Father of the Bride, Halloween, Modern Family, and more: On location in Alhambra

This house on Almansor Road was used in three films: Father of the Bride, Thirteen Days, and Guess Who.1This house on Almansor Road was used in three films: Father of the Bride, Thirteen Days, and Guess Who.
January 2, 2013 Alfred Dicioco Reporter 3 Comments

When ABC’s Modern Family filmed on Main Street in November 2012, I started to wonder what other movies or television shows have used Alhambra as a backdrop for their story and whether the city has become a frequent destination for filmmakers.

The Goods was shot at the current location of the BMW Collision Center.

Alhambra’s close proximity to Hollywood, Burbank, and other major studio locations makes it easy for production crews to go back and forth between stage sets and live locations. Also, the diversity of our cityscape can easily transport a story from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown to the quaint and pleasant charm of a Southern home in just a few miles.

The Internet Movie Database lists 53 films and television shows that have used Alhambra as one of their filming locations. The following are just a few:

MOVIES

Halloween (1978) 
Scenes of this movie starring Jamie Lee Curtis were shot at Garfield Elementary School.

Father of the Bride (1991), Thirteen Days (2001), and Guess Who (2005)
All three movies shot scenes at a local house at 500 N. Almansor Rd (main image).

House of Sand and Fog (2003)
Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley star in this drama filmed at Alhambra City Hall.

Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)
Car stunts for this film starring Lindsay Lohan were filmed on Main Street.

Parenthood used Diner on Main as a family restaurant in Berkeley, Calif.

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009)
Jeremy Piven and Ken Jeong star in this comedy shot at the current location of the BMW Collision Center on 3001 Main St.

TELEVISION

Sliders (1995-2000)
This sci-fi show was shot at the former C.F. Braun & Co. campus, now The Alhambra, on Fremont Avenue and Mission Road.

Hell’s Kitchen (2007)
Aspiring chefs on this reality show competed during one of the season's challenges inside the Alhambra High School cafeteria.

Parenthood (2010)
This family drama used Diner on Main as a family restaurant in Berkeley, Calif.

An investigation on NCIS was shot at The Alhambra.

NCIS (2012)
The Alhambra on Fremont Avenue and Mission Road doubled as a criminal investigation scene for this police procedural.

Modern Family (2012)
Blitz Ultra Lounge on Main Street posed as a gay club in Palm Springs.

 

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About the author: Alfred Dicioco
Alfred Dicioco emigrated to the US when he was 15. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Theater. On his free time, he likes to play basketball, try different kinds of food, and watch movies. One day, he hopes to move back to the Philippines and host a morning news show.
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Posted 16 weeks 2 days ago
by got-rice (not verified)

I still think Alhambra plays second fiddle to South Pasadena, at least for Hollywood location scouts. I grew up there in South Pas, but obviously, with its Hollywood desirability and what not, I'm content with living in Alhambra for now.

Posted 18 weeks 2 days ago
by richard severson (not verified)

Alhambra has quite a history for Famous people, Mr. Winchell`s donuts, Oakley sun glasses and so many more

http://www.welovealhambra.com

Posted 19 weeks 4 days ago
by David (not verified)

The map of Alhambra came out in the Show "24" don't remember which episode or season but Alhambra was going to b the location of a nuclear bomb.

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