The most famous movie made in Tossa de Mar is the 1951 Hollywood classic "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman," starring Ava Gardner and James Mason. The film's production put this small Spanish coastal town on the international map, transforming it from a quiet fishing village into a glamorous destination on the Costa Brava. Ava Gardner became so beloved by the locals that a life-size bronze statue of her was erected in the town's historic "Vila Vella" (Old Town) overlooking the sea. The movie showcased the stunning medieval walls and the "Platja Gran" (Main Beach), which still look remarkably similar today. Beyond this classic, Tossa de Mar has served as a backdrop for various Spanish television series and smaller European films due to its perfectly preserved 12th-century fortifications. In 2026, the "Ava Gardner Trail" remains a popular tourist activity, and the town's association with 1950s Hollywood glamour continues to be a core part of its cultural identity, reminding visitors of a time when the "Flying Dutchman" brought a touch of Technicolor magic to the Mediterranean shores.