Where was Beethoven's 2nd filmed?
1993
City Locations
California, Montana (USA)
Location Types
House, Riverside, Cafe
Location Styles
Cape Cod, Mountain Huts, Americana/Anywhere, Rustic
About Beethoven's 2nd
The iconic Ludwig Van Beethoven stands as an unrivaled figure in classical music, his masterpieces recognized globally as some of the finest ever composed. Yet, sharing this illustrious name is another noteworthy Beethoven, not of the musical world, but instead, a cherished canine. It is none other than Beethoven, the dog. We all remember a charming, timeless classic film that parents and children will adore.
Beethoven's 2nd is a 1993 family comedy directed by Rod Daniel. It stars Bonnie Hunt, Charles Grodin, Christopher Castile, Nicholle Tom, and Sarah Rose Karr as the Newton family, Debi Mazar playing the villainous Regina, and Chris Penn as Floyd.
The film follows the adventures of the Newton family as they welcome a new member to the household: Beethoven's four puppies. While out jogging, Ted Newton (Grodin) meets Missy, the female Saint Bernard of his dreams, and quickly falls in love with her. Unfortunately, Missy's owner, Regina (Mazar), has other plans for her. Despite the Newton family's efforts to bring her home, Missy remains in Regina's clutches. The Newton kids, however, refuse to give up and hatch a plan to rescue Missy and reunite her with her new puppies.
Despite the lukewarm reception from film critics, viewers highly praised the movie. Brian Lowry, a critic from Variety, described it as a "live-action cartoon," noting that it was a more enjoyable narrative than its predecessor. Additionally, Beethoven's 2nd received award nominations, including an Academy Award for the song "The Day I Fall in Love" by James Ingram and Dolly Parton.
Beethoven's 2nd Locations
Beethoven's 2nd, the 1993 family comedy film, is set against the diverse California and Montanan landscapes. While the narrative unfolds in sunny California, a significant portion of the park scenes transports viewers to the rugged charm of Glacier National Park in Montana. This national park, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is a vast wilderness expanse with glacier-carved peaks and valleys stretching to the Canadian border.
The Beethoven House, a significant location in the movie, is at 1405 Milan Avenue, South Pasadena. Interestingly, just up the road at 1230 Milan Avenue sits the iconic home from the ‘70s television series Family.
A trip to these locations would undoubtedly be rewarding for fans. Not only would they get to experience the real-life settings of their beloved film, but they would also be treated to breathtaking natural beauty and iconic landmarks from popular culture. The combination of Californian architecture and the pristine wilderness of Montana provides a unique travel experience.
Fun Facts:
Contrary to her character, Regina, Debi Mazar has a deep affection for dogs. The scenes where she had to shout at them or treat them harshly were challenging for her, and she would often take time between takes to apologize and show tenderness towards the dogs.
Newton family home scenes in Beethoven's 2nd
1405 Milan Ave, S Pasadena, CA 91030, USA
An endearing scene unfolds at the Newton family home, where George (Charles Grodin), Alice (Bonnie Hunt), Ryce (Nicholle Tom), Ted (Christopher Castile), Emily (Sarah Rose Karr), and their large, lovable St. Bernard, Beethoven, have all cohabited. In a surprising turn of events, Beethoven successfully escapes from the house, embarking on an unexpected adventure where he crosses paths with Missy, a female St. Bernard, and her owner, Brillo. This meeting sets the stage for Beethoven's romantic escapades that become a central part of the story.
The Newton family home, known as the Beethoven House, is an iconic location in the film. It's at 1405 Milan Avenue in South Pasadena. Interestingly, just up the street at 1230 Milan Avenue, you can find the house used in the ‘70s television series Family. It's a fascinating glimpse into Hollywood history, with two famous filming locations so close together.
The Beethoven house remains remarkably unchanged since it was featured in the movie in 1992, even down to the exterior paint color. It offers fans a tangible connection to the film, existing precisely as they remember it on screen. However, if you're planning a visit, it's important to note that the Beethoven House is a privately owned residence. Therefore, visitors are asked to respect the residents' privacy and only view the house from the street.
To visit the Beethoven house, head to South Pasadena, California. The easiest way to get there is by car, but public transportation can also get you there. Los Angeles residents can take the Metro A-Line to South Pasadena Station.
The Newtons embark on a journey to the mountains scene in Beethoven's 2nd
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
A memorable scene unfolds amidst the stunning backdrop of a lakefront house in the mountains, where the Newton family and their St. Bernard, Beethoven, are vacationing. The location is a gift from one of George's (Charles Grodin) business associates. Unbeknownst to them, Regina (Debi Mazar) and Floyd (Chris Penn), the film's antagonists, are also staying nearby.
The Newtons and their dogs visit a county fair. In a twist of events, Beethoven helps Missy escape from the car while Regina snatches the puppies' leashes from the Newton children, Ted and Emily. Upon learning that Beethoven and Missy ran into the mountains, both parties follow the dogs, leading to an exciting chase sequence that further intensifies the narrative.
The Glacier National Park in Montana provided the backdrop for the park and mountain scenes. The park, known for its diverse landscape and natural beauty, provides an ideal setting for this adventurous sequence in the movie. Glacier National Park is indeed an explorer's paradise, offering a range of activities for all types of visitors.
Whether you prefer to take in the scenery from the comfort of your car or boat, or if you're more inclined towards hiking, climbing, or even glacier walking, the park has something for everyone.
To visit this filming location, plan a trip to Montana. Glacier National Park is located in the state's northwest corner and is accessible by car via US Highway 2. The nearest airports for those traveling by air are Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell and Great Falls International Airport in Great Falls. You can rent a car or take a shuttle service to the park.
The village store scene in Beethoven's 2nd
Eddie's Cafe & Gifts, 1 Fish Creek Campground Rd, West Glacier, Montana, USA
Alice (Bonnie Hunt), Emily (Sarah Rose Karr), and their lovable St. Bernard Beethoven enjoy a casual stroll while sharing laughs as they approach the village store. As they enter, they unwittingly pass by Regina (Debi Mazar) and Floyd (Chris Penn). Regina glances at Emily, finding something familiar about the young girl. Unaware of Regina's attention, Alice and Emily continue into the shop while Beethoven picks up on Missy's scent as Regina heads to her car. This moment subtly hints at the ensuing drama and adventure that will unfold.
Eddie's Cafe & Gifts, at 1 Fish Creek Campground Road, West Glacier, Montana, provided the setting for the village store scene. This location is a family-owned restaurant, gift shop, camping supply store, and ice cream parlor in Apgar Village within the gorgeous Glacier National Park. Fans of the movie will be delighted to know that they can visit this site, although it may look slightly different from how it appeared in the film due to renovations and changes over time.
To get to Eddie's Cafe & Gifts from Kalispell, Montana, take Montana Hwy 206 and U.S. Rte 2. It's a 35-mile journey and should take around an hour by car. Regrettably, there is no access to public transportation.
Conclusion
Beethoven's 2nd is an intriguing blend of comedy and drama revolving around the lovable St. Bernard, Beethoven. The actors deliver commendable performances, especially Charles Grodin, whose portrayal of a grumpy dad dealing with the chaos caused by Beethoven adds a layer of humor to the film.
However, the sequel sees Grodin in a more subdued role, leaving much of the action and comedy to the canine actors. Debi Mazar's over-the-top portrayal of the villainous Regina is intense, contributing to the dramatic tension.
While not groundbreaking, the movie's script and storyline provide ample entertainment for families and dog lovers. A unique aspect of the film is its decision not to voice the dogs' thoughts, instead relying on songs to convey their emotions. This approach, while unusual, adds a certain charm to the film, particularly during scenes like Beethoven and Missy's romantic moment accompanied by Dolly Parton and James Ingram's The Day I Fall in Love.
Regarding its contribution to the movie industry, Beethoven's 2nd continues the trend of family-friendly animal films, offering a blend of comedy and drama that appeals to audiences of all ages. However, some reviews suggest that the film suffers from a lackluster plot and underdeveloped storylines.
As for whether it's worth watching, Beethoven's 2nd offers a fair share of laughs and heartwarming moments, especially for fans of the original film or those who enjoy family-oriented animal movies. It might inspire your family's adventures through the scenic landscapes that provide the setting for the film.