Kyle MacLachlan

Showgirls (1995)

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Paul Verhoeven’s infamous 1995 film “Showgirls” was of course filmed primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The city is constantly changing and many of the skylines and buildings are quite different than they appeared back in the 1990s.  Here we’ve highlighted a few spots still bearing some resemblance.

The topless club where Nomi, played by Elizabeth Berkley, first starts dancing is Cheetahs, a real club which still remains in business.

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LOCATION: 2112 Western Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102

After getting into an argument with James, played by Glenn Plummer, Nomi sits on a bench in front of the Luxor Hotel & Casino.

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LOCATION: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Near the end of the film, Nomi is hitchhiking along the I-15 freeway in the southbound lane with the Luxor and Excalibur seen in the distance.  It’s difficult to replicate this location.  Besides of course being on a busy freeway, the skyline has changed a lot, with Mandalay Bay Rd now an overpass above the freeway, partially blocking the skyline.  This is actually a view from Dean Martin Dr, which runs parallel with the freeway.  A stadium is currently being constructed in this area, so it will inevitably change even more in the time to come.

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LOCATION: I-15, Las Vegas, NV 89118 (this photo is taken from Dean Martin Dr, next to the southbound lane of the freeway, near Connector Rd)

In front of the Vista Theater, you’d find these hand prints and signatures from Rena Riffel, Lin Tucci and Patrick Bristow.

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LOCATION: Vista Theater, 4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Related articles: Basic Instinct (1992)

The Flintstones (1994)

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The 1994 live action adaptation of “The Flintstones” was filmed in California and Utah. Early in the film, Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble, played by John Goodman and Rick Moranis, are seen driving through the Bronson Cave, which can be found in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California.  A very popular hiking spot, to reach it, simply take the Bronson Cave Trail for about a quarter of a mile and the caves are on the left.  Although the walk is uphill, it’s so short that anyone without medical issues should be able to handle it with ease.  The cave is a bit larger than it appears here.  Those who walk through it will also be treated to a nice view of the Hollywood sign on the other side. The cave has been featured in countless productions, most famously as the “Bat Cave” in the 1966 “Batman” TV series.

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LOCATION: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (the trailhead can be found at 2950 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068)

Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce, California are featured prominently in the film as the town of Bedrock.  Fred Flintstone’s house is featured as a set directly in front of the rocks. Countless films have also shot scenes at Vasquez Rocks, including “Dante’s Peak,” “Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back,” “Jingle All The Way,” “Hail, Caesar!,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Paul,” “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “Hell Comes to Frogtown” and dozens more.  Television shows which featured Vasquez Rocks in episodes include “The Fugutive,” “The A-Team,” “MacGuyver” and perhaps most famous of all, the original “Star Trek” series, where the rocks were seen in numerous episodes, serving as multiple different planets.  The rocks have also been seen in music videos for Michael Jackson, 311 and many more, as well as countless commercials. The rocks are part of a Natural Area Park and open to the public from sunrise to sunset.  They receive a steady amount of visitors, many of whom attempt to climb the steep rocks, which are larger than they might appear in the photograph.

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LOCATION: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350

Fred Flintstone’s car from the film could be seen on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour.

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

Barney Rubble’s car was also on display on the tour.