Hollywood

Calendar Girl (1993)

/ filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1993 film “Calendar Girl,” starring Jason Priestly, Jerry O’Connell and Gabriel Olds, was primarily show in Southern California. The film opens and closes with Ned, played by Gabriel Olds, attending college at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA, located at 10745 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90095.

The small town where the boys grow up was filmed in the town of Perris, CA. The five-and-dime store where the boys first see images of Marilyn Monroe was located at 400 S D St, Perris, CA 92570, at the corner of S D St / W 4th St.

The boys watch “Some Like It Hot” at 279 S D St, Perris, CA 92570.

The toy store where Ned works is located at 329 S D St, Perris, CA 92570. The building has since been remodeled some.

The boys travel to Hollywood to meet Marilyn Monroe. As they first arrive, they drive past the Capitol Records building, which can be seen in countless other films, including “Rush Hour,” “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” “Get Him to the Greek,” “Nightcrawler,” Freakier Friday” and many more.

LOCATION: 1750 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

During a montage where the boys search across L.A. for Marilyn Monroe, they stop at the former Ambassador Hotel. The Ambassador was a staple of film and television, appearing in such films as “The Graduate,” “Forrest Gump,” “True Romance,” “Seven,” “Bobby,” “Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas,” “True Lies,” “L.A. Story,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “The Mask” and dozens more. After closing for good in 1989, the Ambassedor was used primarily for filming throughout the 1990s. The film crews were apparently not always considerate of the property, leaving it in poor condition after wrapping. Eventually the hotel was in such disrepair, despite a long struggle to preserve the property, it was eventually settled upon to be demolished. Only this post and statue from the original building remain at the location.

LOCATION: 3400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (now demolished)

The boys make a quick stop at The Donut Hole in La Puente. The location also appears in the films “Moving Violations” and “Dragnet.” It also features prominently in Oneohtrix Point Never’s music video for “On an Axis.”

LOCATION: 15300 Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91744

The boys continue to search for Marilyn at the former Perino’s Restaurant. It was located at 4101 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, but has since been demolished. The “Los Altos Hotel & Apt’s” sign seen in the background is still there.

The boys continue to search the down for Marilyn Monroe, driving past the Bryson Apartments in Los Angeles.  The same apartments were seen in such films as “Magnolia,” “The Grifters” and “Stewardess School.”

magnolia1

LOCATION: 2701 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

The boys think they’ve found Marilyn at a hair salon, filmed at the Wilshire Royale Apartments at 2619 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057, just past the Bryson Apartments.

The boys try to sneak into a movie premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The theater has appeared in countless films, such as “Twins,” “Valley Girl,” “Rush Hour,” “The Aviator,” “Iron Man 3” and many more.

twins3

LOCATION: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Bowfinger (1999)

/ filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1999 comedy “Bowfinger” was filmed in Southern California. The home of Bowfinger, played by Steve Martin, which also serves as the office of Bowfinger International Pictures, can be found in Hollywood. It has since been slightly remodeled, with several newer buildings erected around it.

LOCATION: 1621 Vista Del Mar Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028

The home of Kit Ramsey, played by Eddie Murphy, can be found in Pasadena. The home, which is not visible from the street, has appeared in many other films, such as “Bridesmaids,” “Rush Hour,” “The X-Files,” “Action Jackson,” “Dinner for Schmucks,” “Scary Movie 2,” “Delirious,” “The Mechanic,” “Dead Again” and many more. It has also appeared in such TV shows as “Batman,” “Alias,” “Knight Rider,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Westworld” and more.

LOCATION: 380 S San Rafael Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Kit Ramsey visits his therapist at MindHead, the exterior of which is the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.  Many films have shot here, including “Demolition Man,” “Lipstick” and “Her.”  The interiors were also featured in the TV series “Westworld.”

demolitionman2

LOCATION: 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

After filming, Bowfinger’s crew eats at Rae’s Restaurant in Santa Monica.  The restaurant has been used in many films, such as “True Romance,” “Lords Of Dogtown” and “Starsky & Hutch.”

trueromance3

LOCATION: 2901 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

The climax of the film takes place at the Griffith Observatory. It is perhaps most famously known for appearing in the 1955 James Dean film, “Rebel Without A Cause.” It has also been seen in such films as “The Terminator,” “La La Land,” “Transformers” and dozens more.

LOCATION: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Fox Theater in Westwood Village is where the premier of “Chubby Rain” takes place.

onceuponatimeinhollywood9

LOCATION: 961 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Rush Hour (1998)

/ filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1998 action comedy “Rush Hour,” starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, was filmed in Los Angeles, California and Hong Kong. Early in the film, Griffin, played by Tom Wilkinson, hosts guests inside the “Ennis House,” located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. The house has been featured in countless productions, including “Blade Runner,” “House On Haunted Hill,” “The Day of the Locust,” “The Karate Kid Part III,” “Black Rain,” “The Glimmer Man,” “The Replacement Killers,” “Grand Canyon” and “The Thirteenth Floor.” It has also been recreated on studio stages for movies such as “Predator 2,” “The Rocketeer” and “Mullholland Drive.” It has likewise appeared in the TV shows “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Twin Peaks,” as well as countless other music videos and commercials.

LOCATION: 2607 Glendower Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Chinese consulate where Han, played by Tzi Ma, stays can be found in Pasadena. The home, which is not visible from the street, has appeared in many other films, such as “Bridesmaids,” “Bowfinger,” “The X-Files,” “Action Jackson,” “Dinner for Schmucks,” “Scary Movie 2,” “Delirious,” “The Mechanic,” “Dead Again” and many more. It has also appeared in such TV shows as “Batman,” “Alias,” “Knight Rider,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Westworld” and more.

LOCATION: 380 S San Rafael Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

The China Exposition scenes were filmed at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Both the exteriors and interiors appear in the film, which the location playing a major part in the final act of the film.

demolitionman1

LOCATION: 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

The Capitol Records building makes an appearance during a scene of Carter (Chris Tucker) and Lee (Jackie Chan) driving. It can also be seen in countless films, including “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” “Calendar Girl,” “Get Him to the Greek,” “Nightcrawler,” “Freakier Friday” and many more.

LOCATION: 1750 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Carter takes Lee to the famed TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The theater has likewise appeared in countless films, such as “Twins,” “Valley Girl,” “Calendar Girl,” “The Aviator,” “Iron Man 3” and many more.

twins3

LOCATION: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Lee and Carter visit this Chinese restaurant, located in Chinatown, Los Angeles.

LOCATION: 949 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The restaurant even has it painted onto the side of the building that the film was shot there.

The apartment of Johnson, played by Elizabeth Peña, can be found in West Hollywood. The same building has been featured in the films “L.A. Story,” “The Limey,” “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” and more.

LOCATION: 1400 N Hayworth Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Swingers (1996)

/ filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1996 film “Swingers” is set in Hollywood and loosely based around writer / actor Jon Favreau’s personal experiences. The film was shot primarily around Hollywood, with some additional filming in Las Vegas. The title of the film itself comes from the Swingers diner (8020 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048), which director Doug Liman and many of the crew frequented. It was intentionally not featured in the film, however, as the filmmakers wanted to use a lesser known location. They landed at what was then known as the Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop, just off the 101 freeway in Hollywood. The Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop was renovated and bought out, later becoming the 101 Coffee Shop in 2001. The changes completely altered the interior from how it appeared in the film, including removal of the booth where the characters sat. However, the coffee shop became synonymous with the film until its closure in 2020. Today, the building has once again changed owners and now operates as the Clark Street Diner. The restaurant has also appeared in the films “The Brady Bunch Movie” and “In the Land of Women,” as well as the TV shows “Entourage,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”

LOCATION: 6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Mike, played by Jon Favreau, lives just up the road from the coffee shop at this apartment building. The apartment was Favreau’s actual home for a time.

LOCATION: 5870 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Mike and his crew attend a party, located at this home in the Hollywood Hills.

LOCATION: 6161 Temple Hill Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

After struggling to build up his confidence, Mike gets the number of a woman at the Dresden Restaurant. The restaurant has also appeared in the films “That Thing You Do,” “Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy,” “The Two Jakes,” “What Women Want” and more.

LOCATION: 1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The boys get into a confrontation with another group at what is supposed to be the back of the Dresden. These scenes were actually filmed in the parking lot of Musso & Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood, founded over 100 years ago.  The restaurant has popped up in numerous films, including “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Blonde” and “Ed Wood,” as well as the TV shows “Mad Men” and “Bosch.”

LOCATION: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

While some of the signage was dressed for the film to make it appear to be the Dresden, the door and brick work all clearly match Musso & Frank Grill and even portions of their iconic “Oldest in Hollywood” sign appears in a few shots, confirming the location.

onceuponatimeinhollywood3

Valley Girl (1983)

/ filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1983 film “Valley Girl,” starring Deborah Foreman and Nicolas Cage, was largely filmed, as the title suggests, in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. The opening shows a helicopter view past the Hollywood sign, overlooking the San Fernando Valley. There is a popular, public hiking trail that goes up to and behind the sign. Here is the view of the Valley from behind the Hollywood sign.

LOCATION: Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (GPS coordinates: 34.134118, -118.321540)

The early scenes of Julie, played by Foreman, shopping at the mall with her friends were filmed at the Del Amo Shopping Center in Torrance. The same mall was heavily featured in the film “Jackie Brown.” Here is a shot of the former food court. The mall has since been heavily remodeled and the food court not only looks nothing like how it appeared in the film, its actually now located in a completely different section of the mall.

jackiebrown17

LOCATION: 3525 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90503

The party scene where Randy, played by Cage, meets Julie was filmed at this home in West Hills.

LOCATION: 23727 Posey Ln, West Hills, CA 91304

As Randy takes Julie into Hollywood, numerous landmarks are shown, beginning with the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

twins3

LOCATION: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

The Roxy Theatre on Sunset Blvd is also seen.

LOCATION: 9009 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Here is the home of Julie Richman.

LOCATION: 3907 Dixie Canyon Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

This is where the heath food store, owned by Julie’s parents, was located.

LOCATION: 14543 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

The restaurant where Julie eats with her friends was Du-Pars in Studio City. The same restaurant was featured in “Boogie Nights.” The location has since closed down and the building has been completely remodeled.

boogienights4

LOCATION: 12036 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (now closed)

In a montage of Randy and Julie dating, more iconic city spots are shown, including Casa Vega.

onceuponatimeinhollywood83

LOCATION: 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

The Simpsons

/ filmoblivion

While it’s obvious that an animated show such as “The Simpsons” does not have any actual filming locations, there are a few real world replicas that do a good job of recreating the town of Springfield.

A full scale recreation of The Simpsons house was built in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas.  The house was designed to be an exact replica, with the builders studying over 100 episodes for the series in an attempt to match every detail.  When the house was first unveiled, it was painted in the same colors as the show.  The home was built as part of a promotional contest in 1997 from the TV network, where the winner could choose between having the house or the cash value of the property at the time, $75,000.  The winner ended up choosing the latter and the home went up for sale and became just another private home.  There is even an image of Homer by series creator Matt Groening drawn into the cement of the sidewalk leading to the front door.  If only a fan with more enthusiasm for the show had won, the home could have been turned into a tourist attraction for fans to come and visit.  Nevertheless, looking at the outer facade of the home, you can still see the resemblance to the cartoon.

thesimpsons1

LOCATION: 712 Red Bark Ln, Henderson, NV 89011

Something much better suited for fans of the show is the Springfield area of Universal Studios Hollywood.  Many recreations of the show exist there, in the form of restaurants, rides and stores.  Here is a sign welcoming guests to Springfield.

thesimpsons2

LOCATION: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Here is Moe’s Tavern, with the Springfield sign and power plant in the background.

thesimpsons3

Here is Barney inside Moe’s Tavern, looking for a refill.

thesimpsons4

Here is the Kwik-E-Mart.

thesimpsons5

Millhouse is outside enjoying a beverage.

thesimpsons6

Krusty Buger.

thesimpsons7

Lard Lad Donuts, the mascot for which is something of a hybrid between Bob’s Big Boy and Randy’s Donuts.

thesimpsons8

Here is the Springfield Police Station, where Eddie and Lou keep an eye on things.

thesimpsons9

Meanwhile, Snake is escaping the jail directly above them.

thesimpsons11

Nearby, Chief Wiggum has crashed his police car into a pole.

thesimpsons10

Here is the Springfield Department of Motor Vehicles, where Patty and Selma work.

thesimpsons12

Here is the office of Dr. Nick Riviera.

thesimpsons13

Disco Stu has closed up shop due to an injury.

thesimpsons14

Krustyland, where The Simpsons Ride is located.

thesimpsons15

Cletus is running a chicken restaurant.

thesimpsons16

Here’s a Duff’s hot dog shop, with the brewery in the background.

thesimpsons17

Last, but not least, we leave you with the Bumblebee Man’s taco truck.

thesimpsons18

The Muppets (2011)

/ filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 2011 film version of “The Muppets” was shot primarily in the Los Angeles area.  The opening dance number, set it “Smalltown USA,” was filmed on the Warner Bros. Studios Lot.

themuppets4

LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Gary, played by Jason Segel, runs into this school, where he meets up with Mary, played by Amy Adams.  This is also a set on the Warner lot.

themuppets5

The Muppets studio was filmed at the real Jim Henson Company in Hollywood. It is the former site of Charlie Chaplin’s studios. Old photos of Chaplin standing outside can be found online, with much of the buildings still looking the same.

LOCATION: 1416 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Muppets Theater is the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood.

themuppets3

LOCATION: 6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The exterior gate of Kermit’s mansion is located in Encino.

LOCATION: 4545 White Oak Ave, Encino, CA 91316

The interior of Kermit’s mansion was filmed at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.  While the outside of the Greystone grounds is open daily and free to the public, opportunities to tour inside are somewhat rare.  The property is owned by the City of Beverly Hills and regularly accommodates productions and private events.  Therefore, only a few times a year is access to the inside of the estate possible.  Planning ahead is required if you’d like to see inside.

themuppets1

LOCATION: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The same mansion has been featured in countless films, such as “The Big Lebowski,” “There Will Be Blood,” “The Social Network” and dozens more.

themuppets2

Kermit begins trying to round up the Muppets and makes his way to Reno, Nevada to find Fozzie Bear.  The famous Reno Arch is seen during this scene.

thewizard4

LOCATION: 155 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501

The office of Tex Richman, played by Chris Cooper, can be found in Downtown Los Angeles.  The same building was seen in such films as “Barbie,” “Night Of The Comet,” “Cutter’s Way” and “Pretty Woman.”

prettywoman3

LOCATION: 333 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

This building serves as Gonzo’s factory. It has been featured in countless films and television series, including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Divergent,” “Wrath Of Man,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “License To Drive,” “Unlawful Entry,” “Inspector Gadget,” “Child’s Play 2,” “Enough” and dozens more.

LOCATION: 635 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Ed Wood (1994)

/ filmoblivion / Leave a comment

Tim Burton’s 1994 film “Ed Wood,” starring Johnny Depp as the notorious, titular filmmaker, was mostly shot around Hollywood, California.

After the premiere of Ed’s play “The Casual Company,” he and the cast read the scathing reviews at Boardner’s bar in Hollywood. The same bar appeared in the film “Crocodile Dundee In Los Angeles.”

edwood1

LOCATION: 1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Ed sees Bela Lugosi, played by Martin Landau, at a funeral parlor.  This was filmed at the doorway to the left of Boardner’s, which has no distinguishable separate address.

edwood2

Bela Lugosi’s house can be found in Gardena.

edwood3

LOCATION: 1933 W 147th St, Gardena, CA 90249

Ed’s first apartment can be found in Hollywood.

edwood4

LOCATION: 448 N Ogden Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Bela Lugosi delivers a speech to his fans here.

edwood8

LOCATION: 1714 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

This building served as Ed’s second apartment.

edwood5

LOCATION: 6383 Yucca St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Wood visits this church in Toluca Lake to get baptized, in order to obtain funding for his next film.

edwood6

LOCATION: 4301 Cahuenga Blvd, Toluca Lake, CA 91602

Ed Wood meets Orson Welles, played by Vincent D’Onofrio, at Musso Frank & Grill in Hollywood.  The restaurant has popped up in numerous films, including “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Blonde” and “Swingers,” as well as the TV shows “Mad Men” and “Bosch.”

edwood7

LOCATION: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

onceuponatimeinhollywood2

The premiere of “Plan 9 from Outer Space” takes place at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.  The famous theater likewise appeared in “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” as well as such films as “The Aviator,” “The Bodyguard,” “Species,” “Batman Forever” and many more.  Only the exterior of the Pantages was used.  The interiors were filmed at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles (842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014).

LOCATION: 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Related articles: Frankenweenie (1984), Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), Big Fish (2003), Big Eyes (2014), Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children (2016)