Where was Diamonds Are Forever filmed?
1971
City Locations
Palm Springs (USA), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Las Vegas (USA), Camp Pendleton North (USA), Frankfurt am Mein (Germany), Dover (UK), Los Angeles (USA), Black Rock Desert (USA), Oceanside (USA), Henderson (USA), Antibes (France), Chatham (UK), London (UK), Universal City (USA), Iver Heath (UK), Southampton (UK), Chicago (USA)
Location Types
House, Storefront, Film Studio, Hotel, Unusual
Location Styles
Classic Car, the ‘70s, Hotel Style, Luxury, Luxury Hotel, Muscle
About Diamonds Are Forever
"Diamonds Are Forever," a classic James Bond film produced in 1971, expertly balances action, adventure, and suspense. Sean Connery returns to his role as the suave and intelligent British agent in the seventh installment of the James Bond series.
The tale revolves around a dramatic diamond smuggling investigation. Bond disguises himself as Peter Franks, a diamond smuggler, to join the realm of clandestine gem trading. His mission takes him to various exotic destinations, including Amsterdam's busy streets and the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.
However, it is not only about diamonds. He discovers a terrible conspiracy by his infamous adversary, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The wicked Blofeld intends to use the diamonds to fuel a destructive satellite weapon, endangering global security.
As Bond races against time, he meets reclusive multi-millionaire Willard Whyte, played by Jimmy Dean, and other interesting individuals. The film contains all of Bond's typical elements, such as high-speed chases, suspenseful confrontations, and innovative gadgets provided by Q Branch.
In a positive review, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times emphasized the plot's insignificance and episodes of absurdity. He gave an example of Bond driving a lunar buggy with revolving antennae, and flailing robotic limbs. Ebert also praised the vehicle chase scene in Las Vegas, particularly the portion where Bond drives a Ford Mustang on only two wheels.
"Diamonds Are Forever" is still a favorite episode in the Bond franchise, thanks to its compelling plot, memorable characters, and, of course, Sean Connery's charming portrayal of James Bond.
Diamonds Are Forever Locations
"Diamonds Are Forever," the famous James Bond movie, came to life in foreign places giving the story more depth and realism. More than one continent was used for filming, and each location gave the scenes its unique look and feel.
The United States, specifically Las Vegas, a city known for its lively nightlife, flashy casinos, and exciting shows, provided the filming backdrops for most scenes. As one of the most exciting parts of the movie, the car chase scene was shot on Fremont Street, giving viewers a thrilling look at the city's busy downtown area. In Sin City, Bond also goes to the Tropicana, where the famous Folies Bergère show showcases, and the Circus Circus casino.
Outside the city, the film used the harsh and beautiful Nevada desert for several important scenes. Los Angeles International Airport and Universal City Studios are other important American tourist spots.
Amsterdam and the luxurious Hotel de Cap Eden-Roc on Cap d'Antibes in France had features in the film, giving the picture a touch of European grandeur. For any James Bond fan, visiting these places would be a great experience because they let you walk in the shoes of the famous spy.
Fun Facts:
A fun fact about "Diamonds Are Forever" is that it was Sean Connery's return to the Bond franchise after George Lazenby played the character in the previous film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." A record $1.25 million pay fueled Connery's comeback, which he contributed to his Scottish education charity.
Bond finds out the evil plan scene in Diamonds Are Forever
Arthur Elrod House, 2175 Southridge Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
James Bond (Sean Connery) embarks on a mission involving a diamond smuggling operation that leads him to Las Vegas. The pivotal scene where Bond unveils an evil plot unfolds in the desert villa of the wealthy business tycoon Willard Whyte (Jimmy Dean). Inside the villa, Bond discovers that the notorious Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Charles Gray), the head of the criminal organization SPECTRE, has usurped Whyte's identity. Blofeld plans to construct a laser satellite using diamonds, intending to hold the world at ransom using Whyte's resources.
The Arthur Elrod House, also called "The Elrod House," is a remarkable piece of architecture designed by John Lautner in 1968. Commissioned by interior designer Arthur Elrod, the residence is on an elevated site in Palm Springs' Araby Cove neighborhood, offering panoramic city views. The house stands out with its concrete dome structure and integration of rock formations from the hillside it sits on, making it a unique example of modernist architecture.
Get to the Arthur Elrod House at 2175 Southridge Dr in Palm Springs by flying into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). Secure a rental car or taxi, head south on S El Cielo Rd, and continue to E Palm Canyon Dr.
Tiffany Case's Dutch Apartment scene in Diamonds Are Forever
Reguliersgracht 36, 3rd Floor, 1017 LS Amsterdam, Netherlands
James Bond (Sean Connery), posing as diamond smuggler Peter Franks (Joe Robinson), seeks out Tiffany Case (Jill St. John). Bond drives along Reguliersgracht from the south and passes over a small bridge at Keizersgracht to reach her house. The exterior shots of the apartment offer a picturesque view of Amsterdam's iconic canals and Skinny Bridge. Inside the apartment, Bond meets Tiffany, a savvy Californian diamond smuggler.
Reguliersgracht 36 is a notable address in Amsterdam, known for its appearance in the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever." In the movie, it served as the Dutch apartment of Tiffany Case, a diamond smuggler. This charming residential building is quintessentially Amsterdam, with its classic canal-house design. It's along the Reguliersgracht, one of the most picturesque canals, offering stunning waterways and the Skinny Bridge views.
Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and take a train to Amsterdam Centraal. Hop on tram line 4 towards RAI. Disembark at Prinsengracht station, walk south along the Prinsengracht canal, then turn right onto Reguliersgracht.
Bond and Case visit the casino scene in Diamonds Are Forever
Circus Circus Hotel, 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Bond (Sean Connery) and Tiffany (Jill St. John) are in the casino to retrieve diamonds hidden in a plush toy at the casino's arcade games. Amidst the slot machines and the thrilling performances of the trapeze artists, Tiffany tries to exchange the diamonds but mistakenly gives away the wrong toy, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the scene.
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino is a well-known destination on the Las Vegas Strip. It's renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering an indoor theme park, Adventuredome, and a lively casino. The hotel is conveniently located near shopping centers, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and downtown Las Vegas. With multiple dining options, live entertainment, and world-famous circus acts, Circus Circus provides a unique blend of fun and excitement for all ages.
Fly into the McCarran International Airport, then head north on Swenson St using a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle. Make a left turn onto E Tropicana Ave and a right turn onto S Las Vegas Blvd.
The funeral scene in Diamonds Are Forever
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
James Bond (Sean Connery) smuggles diamonds into the United States hidden inside the body of the late smuggler Peter Franks (Joe Robinson). The scene unfolds with an eerie calm as Bond, disguised as Peter Franks, attends his funeral. After cremating the body, they extract diamonds from the ashes. However, things turn when Mr. Wint (Bruce Glover) and Mr. Kidd (Putter Smith), two assassins, attempt to cremate Bond alive. Bond narrowly escapes, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the film.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is a government agency that promotes tourism, conventions, meetings, and special events in Southern Nevada. It operates the Las Vegas Convention Center, and its versatility attracts industry professionals. The LVCVA helps market Las Vegas as a top destination for leisure and business travel worldwide.
Travel to McCarran International Airport to visit the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at 3150 Paradise Rd. Take a cab or a public bus northbound, pass the University of Nevada, and proceed along Paradise Road.
Bond sabotages Blofeld's mini-submarine scene in Diamonds Are Forever
Camp Pendleton North, California, USA
Blofeld (Charles Gray), head of the criminal organization SPECTRE and Bond's (Sean Connery) long-time nemesis, uses the oil rig as his base of operations.
Bond infiltrates the rig pretending to be a technician. As he navigates the rig, the tension builds. The climax occurs when Bond sabotages Blofeld's mini-submarine, emblazoned with SPECTRE's octopus emblem, by operating a crane. The military launches an assault on the rig, adding to the drama. Despite Blofeld's efforts to defend his lair with concealed 20mm Oerlikon cannons, the U.S. Air Force outguns them.
Camp Pendleton North is a Marine Corps Base in Southern California known for promoting the combat readiness of the Operating Forces. Located in San Diego County, it borders Oceanside, San Clemente, and Orange County. The base is home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force and is the USMC's primary amphibious training base on the west coast. It also houses the Edson Range, one of the largest firing ranges on the base.
Visit Camp Pendleton North by flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN), rent a car, and head north on Interstate 5. Exit at Oceanside Harbor Drive/Camp Pendleton and proceed through the gate for base access. Make sure to have proper identification and vehicle documentation ready for base security.
Conclusion
"Diamonds Are Forever" is a cinematic journey that takes audiences across the globe, from the glittering streets of Las Vegas to the serene canals of Amsterdam. The film skillfully utilizes its diverse locations to create an immersive experience, complementing the gripping plot and intriguing characters.
The film's central setting is Las Vegas, with its lively nightlife and prominent buildings. The Tropicana, which houses the Folies Bergère revue, the busy Fremont Street, and the lively Circus Circus casino, staged some scenes. The harsh beauty of the Nevada desert and the peaceful elegance of Palm Springs provide a new dimension to the film's backdrop.
Internationally, Amsterdam's historic beauty and the elegant Hotel de Cap Eden-Roc in France add a sense of European refinement. These locales provide depth and richness to the story, demonstrating the film's creative vision and making "Diamonds Are Forever" a remarkable addition to the James Bond franchise.