Where Did They Film Gremlins? Uncovering the Locations of This Cult Classic
Hello, movie buffs! Today, we're diving into the world of everyone's favorite mischievous creatures to answer the question: where did they film Gremlins? So, grab your mogwai care manual and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and where did they film gremlins.
The Enchanting Town of Kingston, Pennsylvania
The story of Gremlins begins in the quaint, snow-covered town of Kingston, Pennsylvania. Now, you might be thinking, "Kingston? Really?" But yes, indeed! The charming town served as the perfect backdrop for the film's idyllic small-town setting.
Fun fact alert! Kingston was actually the hometown of the film's director, Joe Dante. Talk about a local boy making good!
The Clothes Bin
One of the most iconic scenes in the film takes place at the Clothes Bin, where our hero, Billy Peltzer, works. The exterior shots of the Clothes Bin were filmed at a real-life thrift store in Kingston, called the "Second Hand Rose Shop." Unfortunately, the store has since closed, but its legacy lives on in the world of Gremlins.
Kate's Diner
Another notable location in Kingston is Kate's Diner, where Billy and his girlfriend, Kate, share a memorable meal (and a gremlin-related mishap). The diner was actually a set built for the film, but it was constructed to look like a real-life 1950s diner. The set was later dismantled, but the spirit of Kate's Diner lives on in our hearts (and our stomachs).
The Mysterious Gremlin Laboratory
Now, let's talk about the film's more mysterious location: the gremlin laboratory. This eerie, abandoned facility is where the gremlins' creator, Dr. Catheter, conducts his experiments. The exterior shots of the laboratory were filmed at the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Dallas, a real-life prison located in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
Trivia time! The prison has also been used as a filming location for other movies, such as The Silence of the Lambs and 12 Monkeys. Talk about a spooky filming hotspot!
The Big Apple: New York City
As the gremlins wreak havoc, the action moves from the cozy town of Kingston to the bustling streets of New York City. The city that never sleeps provides the perfect backdrop for the gremlins' chaotic rampage.
The Marriott Marquis
One of the most memorable NYC locations in the film is the Marriott Marquis. This iconic hotel served as the setting for a particularly chaotic gremlin scene. The hotel's grand lobby was filled with gremlins, causing destruction and mayhem (and providing some hilarious moments for viewers).
The Gremlin Theater Takeover
Another NYC location that gets a gremlin makeover is the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. In the film, the gremlins take over the theater, causing a power outage and turning the stage into their own personal playground. The theater, which is located on West 46th Street, has hosted many Broadway shows over the years, but none quite as rowdy as the gremlins' performance.
The Final Showdown: A Mall in the Middle of Nowhere
The film's climactic showdown takes place in a mall, but not just any mall. The exterior shots of the mall were filmed at the Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The interior shots, however, were filmed on a soundstage, as the filmmakers wanted more control over the environment.
Behind the scenes tidbit! The mall's food court was actually built specifically for the film. After filming wrapped, the set was dismantled, and the food court was never built. Talk about a missed opportunity for some gremlin-themed snacks!
Where to Watch Gremlins Today
Now that you know where they filmed Gremlins, you might be wondering where you can watch the film today. Gremlins is available to stream on HBO Max, as well as on demand from various cable providers. You can also purchase the film on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and other digital platforms.
And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to the filming locations of the beloved cult classic, Gremlins. So next time you're watching the film, you can point out the real-life locations and impress your friends with your movie knowledge. Just remember: no bright lights, no water, and no feeding them after midnight. Happy watching!