Ticino, Svizzera. More precisely, adds Manuel Gurtner, the Mercedes-Benz SL cabrio leaves the square towards Piazza Alessandro Manzoni, where the large fountain can be recognised in the background.