Heidelberg in the Movies by JessH
By now you've probably realised that Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful old cities of Europe. So it is comes as no surprise that many filmmakers have chosen the city's red sand-stone facade & picturesque hills along the Neckar river as a filming location. I totally agree with their view: the city lends itself to being the perfect backdrop for a romantic story in the spring sun, or a shady criminal thriller in the small side streets, a fast-paced corporate drama in the modern commercial buildings, or a fun comedy for children - everything fits. I remember many occasions on which I was walking through the city and saw filming for a movie or TV series taking place.
Mostly German productions are filmed in Heidelberg, but more and more international film makers are discovering our romantic city... and here is a list of some of the most memorable ones to date:> "The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg" (silent movie) was filmed here in 1927.
> The Cary Grant movie "I was a male war bride" was shot in Heidelberg in 1948.
> "The Big Chance", a 1957 movie about Heidelberg's thriving young jazz players.
> Italian / German black & white movie "Last Ring" in 1979.
> "Die Apothekerin" (the pharmacist) with famous German actress Katja Riemann, 1997.
> One of my favourite German scary movies; "Anatomie" with famous German actress Franka Potente, was filmed in Heidelberg in 2000. The movie shows awesome shots of the University's interior, as well as the "Hotel zum Ritter" and less known parts of the newer areas.
> "Kometen" (Comets). Germany's 2005 attempt of a smaller "Armageddon" version.
So, if you are visiting Heidelberg (especially in the spring & summer months) you might suddenly find a road or building fenced-off and bustling with film crews and actors.