Retracing the Steps of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

Jared CowanFilm

Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-weeVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-weeVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be goodVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. BIKE RACE — DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE). PEE-WEE HERMAN is dreaming about winning the Tour de France. Dressed in his suit and bow tieVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. BIKE RACE — DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE). PEE-WEE HERMAN is dreaming about winning the Tour de France. Dressed in his suit and bow tieVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. BIKE RACE — DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE). PEE-WEE HERMAN is dreaming about winning the Tour de France. Dressed in his suit and bow tieVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”a pack of Italians attempts to box Pee-wee in. He stands on his pedalsVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”a pack of Italians attempts to box Pee-wee in. He stands on his pedalsVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”a pack of Italians attempts to box Pee-wee in. He stands on his pedalsVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”torn from his bike and carried on the shoulders of fans over to the Winner's Circle.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Looking west along the main entrance of King Gillette RanchVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”As the photographers close inVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” says Snyder. “There was a saying coined by Tom RoysdenVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”it ain’t right.'”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”From The Nightmare Before Christmas to Sleepy HollowVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”twisted trees are a visual elements that often pops up in the Tim Burton universeVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”twisted trees are a visual elements that often pops up in the Tim Burton universeVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”he goes around to the side of the house.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”“Tim was a very good illustrator and sketch artistVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”a nose and a mouth.”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”FRANCISVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”rich kid from the neighborhoodVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”rich kid from the neighborhoodVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”middle-American neighborhood because “the architecture and landscapingVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”is devoid of palm treesVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Los Angeles and Hollywood.”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee turns sideways and squeezes into the garage. He walks back outVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee turns sideways and squeezes into the garage. He walks back outVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”the Warner Bros. Studio Property Department and various collectible/vintage stores on Melrose Avenue.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”The storybookVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”much to the chagrin of the homeowner – a Chinese woman who barely spoke English. “When we went in to do the house and painted it redVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”laughing.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Based on Burton’s drawingsVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”really wantedVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” Snyder says of Pee-wee’s pad in South Pasadena.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee takes a joyride on his bike through North Hollywood ParkVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee takes a joyride on his bike through North Hollywood ParkVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Snyder says.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Two locations make up the street where Pee-wee does his bike trickVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Two locations make up the street where Pee-wee does his bike trickVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”just down the block from his house.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Spotting a group of kids at a cornerVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”the bike hits a patch of loose gravel and slides out from under himVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”the bike hits a patch of loose gravel and slides out from under himVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”the bike hits a patch of loose gravel and slides out from under himVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Corey EubanksVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Corey EubanksVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”right near his own house.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee does some shopping at the Santa Monica MallVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee does some shopping at the Santa Monica MallVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”’” Snyder says.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. MARIO’S MAGIC SHOP — DAY. Pee-wee pedals up in front and dismounts next to a clown. He opens up the bike’s tool kit and begins pulling out yard after yard of heavy metal chain and several locksVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. MARIO’S MAGIC SHOP — DAY. Pee-wee pedals up in front and dismounts next to a clown. He opens up the bike’s tool kit and begins pulling out yard after yard of heavy metal chain and several locksVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” Snyder says of what is now the Third Street Promenade. “It’s very unusual to get an entire commercial neighborhood that’s not on the backlot. Then you can build inside the structure that’s existing and look out the windows and see the traffic and see everything that goes on.”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee at the Santa Monica Mall going into Mario’s Magic ShopVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Over time all of the leases in the mall had been terminated. “Because they were going to develop itVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” Snyder says. “By the time we got thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” Snyder says. “By the time we got thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee enters the shop. Snyder tells the Weekly that the use of colorful geometric shapes on some of the film’s sets was a nod to Memphis-style designVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee enters the shop. Snyder tells the Weekly that the use of colorful geometric shapes on some of the film’s sets was a nod to Memphis-style designVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”the bike shopVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because they were going to turn it into what it’s become today. That was just a lucky breakVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because they were going to turn it into what it’s become today. That was just a lucky breakVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee is seated across from an attractive black policewomanVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”who is reading Pee-wee’s theft report. “It was either the estimating or the accounting departmentVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”laughingVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”laughingVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”bangs furiously and pushes the doorbell repeatedly.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”“We shot the interior thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”“except I built the entire second floor with the swimming pool on a stage.”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Four members of a YOUTH GANG get up from a tenement stoop and block Pee-wee’s path. Pee-wee stops as the thugs face him off.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”The alleyway where Pee-wee has his run-in with the street thugs and finds Madam Ruby’s fortune teller shop is located off of Hennesy Street on the Warner Bros. backlot.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. MADAM RUBY’S HOUSE — NIGHT. Pee-wee is standing in the downpourVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. MADAM RUBY’S HOUSE — NIGHT. Pee-wee is standing in the downpourVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”whenever I canVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” Snyder says of his approach to designing interior setsVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”which he built inside this storefront on the Warner Bros. backlot. “You had to see out the window when it says Al & Moe’s garageVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”which he built inside this storefront on the Warner Bros. backlot. “You had to see out the window when it says Al & Moe’s garageVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”puts it on and windmills his arm. No one stops.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee gets picked up at approximately 23925 The Old Road in Newhall by MickeyVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”” Snyder explains. Much of Pee-wee’s drive with Mickey was shot along Sierra Highway.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee waves weakly as Large Marge sounds her spooky AIRHORN and disappears back into the fog.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Pee-wee is dropped off by ghost truck driver Large Marge at the Cabazon DinosaursVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”about 16 miles west of Palm Springs. TodayVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”about 16 miles west of Palm Springs. TodayVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”owner of the Wheel InnVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”owner of the Wheel InnVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”located at 50900 Seminole Drive in CabazonVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”located at 50900 Seminole Drive in CabazonVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”located at 50900 Seminole Drive in CabazonVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”and plenty of parking for 18-wheelers.”Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”INT. TRUCK STOP — LATER. Pee-wee is eating. Every trucker in the place is giving him the evil eye. A pretty waitressVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”comes over and puts the check on the table. (Pictured: Diane Salinger as Simone and Simmy Bow as Man in Diner at the Wheel Inn restaurant in Cabazon)Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”As though the owners left in a hurryVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”platesVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”platesVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”cement statue of a Tyrannosaurus. Simone leads Pee-wee over to a door in the tail.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Mr. Rex at the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Strangely enoughVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Knott's Berry Farm sculptor and the original owner and builder of the dinosaursVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”Knott's Berry Farm sculptor and the original owner and builder of the dinosaursVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”dreamily watching the sunrise through the statue’s glass bubble eyes.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”The actual mouth of Cabzon’s T-Rex can barely fit one person. “ObviouslyVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because at the actual location it’s still the criss-cross I-beams and you’d never be able to get a shot in thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because at the actual location it’s still the criss-cross I-beams and you’d never be able to get a shot in thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because at the actual location it’s still the criss-cross I-beams and you’d never be able to get a shot in thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because at the actual location it’s still the criss-cross I-beams and you’d never be able to get a shot in thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because at the actual location it’s still the criss-cross I-beams and you’d never be able to get a shot in thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because at the actual location it’s still the criss-cross I-beams and you’d never be able to get a shot in thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”because at the actual location it’s still the criss-cross I-beams and you’d never be able to get a shot in thereVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”AndyVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”continues his pursuit of Pee-wee about 150 miles west in an Oxnard field located near the intersection of West Hueneme Road and Perkins Road.Vintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”EXT. TRAIN TRACKS — DAY. A TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS. With Andy hot on his heelsVintage Pee-wee Herman action figure visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. “When I worked on Pee-wee, and I’ve done 40, 45 movies … I knew from day one that that movie was going to be good,” says Pee-wee’s Big Adventure production designer David L. Snyder. “We were a very low-budget movie at $7 million and they [Warner Bros.] were shooting The Goonies at the same time,” Snyder adds. “We were pretty much under the radar to do what we wanted to do. … Everybody had fun on that movie. … We laughed all the time.”

On July 26, 1985, actor and comedian Paul Reubens made a splash in movie theaters when he brought his childlike, red bowtie–wearing character Pee-wee Herman to the big screen in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Reubens and director Tim Burton – at the time a relatively unknown, 26-year-old filmmaker stepping into his feature debut – would take us on one of the wildest cross-country road trips ever put on film, and they did it by barely leaving Southern California. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, L.A. Weekly recently spoke with the film’s production designer, David L. Snyder, and retraced Pee-wee’s steps to just about all of the film’s locations as he stopped at nothing to reclaim his favorite thing in the whole world – his bike.

All script excerpts from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure by Paul Reubens, Phil Hartman and Michael Varhol. Special thanks to Warner Bros. Studios and the Writers Guild Foundation Shavelson-Webb Library. Please keep in mind that some of these locations are on private property. Do not trespass or disturb the owners (or you might just get picked up by Large Marge). All photos by Jared Cowan. Follow him on Twitter at @JaredCowan1.