Today marks the 50th (!) anniversary of Earthquake, one of the most successful disaster films of all time. I was only 4-years-old when it came out so I didn’t see it in the theatre but was certainly aware of it and remember hearing stories of the sound system causing older theatre decor to fall.
I have been to a few of these locations many years ago, and some more recent. Enjoy!
This is next to Lake Hollywood Park, but this particular spot is now no longer accessible to pedestrians. Neighbors figured out that parking here and walking to the Hollywood sign was too easy so now it is blocked off for any walkers. Shame on them!
Charlton Heston’s house is nearby at 2751 Lake Hollywood Drive. The house has been heavily renovated since filming, but there is still a great look down the street at the Hollywood sign.
This corner is at Deep Dell and Holly Drive just south of the Hollywood Reservoir.
Speaking of… I’ve been to the Hollywood Reservoir many times. For this area, the best place to park is at 6454 Weidlake Drive. For Halloween fans, the Smith’s Grove gate was at the north end of the reservoir.
I’ve only been to a few spots in the police chase scene as it was mostly shot in the place I like to visit least… Hollywood. The chase begins on Vine Street going towards Yucca Street.
They pass by this house at 7529 Franklin Avenue. This home has been seen in several films including Rebel Without A Cause, Secret Admirer, and Teenagers From Outer Space..
They end up on the Universal Studio’s backlot in front of this structure on Colonial Street which is now long gone.
The exterior for the seismological institute was a bit trickier to locate but I found it at 295 N San Rafael Avenue in Pasadena.
Corry bikes by this this Department of Water & Power structure at 5740 Whitnall Highway in North Hollywood.
This appears to be what is no a dog park at 5753 Whitnall Highway.
This was shot at the South Wedding Park at 10600 Valleyheart Drive in Studio City.
Back to the reservoir…
Unfortunately the store was closed during my visit but it was located at 5911 Franklin Avenue.
More action at the reservoir…
And back to the park…
Jody’s home is the “Charmed” house at1329 Carroll Avenue. I haven’t take screen-specific shots for this one yet.
Final shots at the park….
This trail is near Laurelgrove Avenue and Ventura Court.
The main house in this scene is at 3832 Alta Mesa Drive in Studio City, but is best viewed from below; I recommend parking lot at 3960 Avenida Del Sol. Of course, they quickly switch to miniature houses and some stunt sets at Universal once the earthquake hits.
Back at the reservoir…
A quick shot at LAX.
And the final time at the reservoir…
A lot of the post-earthquake scenes were shot at the Universal backlot. Most of these areas were destroyed in a fire, but I found a few spots looking at my old photos and videos.
The final scenes took place at 3701 Wilshire Boulevard, but a lot was added using matte shots.
