Turks Fruit (aka Turkish Delight)

Date: 1973
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Production Company: Verenigde Nederlandsche Filmcompagnie (VNF)

Stars: Monique van de Ven, Rutger Hauer, Tonny Huurdeman, Wim van der Brink, Hans Boskamp, Dolf de Vries, Manfred de Graaf,Dick Scheffer, Marjol Flore, Bert Dijksttra
Location(s): Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland

Region(s):

Storyline:

In the aftermath of his relationship with Olga, Eric, is seen frantically picking up random women from the streets and taking them back to his studio for sex. The movie recounts his relationship with Olga from when she picked him up whilst hitchhiking, how her mother feels that he is unsuitable whilst her father is more sympathetic.

Once they start living together Olga starts to behave strangely and eventually leaves him.  Eric trashes his studio, destroying anything that reminded him of Olga which brings the movie to the point where it opened.

After Olga’s failed marriage to an American businessman Eric bumps into her acting oddly, whereupon she collapses, is taken to hospital and subsequently dies.

Additional Information:

Screen captures, text and uncredited comparison shots by Frank van den Berg and uploaded by Richard Lovejoy

During the thunderstorm, when Eric is walking towards Olga who is standing outside in the rain, the reflection of a spotlight providing “lightning” can be seen on the surface of the door.

Turkish delight is the most successful films in Dutch history. At the time, it was one of the most talked about films, with people joining crowds in front of the cinema. To date, it is, with 3,338,000 visitors, the best-attended Dutch film of all time.

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Central Station Amsterdam Circa 1973

After waking up, Eric Vonk (Rutger Hauer), rushes to Central Station Amsterdam to pick up any woman to satisfy his human needs. Eric had a serious relationship that has ended and he cannot forget his late girlfriend. Location: Central Station Amsterdam

Prins Hendrikkade, right in front of the Victoria hotel, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Eric jumps into a Triumph Tr 6 pi and simply demands to have sex with the female driver. Small information is that the Triumph still exist in 2020! Location: Prins Hendrikkade, right in front of the Victoria hotel, Amsterdam.

Prins Hendrikkade, right in front of the Victoria hotel, Amsterdam

A big advantage of getting up early in the morning is that there are hardly any people on the streets, but regrettably there are many more road signs and advertising signs these days, but still mostly the same as in the 70’s.

Prins Hendrikkade, right in front of the Victoria hotel, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Same location as Capture 2, Prins Hendrikkade, right in front of the Victoria hotel, Amsterdam

Prins Hendrikkade, right in front of the Victoria hotel, Amsterdam

What is that dude on the right of this picture doing?

Prins Hendrikkade and the intersection of Damrak, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Eric and the unknown girl drive off in the direction of Saint Nicolaas church (left on the picture). Prins Hendrikkade and the intersection of Damrak, Amsterdam as in Captures 2 and 3 but a different angle. The same church can also be seen in 'Amsterdamned' and 'Moord in Extase'.

Prins Hendrikkade and the intersection of Damrak, Amsterdam Circa 1973

3,465,239 cables hanging in the sky to make sure the trams will move. Don't see too many trams moving though Frank!

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

After an argument with one of the girls Eric throws her out naked from his house. Eric himself is dressed in his Adam costume. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

It took Frank a while to identify exactly where this spot is but he remembered that a friend of his used to live in this neighbourhood and he recognised the architecture of these buildings.

Westzijde 51, Zaandam Circa 1973

A flash back two years brings us to the house and shop of Eric’s beloved girlfriend Olga Stapels (Monique van de Ven). Eric is hitch hiking his way back to Amsterdam when he is picked up by Olga and both of them are instantly in love. After a car accident Eric wants to pick up Olga at her parents store. This is the 'Wastora' store in Zaandam and unfortunately the store burned down on August 30 in 1993. Location: Westzijde 51, Zaandam.

Westzijde 51, Zaandam

This is what has been rebuild after the fire in the 90’s. Frank doesn’t think that a few plants and trees here and there will help to make it look nicer.

When Eric arrives at 'Wastora' some employees brutally kick Eric out of the store. Her parents think that Eric has a bad influence on Olga. Here we see a shot inside of the store. Location: Westzijde 51, Zaandam.

Westzijde 51, Zaandam

Pretty much the same as in the 70’s.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 195-199 Amsterdam Circa 1973

Soon after they reunite they decide to get married and they do. This actually is the old Amsterdam city hall where people could get married until the late 70’s. Olga’s father (Wim van den Brink) thinks it is all good but her mom (Tonny Huurdeman) really does not agree with the marriage. Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 195-199 Amsterdam.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 195-199 Amsterdam

Scooters instead of bikes.

Dam square in the direction of Damrak, Amsterdam Circa 1973

After the short marriage ceremony Eric and Olga leave the city hall on a bike (We are in Amsterdam) and go home. Location: Dam square in the direction of Damrak, Amsterdam.

Dam square in the direction of Damrak, Amsterdam

A quiet sunny Sunday morning in the middle of Amsterdam.

Vijzelgracht, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Eric and Olga are overloaded with joy and happiness and make fun with a car driver. Location Vijzelgracht, Amsterdam.

Vijzelgracht, Amsterdam

In 2020 no more are cars allowed in this part of town.

Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Here we see Eric and Olga on the most famous market of Amsterdam after closing time. Frank used to live in the street next to this street and remembers all too well these 'clean up' cars. Location: Albert Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam.

Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam

Another Sunday morning to take this photo. During the week this street is full of people buying things in the market.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

After numerous wedding gifts are delivered to Eric’s house he is tired of receiving yet another and scolds the mailman. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

From black to green.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Even Olga’s father shows up. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Thank God no more naked man running on the street in 2020. Well, not while you were there Frank!

Westzijde 51, Zaandam Circa 1973

After several parties Olga and Eric leave her parent’s house. It is obvious that Eric likes her father but hates her mother. Location: Westzijde 51, Zaandam

Westzijde 51, Zaandam

Frank liked the old situation better, except for the weather that was better in 2020.

Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam Circa 1973

Eric is commissioned to prepare a sculpture for the garden of a hospital where a friend of his works. It will be a statue of Olga. It brings 5000 guilders in the pocket for Eric and Olga. Location: Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam.

Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam

Creating 'Positive Societal Impact The Erasmian Way'….. Frank has no clue what they mean by that.

Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam Circa 1973

Eric and Olga are naturally invited to the official unveiling. The problem is, that Olga is dressed, let’s say sparsely. As the Dutch queen will be attending the unveiling of the statue, Eric and Olga are placed out of her sight. Location: Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam.

Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam

It was quiet when Frank did visit this location.

Waalseilandbridge, Buiten Bantammerstraat , Amsterdam Circa 1973

Out of frustration and anger Eric and Olga throw the sample of the statue in the canals of Amsterdam. Frank wonders if the statue is still there…. Location: Waalseilandbridge, Buiten Bantammerstraat, Amsterdam

Waalseilandbridge, Buiten Bantammerstraat , Amsterdam

The trees did shrink and there is a boat in the canal, but for the rest, things didn’t change that much for the past decades. And was the statue still there Frank?

Cemetery Westgaarde, Ookmeerweg 275A, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Sad news that evening. Olga’s father passed away and they go to the funeral a couple of days after. During the funeral Eric has a vision of Olga’s father. Eric and her father have a special bond. Location: Cemetery Westgaarde, Ookmeerweg 275A, Amsterdam.

Cemetery Westgaarde, Ookmeerweg 275A, Amsterdam

Empty hallways when Frank did visit this place.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

The tension between the two is rising and there are numerous fights about money and more. Living the bohemian way of live is not always that easy. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Now here, most things have changed. Hard to recognise these days.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

An old girlfriend picks up Olga to have a good time somewhere else. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

In 2020 this square has been made pedestrian friendly and cars have to slow down. Frank thinks that this neighbourhood has improved by the years.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

A break up between the two is unavoidable. After a strange and creepy family gathering in a Chinese restaurant Eric and Olga do break up. Olga is flirting openly with another man and it is over between Eric and Olga. And that brings us back to the beginning of the movie. Olga lives at her mother’s house again and after a while she wants to pick up her clothes from Eric’s house. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Frank prefers to see a beautiful girl instead of all these bikes.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Olga's new ‘fiancé’ with his big fancy car. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam.

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Cars were cool in the 70’s........

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam Circa 1973

A sad, sad goodbye. Location: Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

Van Beuningenplein 103, Amsterdam

..........as were beautiful cars and beautiful woman.

Papenburgsteeg intersection Damrak, Amsterdam Circa 1973

After couple of months it turns out that Olga was single again and she and Eric hook up again. This location can also be seen in 'De Prooi' and 'Moord in Extase'. Location: Papenburgsteeg intersection Damrak, Amsterdam

Papenburgsteeg intersection Damrak, Amsterdam

Back in the days when there was no Covid-19. Here you can clearly see the effects of the second wave of Corona. Hardly any tourists or other people on this usually very crowded place.

Papenburgsteeg intersection Damrak, Amsterdam Circa 1973

Two seconds later. Eric and Olga meet again. Olga looks terrible and it turns out that she has terminal cancer and she is out of this world. Now it seems that Eric is the most sensible of the two. It is a sad conversation between the two. Olga completely lost it. In the hospital where Eric made the statue for Olga she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and with all the treatments she loses all her hair and needs a wig. Eric really, really loves her and helps her in her last days. Location: Papenburgsteeg intersection Damrak, Amsterdam.

Green has been replaced by pink.

Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam Circa 1973

Olga's cancer is incurable and Eric gives her Turkish Delight to comfort her. At the end it is sad but Olga passes away. The love of Eric's life is gone. Location: Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam.

Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam

The mosaic in the background has been made by the famous Dutch artist Karel Appel, and all of a sudden a new building showed up since the capture was made.

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Eric throws away the wig Olga did wear and the sad, sad story is over………. Location: Unknown