Shawshank Redemption Poster's Canary Islands Secret

The Canary Islands have become a popular spot for big international film productions in recent years. But this isn't a new trend. It turns out the islands have a surprising, little-known connection to one of Hollywood's most famous movies: "The Shawshank Redemption."

The connection is a famous item from Andy Dufresne's prison cell: the poster of actress Raquel Welch. This poster, a real symbol of the 1960s, was from her movie "One Million Years B.C." What many don't know is that the pictures used for this poster, and much of the film itself, were shot in the volcanic scenery of the Canary Islands, mainly in Teide National Park on Tenerife.

Filming outdoors happened in the middle of winter during the 1960s. Raquel Welch herself told Fox News about the tough conditions. She mentioned how remote the location was and that there was snow on top of Teide. Even though she wore her iconic fur bikini, which made her "the definitive image of the 60s," the cold weather gave her severe tonsillitis. Welch even said she was given so much penicillin it put her health at risk.

Despite these challenges, the experience was a huge turning point for Welch's career, making her famous worldwide and a lasting icon in popular culture. This story shows that Tenerife and Teide were already appealing to Hollywood long before today's tax breaks and modern facilities made the islands a top filming location. It's more than just a fun fact for movie fans; it gives us a historical look at how the Canary Islands have been connected to global cinema for a long time.