James Spader

Secretary (2002)

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The 2002 Steven Shainberg film “Secretary” was shot in Southern California. The home of Lee Holloway, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, can be found in the Windsor Hills neighborhood. The same home appears in the film “Lords Of Dogtown.”

LOCATION: 4004 Kenway Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90008

E. Edward Grey, played by James Spader, works as an attorney in this building, where Lee Holloway becomes his secretary. The exterior scenes were filmed at the Huron Substation. The building was originally constructed for the purpose of converting electricity to power trolleys for the Yellow Car railway system, but was eventually sold off and operated as an event and filming venue. The same building appears in numerous films, including “The Fast And The Furious,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “Date Night,” “Catwoman,” “Must Love Dogs” and “Malibu’s Most Wanted,” as well as the TV shows “NCIS: New Orleans,” “True Blood,” “Heroes,” “Dollhouse” and “Major Crimes.” It has also appeared in such music videos as Jonas Brothers – Kids of the Future and Josh Groban – February Song.

LOCATION: 2640 Huron St, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Lee goes to a photo shop and gets a picture of herself made for Mr. Grey. Formerly known as The Darkroom, the storefront is currently vacant with rumors of possible redevelopment. The same location also appeared in the film “The Big Picture” and can briefly be seen in “Falling Down.”

LOCATION: 5370 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Mr. Grey’s house can be found in the Sierra Vista neighborhood of East L.A.

LOCATION: 4333 Berkshire Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032

2 Days In The Valley (1996)

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The 1996 film “2 Days in the Valley” tells the story of the lives of several characters intersecting, as the title suggests, over two days in the San Fernando Valley.  The wealthy art dealer Allan Hopper, played by Greg Crutwell, becomes sick in the streets next to a night club.  This scene was shot in Sherman Oaks.

LOCATION: 13615 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Here is the view across the street where Allan’s car was parked.

LOCATION: 13616 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Two detectives, played by Jeff Daniels and Eric Stoltz, stake out a massage parlor.  Wes Taylor, played by Stoltz, questions whether the stakeout is a suitable use of their time, while Alvin Strayer, played by Daniels, insists it is important.

LOCATION: 6343 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91606

The two conduct their stakeout from a convenience store across the street.

LOCATION: 6364 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Dosmo Pizzo, played by Danny Aiello, seeks refuge at the home of Allan Hooper.  The home, which sits on a hillside in Studio City, is not visible from the road.  Here is a glimpse of the entrance.

LOCATION: 3354 Wrightwood Dr, Studio City, CA 91604

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the fight between Becky Foxx, played by Teri Hatcher and Helga Svelgen, played the Charlize Theron.  These scenes were filmed at the St. George Motor Inn in Tarzana.  The exteriors are seen briefly, but most of the scene takes place inside one of the rooms.

LOCATION: 19454 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356

Jeff Daniels’ character becomes irate when a golf ball breaks the front window of his home.  The house can be found in Studio City.

LOCATION: 4155 Bellaire Ave, Studio City, CA 91604

It really is located right across the street from a golf course, just as depicted in the film.

Pretty In Pink (1986)

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In the 1986, John Hughes penned “Pretty In Pink,” Andie, played by Molly Ringwald, lives on the wrong side of the tracks at this house.  While the film is set in a Chicago suburb, the house can actually be found in South Pasadena, California.  It really is located near train tracks as well.

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LOCATION: 1010 Hope St, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Steff, played by James Spader, throws a party at this Los Angeles house.  The same house can be seen in the TV series “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” serving as Dennis and Dee’s mom’s house.

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LOCATION: 366 S June St., Los Angeles, CA 90020

The Trax record store where Andie works can be found in Santa Monica.  It’s part of the 3rd Street Promenade, an pedestrian shopping mall best accessed on foot.

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LOCATION: 1460 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The “Meadowbrook High School” seen in the film is a composite of two schools.  The exteriors were filmed at John Marshall High School.  A regular location in film and television, it has also appeared in such movies as “Rebel Without A Cause,” “A Nightmare On Elm Street,” “Can’t Hardly Wait,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Bachelor Party,” “Grosse Pointe Blank,” “Grease” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” as well as such TV shows as “Boy Meets World,” “Boston Public” and many more.  It was even used in the Van Halen music video for “Hot For Teacher.”

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LOCATION: 3939 Tracy St, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The interiors were filmed over at John Burroughs Middle School.  This is another film staple, having appeared in such movies as “Teen Wolf,” “Never Been Kissed,” “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” “What Dreams May Come” and many more.

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LOCATION: 600 S McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90005

The senior prom scenes were filmed inside the Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The hotel has appeared in dozens of productions, with this particular ballroom appearing in such films as “True Lies,” “Rocky III,” “The Bodyguard,” “Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion,” “The Fabulous Baker Boys” and more. It has also appeared in such TV shows as “True Blood,” “Bridgerton” and more.

LOCATION: 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Related articles: Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)