Where was Back to School filmed?
1986
City Locations
Madison (USA), Westwood (USA), Hollywood (USA), Culver City (USA), Los Angeles (USA)
Location Types
University, House, Film Studio
Location Styles
School, Mid-Century Modern
About Back to School
Back to School is a classic comedy featuring Rodney Dangerfield's iconic brand of humor. In the film, Dangerfield stars as wealthy but uneducated Thornton Melon, a father determined to show solidarity with his discouraged son Jason (Keith Gordon) by enrolling in college and setting an example of hard work and determination. Through his college experiences, Thornton discovers that you can't buy an education or happiness and that true success comes from within.
Alongside Dangerfield, the film stars an impressive cast of performers, including Burt Young, Sally Kellerman, Robert Downey Jr., Terry Farrell, Ned Beatty, Sam Kinison, and Paxton Whitehead. Kurt Vonnegut also makes a cameo as himself, as does the band Oingo Boingo, led by composer Danny Elfman.
Back to School was directed by Alan Metter and executive produced by Estelle Endler, Dangerfield's long-time manager, who sadly passed away during production. The film is dedicated to her memory, as seen in the end credits.
Back to School, released in 1986, ranked as the 6th highest-grossing film of that year. It claimed the title of the second highest-grossing comedy film, falling just behind Crocodile Dundee. Global records indicate that the film grossed a whopping $108,634,920, including rental and theatrical revenue.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Back to School holds a favorable rating of 87% based on 38 reviews, with an average score of 6.90 out of 10. The site's consensus states that the film provides ample room for Rodney Dangerfield to showcase his comedic talent while presenting an engaging storyline to keep audiences entertained amidst the punchlines.
Back to School Locations
The comedy classic Back to School was filmed in various locations to create a visually appealing backdrop for the story. The majority of the scenes were shot at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which was referred to as Grand Lakes University. Although set in Wisconsin, certain movie scenes were filmed at the now-demolished Industry Hills Aquatic Club in the City of Industry, California. The University of Wisconsin–Madison provided a memorable backdrop for the film with its stunning architecture and picturesque campus setting. It is surrounded by many landmarks of interest, such as the Memorial Union Terrace, the Wisconsin State Capitol, and the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. The movie captured the beauty of swimming and diving with scenes filmed at the enchanting Industry Hills Aquatic Club. Its stunning setting provided the perfect backdrop for these captivating moments. The facility boasted an Olympic-sized pool with an impressive water slide and diving board.
A trip to both locations could be a worthwhile experience for Back to School fans. At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, visitors can take a guided tour of the university and explore its many attractions. The University's Memorial Union Terrace is the perfect place to relax and take in the majestic views of Lake Mendota and the surrounding city. The Industry Hills Aquatic Club may no longer exist, but visitors to the City of Industry can still explore the area and get a sense of what it looked like in the movie.
Fun Fact
A unique fact about the movie that few know is that the iconic swimming pool scene was filmed in a public pool. The producers struggled to find a suitable location for the scene but finally settled on a public pool, and got permission from the city of Los Angeles to use it.
Thornton's house scene in Back to School
9933 Shangri la Dr, Beverly Hills, CA
Young Thornton Melon (Jason Hervey), the descendant of Italian immigrants, arrives at his father's tailor shop after a day at school, carrying a report card with unsatisfactory grades. Although Thornton aspires to follow in his father's footsteps, his strict father cautions him, saying, "Without an education, a man has nothing."
Famous for its extravagant estates, luxurious lifestyle, and glamorous residents, Beverly Hills undoubtedly has a reputation for being the quintessential celebrity playground. And Shangri La Drive, nestled in the heart of this coveted city, represents the epitome of this opulent lifestyle. This exclusive street boasts some of the most magnificent and impressive mansions in the Beverly Hills neighborhood, each adorned with architectural details and lush gardens that make them almost surreal.
If you are driving, you can use GPS or a navigation app to input the address: 9933 Shangri la Dr, Beverly Hills, CA. This will provide the most accurate and up-to-date directions based on current road conditions. If you prefer public transportation, you can use the bus to reach Shangri la Dr. Check the local public transit options in Los Angeles, CA, for buses that serve the Beverly Crest area.
In the sorority scene in Back to School
The Row House - USC, 630 W 28th St, Los Angeles, CA
Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) initially stumbles upon a sorority house. This happens when Thornton looks for his son Jason's (Keith Gordon) dorm room and accidentally walks into the sorority house instead.
The Row House - USC, located in Los Angeles, is a collection of apartments near the University of Southern California (USC). Situated on Fraternity Row (28th Street), these apartments offer convenient proximity to chapter houses for meals and meetings. The Row House - USC provides exceptional luxury apartment living for USC students. Managed by a family, The Row House - USC aims to create a comfortable and supportive environment for residents. The apartments are meticulously designed to promote academic success and offer a convenient location within walking distance of the USC campus.
To get here, navigate towards the West Adams neighborhood once you reach Los Angeles.
Thornton decides to enroll in college scene in Back to School
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
While on campus, Thornton (Rodney Dangerfield) discovers that Jason's (Keith Gordon) cold behavior towards him stems from being a dissatisfied C-student who plans to quit college. Rather than being a member, Jason takes on the role of a towel boy for the diving team. This decision exposes him to rejection from fraternities and harassment from Chas Osborne (William Zabka), a competitive diver and jock. In this challenging situation, Jason lacks companionship, except for his roommate, Derek Lutz (Robert Downey Jr.). Thornton decides to enroll in college alongside him to inspire Jason to persevere.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a prestigious research institution in Madison, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1848, making it the first public university in the state and the oldest and largest public university in Wisconsin. With its rich history and commitment to excellence, UW-Madison offers exceptional educational opportunities across various disciplines.
If you're driving, there are multiple parking options available on campus. Alternatively, if you prefer public transportation, the Madison Metro Transit system has numerous bus routes that stop at or near the university. Madison has an extensive network of bike lanes and routes for those looking for exercise, making it simple to cycle to campus.
In the lecture scene in Back to School
California State University, 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Thornton (Rodney Dangerfield) is taken aback when Dr. Diane Turner (Sally Kellerman) gives his paper a failing grade, clearly recognizing it as not his work. This causes Diane to lose faith in him due to his careless attitude. Meanwhile, Jason (Keith Gordon) is also disappointed with Thornton for undermining the value of education, incorrectly assuming that Thornton bribed the diving coach to secure his spot on the team.
California State University (CSU) is a renowned public university system in California known for its commitment to diversity and academic excellence. With campuses throughout the state, CSU offers various programs and degree options to students from multiple backgrounds. One of the notable campuses within the CSU system is Cal State LA, located in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, providing quality education to its students while emphasizing community involvement.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Metro Gold Line to reach the area near 5151 State University Dr. Get off at Indiana Station, the closest station to the address. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi or rideshare trip to your destination.
The diving competition scene in Back to School
Industry Hills Pkwy, City of Industry, CA
During the championship dive meet held later that day, Thornton (Rodney Dangerfield) and Jason (Keith Gordon) mend their relationship as Grand Lakes University starts to dominate. In an act of revenge towards Jason for his success and relationship with Valerie (Terry Farrell), Chas (William Zabka) pretends to suffer from a cramp in hopes of sabotaging the team's chances. However, recognizing the urgent need for a substitute, the coach recruits Thornton. With his remarkable skills, Thornton executes the renowned "Triple Lindy" dive, ultimately securing victory for the team.
The bustling City of Industry has many iconic landmarks and natural wonders. One such route is the Industry Hills Parkway, an essential roadway that leads drivers to some of the most beautiful regions in the area. This parkway also presents an enticing opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore the outdoors and take in the stunning scenery of the San Gabriel Mountains. Alongside picturesque vistas, the surrounding region has many other attractions, such as golf courses, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.
If you're looking for a way to get to Industry Hills Parkway in the City of Industry, there are a few options that you can consider. One way is to take the 60 Freeway and exit at Azusa Avenue. From there, you can head south until you reach Gale Avenue, where you should turn left. Continue driving on Gale Avenue until you reach Industry Hills Parkway, where you can turn right and reach your destination.
Conclusion
Back to School is a delightful comedy that revolves around an overbearing yet endearing father's efforts to assist his son in his college journey. The film was shot at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Industry Hills Aquatic Club in the City of Industry, California, both of which provide a unique backdrop that enhances the comedic essence of the story. The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a vibrant academic environment, embodying the essence of college life. On the other hand, the Industry Hills Aquatic Club provides a thrilling backdrop for the diving scenes, adding an element of fun and excitement to the setting. The movie exemplifies the harmonious fusion of diverse locations, creating a delightful and captivating cinematic masterpiece. The contrasting settings effortlessly juxtapose the serious academic ambiance of college life with the carefree and lively backdrop of recreational activities. This combination flawlessly contributes to an immensely entertaining and pleasurable cinematic experience, enthralling the audience.