An inaccessible, awesome setting in the Austrian Alps made it difficult for the cast and crew of WHERE EAGLES DARE, according to this promotional short for the espionage thriller starring RICHARD BURTON and CLINT EASTWOOD. Not only was it a hardship for the crew hampered by tons of heavy camera equipment, but actress MARY URE, because of an avalanche that cut off a main road, had to get to the location site in a three hour trip for ten minutes of filming.
For the Austrian villagers, there were memories of Nazi tyranny at the sight of all the swastikas and military equipment and uniforms that were a painful reminder of WWII. Many of the locals worked in the film as extras. For CLINT EASTWOOD, he had to get used to the idea of wearing a military uniform rather than his usual cowboy outfit.
Closing scenes of the short show the technicians loading black powder and other ingredients for the powerful explosives that were featured in the final scenes, all of which would have to go off on cue.
Interesting but brief behind-the-scenes look at all the preparations that go into making a film.