The ingenious and innovative Art Director André Andrejew designed a Palace décor on a small hill above
the town of El Molar (Madrid).
Many Spanish experts were involved in the construction of the great Palace Set under the supervision of André Andrejew.
The spanish Set Decorator Gil Parrondo and his partner Luis Pérez Espinosa.
Both worked together in numerous movie productions. 
Shortly before "Alexander the Great" they worked for Orson Welles ("Mr.Arkadin").
The careful handicraft working was carried out by experts. 
The construction teams of Francisco Prosper Zaragoza and Francisco Rodriguez Asensio, supported by local artisans
and workmen of El Molar.

The "Palace" Set on the hill in El Molar (Madrid, Spain).
But the rear view shows what it is, a "phony" - a delicate masterpiece of plaster, plywood and metal!
Steel framework is left bare, even on completed portions of the set.

Front view of the "Palace" Set - Residents of El Molar, who are working as Extras in the movie, visit the Set (1955).
What a great photo! 
The "Palace" Set towers over the tile-roofed houses of El Molar. Only the church looks out, la Iglesia de la Asunción.
In the distance we can see a "Macedonian Mountain", the famous Pico de San Pedro and the snow capped mountains of 
the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Through this gateway movie audience will see the Macedonian army march off to battle.
Here we see a few workers on their way home - El Molar, 1955.
Rear view of the Set - rough framework showing.
Spanish workmen of the construction teams of Francisco Prosper Zaragoza and Francisco Rodriguez Asensio trudge homeward.
Who are these men? 
Many of the local craftsman, carpenter and builders helped in the construction of the sets and many residents of El Molar 
were employed as extras in the film.
(All photos are from my personal archive, photographer unknown)
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Hollywood in Spain

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