These Classic Cult Movies Were Filmed in L.A.’s Backyard

Jared CowanFilm

“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Beach Blanket Bingo“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”was filmed at locations around Malibu“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”was filmed at locations around Malibu“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”drops them“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”flings open the trunk“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”slams the trunk shut“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”starts the engine and backs up just as Judy and Doralee come running outside looking for her. –From Nine to Five by Colin Higgins & Patricia Resnick“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”The hospital where the big boss“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”is taken in Nine to Five is located at 801 S. Chevy Chase Drive in Glendale.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”INT. LOBBY/SEBASTIAN’S – NIGHT – Deckard steps cautiously into the gloom and looks around. The shadowy areas look dangerous. The place looks vacant. Deckard pulls his blaster out. –From Blade Runner by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”The Bradbury Building“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”opened in 1893.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”INT. SEBASTIAN’S LOBBY – NIGHT – Stacks of gaudy balconies loom into the shadows above. Overhead lights reveal a shark-like blimp cruising above the building glowing with advertisements. –From Blade Runner by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”The glass roof atrium of the Bradbury Building“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Downtown L.A.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”LIQUOR STORE. EXTERIOR. NIGHT – Duke and Debbi are sitting in a car. She snorts something from a vial. Duke looks sick. Car headlights wash over them. –From Repo Man by Alex Cox“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“We went to the Valley for a few things“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”writer/director of Repo Man“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 7137 Lindley Ave. in Reseda“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Cox recalls“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”we were trying to consolidate all the locations that day in one area so not to have to make a company move.” Otto“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”also lived in the Valley.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”LIQUOR STORE. EXTERIOR. NIGHT – Duke and Debbi pull their guns. Bud draws his automatic. The supermarket guard sees only Bud’s gun. He whips out his enormous piece. –From Repo Man by Alex Cox“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“I don’t think anybody had done that before“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”” says Cox of the Mexican standoff“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Repo Man. “After Repo Man I saw it in some Hong Kong movies“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”but I don’t recall a film which had it prior.”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. VIDEO ARCADE – NIGHT as the van pulls up in front of it“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. VIDEO ARCADE – NIGHT as the van pulls up in front of it“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”” says TRON’s writer/diretor“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”which opened in 1925 and is located at 9543 Culver Blvd.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”one of the things I really liked about it was that it reminded me of the animation studio that we had [Lisberger Studios] back in Boston. It’s kind of an unusual building for L.A.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”and it felt familiar.”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. MUSHNIK’S FULL SHOT – MUSHNIK’S POV – DAY – There is a crowd standing in front of the window. Mushnik enters and stares in amazement at them. –From The Little Shop of Horrors by Charles B. Griffith“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Roger Corman’s The Little Shop of Horrors takes place along L.A.’s skid row“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Roger Corman’s The Little Shop of Horrors takes place along L.A.’s skid row“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”wearing a KHAKI BUSH JACKET over his pajamas“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”wearing a KHAKI BUSH JACKET over his pajamas“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Downey“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”INT. HALLWAY – DAY – Winslow joins the crowd of girls and shoves his way inside. Most of the line (including Winslow) is detained in a huge marble entrance hall. Phoenix and one or two other girls go with the Guard. Winslow catches a glimpse of Philbin in the outer office beckoning to Phoenix. From Phantom of the Paradise By Brian DePalma“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Most of Brian DePalma’s cult classic rock musical“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”was shot in Dallas“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”but the home of record producer“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”is the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. 905 Loma Vista Dr.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”is the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. 905 Loma Vista Dr.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”a cop car turns the corner. A young rookie jumps out of the car; his name is REYNOLDS. –From Blacula by Joan E. Torres and Raymond Koenig“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Tina’s building from Blacula is located at the intersection of Wilcox and Yucca in Hollywood. Pla-Boy Liquor is also seen in the film.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”NARRATOR: The world is shocked by a person who changed his sex. Glenda is shocked also“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Jr.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Shots of Wood“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”were done just down the block from Quality Studios“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”where Wood later shot Plan 9 From Outer Space.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. POLICE CAR – MEDIUM SHOT – NIGHT – From the front looking back. Kelton drops his cigarette and crushes it beneath his feet. The hulking figure of Clay comes in behind him from behind the car. He moves steadily up behind Kelton. Kelton is unsuspecting. Suddenly“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”he roars – Kelton swings around – the monster’s hands come down on both his shoulders. Kelton sinks to the ground. -From Plan 9 From Outer Space by Edward D. Wood“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”he roars – Kelton swings around – the monster’s hands come down on both his shoulders. Kelton sinks to the ground. -From Plan 9 From Outer Space by Edward D. Wood“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”where Ed Wood shot Plan 9 From Outer Space. Jason Insalaco“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Paul Marco“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Kelton the Cop. Insalaco says of his tour of the building“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”and a vibe that’s difficult to articulate“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”and a vibe that’s difficult to articulate“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”bands and artists such as Guns N’ Roses“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”and the Doors“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”where Ed Wood shot his cult classic“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”there were some extremely colorful people in the rehearsal space“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”” says Insalaco.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”8. EXT. ENGLISH CASTLE – The band members have been assembled for an interview session at Nigel’s castle in Scotland“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Michael McKean“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Michael McKean“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”production did not leave the L.A. area. The location where the band talks about the bizarre deaths of their previous drummers is the Hollywood Castle.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”He grabs Stanley by the arm and takes him to a nearby conveniently-located helicopter“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”He grabs Stanley by the arm and takes him to a nearby conveniently-located helicopter“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 32500 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 32500 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 32500 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 5600 Vineland Ave.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 5600 Vineland Ave.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”sees Jack getting out of the cab“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”hugging the files to his chest“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”hugging the files to his chest“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 425 W. 8th St.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 425 W. 8th St.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 425 W. 8th St.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”It’s Alive“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 501 N. Van Ness Ave.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”located at 501 N. Van Ness Ave.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”he goes around to the side of the house. -From Pee-wee’s Big Adventure by Paul Reubens & Phil Hartman and Michael Varhol“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Pee-wee’s house from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure is located in South Pasadena.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. CLUTTERBUCK HOUSE – NIGHT – Many parked cars. Bakshi drives up“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”spies a very narrow area between a NEW CADILLAC and a LINCOLN. He turns the Morgan around and gently backs it in between the two big cars. Too far. The Morgan is stuck. Bakshi cannot get out either door. From The Party by Blake Edwards“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”spies a very narrow area between a NEW CADILLAC and a LINCOLN. He turns the Morgan around and gently backs it in between the two big cars. Too far. The Morgan is stuck. Bakshi cannot get out either door. From The Party by Blake Edwards“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”starring Peter Sellers“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”starring Peter Sellers“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”SUMMER – The screen is filled with two words CAR WASH as the camera pans off the sign and slowly begins to travel through a closed Car Wash in downtown Los Angeles. It is a silent moment as the camera moves through the empty“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”SUMMER – The screen is filled with two words CAR WASH as the camera pans off the sign and slowly begins to travel through a closed Car Wash in downtown Los Angeles. It is a silent moment as the camera moves through the empty“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Car Wash“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”it’s a strip mall.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”MONTAGE OF RANDY AND JULIE AT VARIOUS VALLEY LOCATIONS – In this scene“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”running from one spot to the next in anticipation of whatever wonderful moment may come next. They are in love and this sequence shows that clearly. It will be shot in the style reminiscent of those “Broadway-paint the town red” montages of the 30’s and 40’s. –From Valley Girl by Andrew Lane and Wayne Crawford“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Julie Richman’s house from Valley Girl“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”is located in Sherman Oaks.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Uneeda Medical Supply – “You need it… We got it.” –From Return of the Living Dead by Dan O’Bannon“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Uneeda Medical Supplies from Return of the Living Dead is located at 698 Moulton Ave.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Uneeda Medical Supplies from Return of the Living Dead is located at 698 Moulton Ave.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Batmobile shoots out and turns onto highway. –From Batman: The Movie (1966) by Lorenzo Semple“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Batmobile shoots out and turns onto highway. –From Batman: The Movie (1966) by Lorenzo Semple“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Batman“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Batman: The Movie“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Batman: The Movie“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”they discover the edge of a machine. They dig deeper and it turns out to be a 1960 Volkswagen“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”they discover the edge of a machine. They dig deeper and it turns out to be a 1960 Volkswagen“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”they discover the edge of a machine. They dig deeper and it turns out to be a 1960 Volkswagen“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”wearing their costumes from the show. They wear tops“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”but they are so skimpy they may as well be topless. –From Showgirls by Joe Eszterhas“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”What was originally written as a car convention became a boat show in Showgirls. Supposed to be a Las Vegas convention center“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”What was originally written as a car convention became a boat show in Showgirls. Supposed to be a Las Vegas convention center“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”like Showgirls“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”where the new recruits go to sign up for service to fight “the bugs.”“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Johnny puts his hand over Carmen’s. Carl puts his hand out“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”but stops short of adding it to theirs. –From Starship Troopers by Edward Neumeier“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”“I’m king“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”and you’re not – But if you wanna hang with me I’ll give it one shot.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”top that!” –From Teen Witch“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”top that!” –From Teen Witch“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”top that!” –From Teen Witch“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”the horses rear up. The men gain control of the frightened steeds. –From Army of Darkness by Sam Raimi and Ivan Raimi“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce was used as the path that Ash must travel before going into the haunted forest to retrieve the Necronomicon in Army of Darkness.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. MOON – NIGHT – It’s actually a rocky vacant lot in the San Fernando Valley. Steve is the first one down the rocket’s ladder…followed by Blackie…and Butch…and Loonie. All four are wearing tacky space suits“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. MOON – NIGHT – It’s actually a rocky vacant lot in the San Fernando Valley. Steve is the first one down the rocket’s ladder…followed by Blackie…and Butch…and Loonie. All four are wearing tacky space suits“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. MOON – NIGHT – It’s actually a rocky vacant lot in the San Fernando Valley. Steve is the first one down the rocket’s ladder…followed by Blackie…and Butch…and Loonie. All four are wearing tacky space suits“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”she is obviously becoming more self-possessed“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”she is obviously becoming more self-possessed“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”she is obviously becoming more self-possessed“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”everything is fine.” –From Eraserhead by David Lynch“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Much of David Lynch’s nightmarish feature debut“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”was shot at the stables of the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”David Lynch was living in the stables of the Greystone Mansion while making Eraserhead. At the time“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”David Lynch was living in the stables of the Greystone Mansion while making Eraserhead. At the time“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”you no business born“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”you no business born“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Jr. Blvd and S. Hobart Blvd. in Exposition Park.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. A HOUSE ON A HILL – NIGHT – We are looking up at a house. It stands some distance away“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”we know that it is a house of terror – imposing“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”gloomy“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”perhaps – though not a castle – it has the deserted soulless empty quality of Kane’s house when seen first through the gates. –From Clue by Jonathan Lynn“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”Just about all of 1985’s Clue was shot on soundstages. However“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”New England mansion. The actual house that once stood on the property burnt down in 2005.“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”EXT. HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY INN – DAY – We see the Hollywood Holiday Inn sign. PAN to the parking lot where Clarence“Beach Blanket Bingo – That’s the name of the game!”

The great thing about a cult movie is that it can be anything as long as the fans are there. It can be a low-budget horror film, a teen comedy, a nightmarish experimental movie, or even a studio film that found a second life on home video. It can be good, so bad that it’s good, or so bad that it’s bad. If the result is bringing groups of people together, then who cares?

Likewise, filming locations for some of our favorite cult movies vary greatly. Sometimes they’re architectural marvels, and other times they’re just street corners that were good enough… and free. However, in either case, the scenes shot at these places are equally memorable to fans.

So get your friends together at midnight, dress up like your favorite characters, and take your movie obsessions to the streets because here are some of L.A.’s well-known (and unknown) cult movie locations.

Please keep in mind that some of these locations are residences or are on private property. Do not trespass or disturb the owners. Special thanks to the Location Managers Guild of America, AFI’s Louis B. Mayer Library, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’s Margaret Herrick Library for their assistance.  All photos by Jared Cowan. Follow him on Twitter at @JaredCowan1.

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