Heidelberg Alert – Printing Press At Work On Screen

Though the popular USA Network series “White Collar” is now in it’s 4th season, a nostalgic look back at the series pilot shows a Heidelberg windmill going full tilt in the final minutes of action.  The press is supposedly printing counterfeit, multi-color Spanish Victory Bonds.

( image credit: USA Networks © 2009 )

The bad guys are trying to finish printing and box up the bonds before the FBI breaks down the doors.  It’s often a game of “Spot the Mistakes” when a printing press is used in a movie or television.  However,  it’s also a source of pride to see and say “hey, it’s a (fill in the blank) press” when you come across one.  You’ll probably admit that, when possible, you back up the action to take a second and even third look at the press (it’s okay, so do we). Just remember — this Heidelberg windmill was forced to do these illegal deeds.

Also spotted recently (with some very careful sleuthing) is a cameo appearance of another Heidelberg Windmill tucked away in the corner of print shop in the Academy Award-nominated 2002 film, “Catch Me If You Can”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

( image credit: Dreamworks Pictures © 2002 )

The scene in question opens up with Tom Hanks’ character, Carl Hanratty, doing some of his own detective work with a few ink-in-the-blood printers while trying to locate where the crafty con-man, Frank William Abignale, might be next. In the far right, a sneaky Heidelberg graces the scene for a few seconds, but steals our heart for the rest of the film.