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Beethoven movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Beethoven filmed?

1992

City Locations

Los Angeles (USA), Monrovia (USA)

Location Types

House, Film Studio

Location Styles

Americana, Dated, Classic Car

About Beethoven

Beethoven is a 1992 American family comedy directed by Brian Levant, starring Bonnie Hunt, Charles Grodin, Oliver Platt, Dean Jones, and Stanley Tucci. It follows the story of the Newton family as they adopt a St. Bernard dog named after the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The film is filled with hijinks and comedic mishaps as the mischievous pup causes chaos throughout the household.

The patriarch George (Grodin) finds himself at odds with Beethoven, leading to an entertaining battle of wills between man and animal. Meanwhile, his wife Alice (Hunt) tries to keep them both in check while their children, Ryce (Nicholle Tom), Ted (Christopher Castile), and Emily (Sarah Rose Karr), team up with Beethoven to thwart their dad’s plans for peace in the home. With the help of veterinarian Dr. Herman Varnick (Jones), the Newtons must find a way to turn Beethoven into a well-behaved family pet before he gets them into even more trouble than they are already in.

John Hughes wrote Beethoven under the pseudonym Edmond Dantès and Amy Holden Jones, and it is the first installment of its film series. The movie was met with acclaim from critics and fans alike due to its witty humor and heartfelt moments - it has since become a classic that many generations have grown up watching.

While the film received mixed reviews from critics, audiences praised it highly. However, there is no official citation to support this claim. According to Rotten Tomatoes, 29% of 28 critics gave it a positive rating, with an average score of 4.6/10. The critical consensus was that "Beethoven" is a light-hearted and fun movie but not remarkable. Despite this, the CinemaScore audience survey rated the movie A.

Beethoven Locations

The 1992 film Beethoven was produced in multiple locations around Los Angeles, California. Principal photography began on May 1, 1991, and most scenes were shot in the region, giving viewers an authentic portrayal of Southern California at the time. The backdrop of these locations featured various environments, including suburban neighborhoods, metropolitan areas, and outdoor terrain with rolling hills and open spaces. Notable locations for filming included portions of Westwood Village, Santa Monica Pier, and Malibu Creek State Park.

A trip to these sites would be well worth it due to their numerous attractions. Westwood Village is home to some of the best dining options in Los Angeles and includes entertainment venues such as movie theaters and live music performances. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Pier offers stunning ocean vistas while boasting plenty of carnival rides and activities to keep visitors entertained. Malibu Creek State Park is known for its wildlife-filled hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and serene lakeside settings perfect for fishing or relaxing by the shoreline. All three destinations offer something unique that will make any outing memorable.

Fun Fact

During production, twelve different dogs were used to portray Beethoven - all St Bernards ranging in age from puppies to elderly canines!

Pet store scene in Beethoven

Monrovia, California, USA

Two criminals steal a group of cute puppies from a pet store. The plot takes an unexpected turn when one brave St. Bernard puppy escapes and sneaks into the Newton family's home unnoticed, changing the situation entirely.

The pet store scene was filmed in Monrovia. Located in Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley, Monrovia is a visually appealing city that captivates tourists with its pleasant small-town atmosphere. It is a favored destination among those passionate about experiencing Southern California's mesmerizing mountain and foothill landscape. Monrovia Canyon Park is one of the city's most popular attractions because it boasts multiple hiking trails and picturesque views of neighboring mountains. The park is also home to several wildlife species, such as deer, birds, and squirrels, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

If you're planning to travel to Monrovia from Los Angeles, take the I-10 East and exit at Myrtle Avenue. After that, turn left onto Foothill Boulevard and drive for about a mile, and you'll be in Monrovia. Another way to reach Monrovia is the Metro Gold Line light rail system, which connects the city to other parts of Los Angeles County. By boarding the Gold Line, you can reach the downtown Monrovia Station, where you can conveniently explore the city's various attractions on foot or by bus.

Newton's house scene in Beethoven

405 Milan Ave, S Pasadena, CA, USA

The father, George (Charles Grodin), is a workaholic who initially does not want to bear the responsibility of owning a dog. However, his wife, Alice (Bonnie Hunt), along with their children Ryce (Nicholle Tom), Ted (Christopher Castile), and Emily (Sarah Rose Karr), persuades him to do so. During a scene, Emily plays a section of Ludwig Van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony on the piano, and the dog barks along to it, leading the family to name him "Beethoven."

The Newton house is at Milan Avenue. It is a quaint and picturesque street in the charming city of South Pasadena, California. Known for its vibrant community, Milan Avenue blends old-world charm with modern-day living. The road is surrounded by beautiful tree-lined sidewalks, lush greenery, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal location for families and individuals. Situated near several parks and recreation areas, including Garfield Park and the Arroyo Seco, residents have easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.

When driving from Los Angeles, take the US-101 South and exit onto the I-110 North towards Pasadena. Continue for roughly 6 miles, then merge onto the CA-110 North. Take the Fair Oaks Avenue exit and make a right turn onto Fair Oaks Avenue. After driving for about half a mile, turn left onto Mission Street. Continue for approximately 1.5 miles on Mission Street, then turn right onto Milan Avenue. Keep driving straight on Milan Avenue until you reach 405 Milan Ave on your right.

Newtons take Beethoven to the veterinarian scene in Beethoven

148 W Lime Ave, Monrovia, CA, USA

During a routine medical examination and immunizations for Beethoven, the Newtons take him to Dr. Herman Varnick (Dean Jones) - a veterinarian. However, unbeknownst to them, Varnick conducts immoral and fatal animal experiments. Varnick informs George (Charles Grodin) that St. Bernards are prone to mental instability, which can cause danger to humans. He advises George to watch Beethoven's behavior for signs of aggression.

West Lime Avenue is a bustling street in the heart of Monrovia, California. It is a lively area known for its diverse community, charming shops, and local businesses. The street is lined with historic buildings, some dating back to the early 1900s. The architecture is a mix of old and new, with many buildings featuring unique designs that highlight the city's rich heritage. One of the main attractions of West Lime Avenue is the Friday Night Street Fair. This weekly event occurs in the summer, and features live music, food trucks, and street vendors selling local goods.

If driving from Los Angeles, take the I-210 East towards Pasadena. Take the Myrtle Avenue exit and turn right onto Myrtle Avenue. Continue on Myrtle Avenue for about a mile, then turn left onto Lime Avenue. Drive for about half a mile, and you will reach 148 W Lime Ave on your left.

Varnick almost shoots Beethoven scene in Beethoven

Lacy Street Production Center, 2630 Lacy St, Los Angeles, CA, USA

After managing to escape, Beethoven is soon caught again by Dr. Varnick's (Dean Jones) accomplices, Harvey (Oliver Platt) and Vernon (Stanley Tucci). Meanwhile, Alice (Bonnie Hunt) contacts the police for help. As Dr. Varnick prepares to shoot Beethoven, George (Charles Grodin) bursts in through the skylight. But just before Dr. Varnick can pull the trigger, he gets bitten by a captive Jack Russell Terrier in his private region. This causes Varnick to fire a shot in the air accidentally.

Situated in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, California, the Lacy Street Production Center is an old complex with a rich history. It was a thriving industrial center in the past, but now it has found a new purpose as a favored filming location for movies, TV shows, and commercials. The production center is renowned for its versatility and charming character, which makes it a prime choice for everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie films. Some of the notable productions that have used the Lacy Street Production Center as a backdrop include "Blade Runner," "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," "The Dark Knight Rises," and "Beethoven."

You can follow these directions to 2630 Lacy St, Los Angeles. From downtown LA, head east on the I-10 freeway towards San Bernardino. Take exit 15B for Soto St and turn right onto Soto St. After about half a mile, turn left onto 8th St. Continue on 8th St for about a mile, then turn right onto Boyle Ave. After about a quarter-mile, turn left onto E 6th St. Then, take the first left onto Lacy St. Drive for about 200 feet, and you will reach 2630 Lacy St on your right.

All the dogs are free scene in Beethoven

Colonial Street, Universal City, CA, USA

After the Newtons reunite with Beethoven and release all the captive dogs, they observe Harvey (Oliver Platt) and Vernon (Stanley Tucci) attempting to flee. Ted (Christopher Castile) commands the dogs to pursue them, leading them to refuge in a junkyard. However, their hideout is short-lived as they are confronted by a pack of Dobermans who guard the area.

Situated in Universal City, California, Colonial Street is a well-known film location celebrated for its stunning architecture that emulates the iconic Americana style of the 1950s. It is a beloved attraction that allows visitors to explore the street and lose themselves in its old-world charm. Many productions have utilized Colonial Street as a backdrop, including classic movies like "Leave It to Beaver," and popular television shows like "Desperate Housewives," "Gilmore Girls," and "The Munsters." Its picturesque houses and deliberately crafted gardens create an air of nostalgia that lends itself perfectly to any production, making it a favored destination for filmmakers.

If driving from Los Angeles, take the US-101 North towards Universal City. Take the Lankershim Boulevard exit and turn left onto Cahuenga Boulevard West. Continue straight on Cahuenga Boulevard West, then turn right onto Universal Hollywood Drive. Follow the signs for Universal Studios Hollywood and park in the designated parking area. After parking, walk towards the entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood. Once inside the park, ask for directions to Colonial Street near the backlot area.

Conclusion

Beethoven (1992) is a classic family comedy that follows the story of an adorable St. Bernard who captures the hearts of a loving family. With principal photography beginning in Los Angeles, California, Beethoven soon took audiences on a journey to many locations. From suburban homes with lush green lawns to the wild and rocky terrain of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Beethoven provided plenty of memorable visuals as it explored the various settings associated with its narrative. In addition to California, scenes were also filmed in Arizona and Illinois, giving Beethoven an expansive range of locations that added unique flair and flavor to this endearing feature film.

Even though Beethoven faced numerous obstacles along the way, including a devious veterinarian who tried to kidnap him, he ultimately endured against all odds so his family could keep him safe. The movie was met with critical acclaim thanks to its genuinely heartwarming story and brilliantly constructed worlds, making Beethoven one of the most beloved films from the 1990s era.