GERALD
MOHR
FILMSTADEN
Bert also took me to Filmstaden in Råsunda, a suburb to the west of Stockholm. Filmstaden was built during 1919-20 and, as its name suggests, was where all the major Swedish films were made throughout the 20th century. Over 400 movies were made there until Svensk Filmindustri left the site in 1969. Through its gates came Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo, Walt Disney, Gregory Peck, Ingrid Bergman, Director Ingmar Bergman and many, many more stars of Swedish stage and film. It is now a housing estate but some of the old studio buildings still remain and Svensk Filmindustri has moved its headquarters back into a former studio building. Gerald definitely worked here on “Foreign Intrigue”. Bert informed me that Gerald had, in fact, suggested a building about a mile away on Råstavägan (pictured hereunder, courtesy of Google Street Maps) as the exterior for “Private Entrance” but it was decided to use the more recognisable location of Hässelby Slott which, in the story, was located in Switzerland and Gerald’s character had to fly to Stockholm from there to continue the story. However, Hässelby is about 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Stockholm! The Swedish Tourist Board could make this into a major tourist attraction, but Filmstaden is not on the tourist trail. It is, however, definitely worth a visit!
Opposite is the building near Filmstaden that Gerald had suggested as an exterior for “Private Entrance” in 1968. It can be assumed that, to be aware of this building, Gerald must either have stayed there during filming of “Foreign Intrigue” or had at least lived nearby. If any gentle reader has further information, please contact me!