Hollywood discovered and put Puerto Vallarta on the map in 1963.  Based on the Tennessee Williams play, director John Huston began filming “Night of the Iguana” at Mismaloya, a nearby fishing village. Then, there were  just 12,500 inhabitants when the director arrived (legend claims his plane skimmed the runway several times, before managing to shoo cows off the strip).

Stunning. John Huston knew it. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor knew it. Ingeniero Guillermo Wulff knew it. Banderas Bay and the vibrant village at its core, Puerto Vallarta, were destined for greater things and a future on the big screen. They knew this pristine paradise was too desirable to remain untouched forever, too enchanting not to be shared. - Today it’s  about 250,000 strong with over 3 million visitors each year, mainly in the drier season from November-April.

The films stars Deborah Kerr, Ava Gardner and Richard Burton attracted tremendous media attention.   Media coverage increased as Elizabeth Taylor joined Richard to fend off those attractive co-stars as well as to manage Burton’s alcohol problems.  There was so much to report it was a paparazzi frenzy!  

Liz purchased Richard a hillside love nest, Casa Kimberly (which is now a B&B and museum)!  And Richard gave Liz the $350,000 Krupp Diamond Ring!  Both married, the lovers created an international scandal.  Burton, a Catholic, was threatened with excommunication. Taylor’s U.S. citizenship was jeopardized.  Reporters swarmed over their x-rated romance! Suddenly, Puerto Vallarta was a famous destination! 

   

Over the years, people were able to visit the actual set and there was an amazing restaurant near there called  EL SET. El Set is named for the many movies that have been filmed over the years in its residential location of Conchas Chinas. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at this spot, located seven flights down from street level, but it would be a shame to visit at any other time other than just before sunset. El Set is built into the side of a winding cliff--a short and inexpensive taxi ride from the Zona Romantica. Neighbor to several multi-million dollar mansions, El Set overlooks the rocky Pacific and offers the most breathtaking sunset vistas. 

Nearby,  tourists can  explore the waterfalls and jungle also! (See also Palo Maria).   But sadly, those days may be  gone soon. There are rumours that part of the area is now being converted to a gated community or condo development of some sort.   We'll keep you posted if we hear any updates.

 A statue of John Huston was eventually erected in Puerto Vallarta, where it still stands, because of his role in creating the city's current reputation.  Several big movies have been filmed here. Read about the PV film history at Virtual Vallarta! 


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