20 Things You Didn’t Know About Goldfinger (1964)
9. “Banks Don’t Open On Sunday!” “My Bank Will!”
Following his negotiations with the US government for Fort Knox and the United States Bullion Depository to appear in Goldfinger, Charles Russhon arranged a special flight over the depository for Ken Adam - a terrifying experience, particularly when the production designer noticed the gun turrets on its roof. However, it aided his designs immensely, whilst Russhon received a special thanks in the film when General Russhon is welcomed to Fort Knox.
The depository building was recreated on the backlot at Pinewood Studios, whilst the fanciful, cathedral-like interior was built on a soundstage as access to the real building was not permitted. However, fans' excitement over the film led Eon Productions to post a 24-hour guard outside the set to deter potential looters from stealing the faux gold ingots inside.
After the film was released, the-then controller of Fort Knox wrote to Adam to congratulate him on his sets for the bullion depository. In return, Eon donated Goldfinger's model of Fort Knox for permanent display inside the actual gold depository.
Nevertheless, Eon also received letters from American fans expressing their frustration that a British film should be allowed to shoot inside Fort Knox!