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Doc Hollywood movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Doc Hollywood filmed?

1991

City Locations

Micanopy, McIntosh, FL; Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA (USA)

Location Types

House, Restaurant, Film Studio

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Craftsman, Colonial, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro

About Doc Hollywood

Take a trip back to the '90s with Doc Hollywood, a charming American romantic comedy film released in 1991. Directed by the talented Michael Caton-Jones, this film tugs the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone with its unique blend of humor and romance. Featuring a star-studded cast including Michael J. Fox, Barnard Hughes, Julie Warner, Woody Harrelson, David Ogden Stiers, and Bridget Fonda, it's no wonder this movie captivated audiences.

The plot centers around the journey of Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Stone (Michael J. Fox). As an ambitious surgeon, Ben's planned life takes an unexpected turn when he crashes his car in a small town named Grady, South Carolina. Here, he is sentenced to 32 hours of community service in the rural town's medical clinic. Over time, the allure of the simple, small-town life grows on him, especially when he forms a bond with the spunky ambulance driver, Vialula, endearingly called "Lou" (Julie Warner ). After a brief stint in Beverly Hills, he realizes its glamor isn't all it's cracked up to be and returns to Grady, to the life and love he began to cherish.

Although Doc Hollywood didn't win any major awards, it won the hearts of viewers with its heartwarming storyline and compelling characters. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave it an approval rating of 69%, attributing its success to a charming cast and light touch. Metacritic offered a respectable score of 56 out of 100 based on 20 critics.

Despite its mixed reviews, the film remains beloved for its ‘90s spin on an endearing narrative. The movie takes its inspiration from the book "What? Dead…Again?" written by Neil B. Shulman, which chronicles his experiences as a physician in rural Georgia. Shulman also had a role in the production of the film, serving as an associate producer.

Doc Hollywood Locations

Doc Hollywood is celebrated for its unique choice of filming locations. The narrative, originally set in Georgia, was shifted to South Carolina for the film; however, the actual filming took place primarily in Florida, specifically in the charming towns of Micanopy and McIntosh, located south of Gainesville. Additional scenes were shot in Los Angeles.

Micanopy and McIntosh were favored for their inherent aesthetic appeal, which was further enhanced by a $12 million "transformation" to meet the film's requirements, as reported by The AFI. These locations provided the quintessential backdrop for the fictitious town of Grady, South Carolina, where the majority of the plot unfolds.

The film begins in the bustling cityscape of Los Angeles, depicting the protagonist, Benjamin Stone's life before landing in Grady. This stark contrast between the fast-paced city life and the tranquil small-town ambiance adds a compelling layer to the story. The production also extended to Hollywood, where sets were created for the interior scenes. Furthermore, Universal Studios Florida in Orlando was utilized for sequences that required specific sets unachievable through real locations.

A visit to these filming locations would indeed be worthwhile for fans of Doc Hollywood. The beautiful Floridian towns of Micanopy and McIntosh, with their unique charm and historical significance, offer an interesting experience. Plus, the opportunity to explore Universal Studios in Orlando and various Los Angeles sites presents additional allure.

Ben crashes into the fence scene in Doc Hollywood

Evinston United Methodist Church, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA

Ben Stone (Michael J. Fox) embarks on a cross-country drive in his vintage 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster. His destination is Beverly Hills, where he plans to set up a practice as a cosmetic surgeon. However, his plans take an unexpected detour when he collides with a hand-built fence owned by Judge Evans (Roberts Blossom) in the rural town of Grady, South Carolina.

Although set in South Carolina, this scene was filmed in the quaint town of Micanopy, Florida. The specific location is the unincorporated community of Evinston, which is typically considered part of Micanopy on most maps. The house of Judge Evans, the centerpiece of this scene, is nestled on a dirt road just off SE 182 Ave.

This scene beautifully captures the contrast between Ben's big-city dreams and the small-town charm of Grady, setting the stage for his ensuing journey. The portrayal of rural life and the stunning Floridian landscape add a unique touch to the film. Despite the geographical shift from the script's original location, the chosen filming sites perfectly encapsulate the essence of the narrative.

One should locate the Evinston United Methodist Church in Micanopy, FL 32667, to get to this location. The dirt road across from the church leads directly to the house. It's important to note that the house is privately owned, so fans are not allowed inside. However, the exterior and surrounding area can still be appreciated from a respectful distance.

Mayor shows Ben the town scene in Doc Hollywood

NE Cholokka Blvd & NE 3 Ave, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA

Mayor Nick Nicholson (David Ogden Stiers) invites Ben to spend the night at his lakeside lodge. The Mayor, eager to persuade Ben to stay in town as their incumbent doctor, Aurelius Hogue (Barnard Hughes), is on the brink of retirement, arranges a friendly reception for him. The local café owner/waitress (Frances Sternhagen) and her acquaintances make Ben feel at home with their generous hospitality, offering food and drinks and providing him a glimpse into the close-knit community spirit of the small town.

This scene, set against Grady's Main Street backdrop, was filmed on NE Cholokka Blvd in Micanopy, Florida. This street, lined with antique stores, coffee shops, cafes, and other locally owned businesses, serves as the heart of the cinematic town of Grady. The specific view shown when the mayor introduced Ben to the town is near the intersection of NE 3 Ave and NE Cholokka Blvd.

Nestled between Gainesville and Ocala in north-central Florida, Micanopy is known for its rich history and distinctive character. Despite lacking a coastline or an amusement park, the town, often called "The Town That Time Forgot," offers plenty of charm with its tree-lined streets and unique window displays.

One can drive through the scenic routes of north-central Florida to reach this location. Micanopy is conveniently located near major highways and is a short drive from Gainesville and Ocala. Once you reach Micanopy, head towards NE Cholokka Blvd, the town's main street, where most of the film's locations can be found.

The mechanic shop scene in Doc Hollywood

Micanopy Trading Outpost, 205 NE Cholokka Blvd, Williston, FL 32696, USA

A significant scene occurs at the local mechanic shop where Melvin (Mel Winkler) assures Ben that his car will be fixed before he departs. The exchange happens through a speaker box, an iconic prop still in the window to this day. The shop's interior was also used in the film, serving as the setting for the mechanic's office area.

This scene was filmed at an actual building located in Micanopy, Florida. Although it served as a mechanic shop in the movie, the building is an antique store named the Micanopy Trading Outpost at 205 NE Cholokka Blvd, Williston. Beside it was the site of the café, a set built explicitly for the film and has since been demolished. Micanopy Trading Outpost is a vintage shop now. It's worth noting that the store is still operational, allowing fans to visit and explore the site where this memorable scene was filmed quickly.

To reach this destination, head towards Micanopy, Florida. Once you've arrived, you'll find the Micanopy Trading Outpost located on NE Cholokka Blvd. If you're coming from Jacksonville, it's just a short hour and a half drive via US-301 S. If you're traveling from Orlando, the journey takes the same amount of time, but it's recommended to take Florida's Tpke and I-75 N.

The hospital scene in Doc Hollywood

House of Hirsch Too Antiques, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA

Ben transitions from the high-stakes environment of an emergency room to a much more relaxed clinic setting in the small town of Grady. His new patients are local residents with relatively simple cases—an elderly woman seeing spots due to unclean glasses, a fishing hook impalement, and even reading mail for a young couple who can't read. However, Ben's overconfidence is checked when he mishandles a case of mitral valve regurgitation, leading to late cyanosis in a young boy.

This scene was filmed at the House of Hirsch Too Antiques in Micanopy, Florida. This antique store, which still maintains its exterior appearance from the movie, served as the setting for Doc Hogue's office in the film. The shop offers a unique blend of history and charm, with its collection of antiques and historical ties to Doc Hollywood.

To fully explore all the locations, it is recommended to rent a car, as public transportation is not available from Orlando or Jacksonville. Once you reach Micanopy, make your way to the House of Hirsch Too Antiques. This charming shop warmly welcomes visitors and offers an accessible experience for film fans to indulge in their exploration.

Dr. Halberstrom hires Ben scene in Doc Hollywood

Los Angeles, California, USA

Ben finally lands his dream job in California. His new boss, Dr. Halberstrom (George Hamilton), hires him on the spot during their interview, thanks to a surprise recommendation from Dr. Hogue. Ben gets the high-paying West Coast job he's always yearned for. However, as the weeks pass, Ben grows disillusioned with the pretentiousness of Beverly Hills and its patients.

This scene was filmed in Los Angeles, California. While the specific filming locations are not mentioned, fans can experience the ambiance of the film by exploring the city. Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis that boasts a myriad of world-class attractions.

Whether you're a tourist looking for things to do or a fan seeking to relive the film's atmosphere, there's no shortage of options. You can take a Hollywood tour, spend a day at one of the city's best beaches, or stroll through it, absorbing its vibrant energy and diverse culture.

To reach Los Angeles, you can conveniently fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which serves as the city's main airport. Once you arrive, you can explore the city, including car rentals, public transportation, or guided tours. Additionally, public buses are available for travel from nearby cities, with convenient transfer options.

Ben Stone running to a restaurant in the Beverly Hills scene in Doc Hollywood

9489 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA

As Doc Hollywood reaches its climax, Ben finds himself in a surprising situation. In a restaurant, he encounters Nancy Lee (Bridget Fonda) and Hank (Woody Harrelson), who have left Grady and are now together in California. Hank shares that he heeded Ben's advice to "do what a man's gotta do." This encounter spurs Ben to reconsider his life choices, leading him to return to Grady in hopes of reconciling with Lou.

This scene, shot on location in Beverly Hills, captures the contrast between the glitz and glamor of California and the humble charm of Grady. While the site may appear slightly different today, it remains part of the iconic city known for its prestigious zip code, luxurious hotels, and the famous Rodeo Drive. Beyond high-end shopping, Beverly Hills offers a wealth of experiences, from exploring the botanical gardens of a mansion to ordering a cupcake from a vending machine.

To visit this iconic filming location, venture to Beverly Hills, California. Embark on a journey to 9489 Dayton Way, where the pivotal scene unfolded. It's a mere 30-minute drive or taxi ride from the heart of Los Angeles. Alternatively, public transportation with transfers is also available.

Conclusion

Doc Hollywood is more than just a comedy. It's also a heartwarming love story that delves into the complexities of human emotions. Michael J. Fox, who effortlessly embodies the character of a recent medical school graduate caught between city life and small-town charm, delivers an impressive performance.

The narrative unfolds primarily in the picturesque towns of Micanopy and McIntosh in Florida, which serve as the backdrop for the fictitious town of Grady. With their inherent charm and historical significance, these locations enhance the movie's visual appeal. Additional scenes were shot in Los Angeles, providing the necessary contrast between the quiet, idyllic small-town life and the bustling cityscape.

Director Michael Caton-Jones has done a commendable job of bringing together an ensemble cast of character actors, each adding a unique flavor to the narrative. The performances of David Ogden Stiers, Barnard Hughes, Woody Harrelson, Bridget Fonda, and George Hamilton are noteworthy, and they successfully avoid the clichéd portrayals often associated with small-town narratives.

The film's strength lies in prioritizing the emotional connection between two individuals over elaborate dialogues or complex plotlines. The chemistry between Fox and his co-star Julie Warner is palpable, and their love story becomes the film's heartbeat.

This film comes highly recommended for those who enjoy a well-executed love story with a dash of comedy. It's a testament to the fact that simplicity can be compelling, and sometimes, all it takes for a memorable cinematic experience is a heartfelt story set against a beautiful backdrop.

Doc Hollywood is a sweet, engaging film offering more than one might expect from its trailer. Its choice of filming locations, combined with strong performances and a charming love story, make it a delightful watch. It's a movie that leaves you with a warm feeling and a smile.