Where was Grease filmed?
1978
City Locations
Los Angeles, Burbank, and Malibu, California (USA)
Location Types
Schools/Colleges, Gyms/Sports, Film Studio, House, Retro
Location Styles
American Art Deco, Craftsman, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro, Motorcycle Style, Racing
About Grease
Grease is a sensational 1978 musical romantic comedy directed by Randal Kleiser. John Travolta stars as Danny Zuko, the leader of the Burger Palace Boys gang, while Olivia Newton-John portrays Sandy Olsson, who falls in love with him during their high school years in 1950s America. Besides these two leads, Grease features an impressive ensemble cast including Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Didi Conn, and Michael Tucci, making it one of Hollywood's most iconic films!
The plot of Grease revolves around Danny and Sandy’s summer romance at the beach that takes a turn when they both attend Rydell High School in their hometown at the beginning of their senior year. The two must navigate through the pressures of teenage social life while remaining loyal to each other amidst meddling friends and cliques. Danny remains devoted to his T-Bird pals while trying to win back Sandy’s affections with songs such as “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re The One That I Want.” It all leads up to a climactic carnival where their relationship is put to the test.
Since its release in 1978, Grease has become one of the most iconic films in cinema history with its memorable soundtrack and beloved characters. It was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Music (Original Song); Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Song (for “You're The One That I Want”), Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy, and Best Performance (John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John). It also won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Musical Motion Picture, Favorite Motion Picture Actress (Olivia Newton-John), and Favorite Overall Motion Picture in 1979.
The soundtrack also topped the Billboard 200 chart that same year, making it one of only five movie soundtracks (including Saturday Night Fever) before 2000. Furthermore, it was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 2006 due to its significance within American culture.
Grease Locations
Grease was shot in various locations across the Los Angeles area, from the lively South Bay to the charming Silverlake neighborhood. Much of the production was filmed on-site, including exterior shots of Rydell High, taken at Venice High School, Huntington Park High School, and John Marshall High School. The backdrop for these locations offers a unique look into different parts of Los Angeles. Venice offers stunning architecture with its art-deco facade, while Huntington Park provides a vibrant landscape with its school interiors and sports fields.
Paying homage to classic musicals such as Guys and Dolls, Kleiser opted for a combination of both on-location shoots and Paramount studio sets to bring Grease's fantasy alive. Although some scenes were shot at the studio out of necessity, most were filmed around various places within Los Angeles.
A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for any Grease fan looking to explore their favorite movie in more detail. Each spot allows viewers to experience the nostalgic atmosphere brought alive by the iconic musical. For example, walking through Venice High School gives viewers an exciting peek into LA’s history, while taking photos at John Marshall’s carnival finale gives off a classic musical vibe. In addition to the physical sights, visitors can learn about each location's importance to Grease and how it ties into the culture and history of Los Angeles.
Opening beach scene in Grease
35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
The iconic opening scene was shot at Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu, where Sandy and Danny say their goodbyes as she heads back home to Australia. The two are standing in the surf, surrounded by a stunning sunset, with the romantic song “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” playing in the background. This beach has become one of the most famous beaches of all time and is featured in numerous other films such as Inception, The Usual Suspects, 50 First Dates and Letters from Iwo Jima.
Leo Carrillo State Park offers many marine activities on the Pacific coast, just 30 miles from Los Angeles. The beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, windsurfing or simply enjoying some time out at sea. But it doesn't stop there; visitors can also explore tide pools and be mesmerized by its enchanting sea caves and colorful reefs.
To get to the stunning Leo Carrillo Beach from Los Angeles, head west along the coast. When you see signs for Leo Carrillo State Park, you know you’re in the right place.
Malibu Filming Locations Scout
The school dance scene in Grease
Huntington Park High School, 6020 Miles Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255, USA
Amidst the commotion of dozens of students shaking to ‘50s tunes, Cha-Cha (Annette Charles) and Danny take center stage with an invigorating hand jive. To spite each other, Rizzo (Stockard Channing) and Kenickie (Jeff Conaway) bring Leo (Dennis Cleveland Stewart) and Cha-Cha as their dates, only for Sonny (Michael Tucci) to whisk Sandy away right before the winners are announced, leaving Cha-Cha and Danny together in triumph. This remarkable scene has become one of Hollywood's most iconic moments that have been referenced countless times since its release.
A trip to Huntington Park will be a memorable experience for any Grease fan, particularly with the old auto shop—where Danny and Sandy's electric performance of "Greased Lightning" was filmed—and the school gymnasium, which featured in the iconic National Bandstand dance-off. Located in Southern California, the school’s 6020 Miles Ave address perfectly replicates Rydell High's lively environment and can be visited today. To reach this spot from Downtown Los Angeles, you’re looking at a six-mile drive south.
The drive-in scene in Grease
1100 W Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA 91506, USA
The drive-in scene in Grease is one of the movie's most memorable moments. In it, Danny takes Sandy to a drive-in theater to make it up to her for his earlier behavior. However, things don't go as planned when he attempts to seduce her instead of watching the film. The drive-in scene of Grease commences with Rydell High's students gathering to witness the screening of The Blob before concluding with Danny tragically crooning about his "stranded" fate at the drive-in.
The scene was filmed at the Pickwick Drive-In in Burbank, California. The single-screen drive-in opened in 1949 at 1390 W. Burbank Blvd. It offered over 900 car spots, had a snack bar, and showed double features every night until 1989 when it finally closed down due to diminishing ticket sales and rising operation costs. Today, the Rancho Marketplace shopping center stands in its place.
Getting to the Pickwick Drive-In site from downtown Los Angeles is relatively easy via car or public transportation. By car, it should take around 20 minutes to the north of the city.
Uncover Burbank Filming Locations
Frenchie's house scene in Grease
4524 Kingswell Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
The scene at Frenchie's house, set during a Pink Ladies pajama party, is one of the film's most cherished moments. At the party, Sandy falls ill after trying a cigarette and having her ears pierced by Frenchie (Didi Conn). At the same time, Rizzo mocks her wholesome personality before departing for sex with Kenickie in his car. Unfortunately for them, Leo and his girlfriend Cha-Cha unexpectedly interrupt their night of passion. The aftermath of this moment leads to Sandy realizing she still loves Danny.
This scene was filmed at a craftsman house built in the early 1900s. Paramount Studios constructed sound stages where parts of this scene were also shot, such as Frenchie’s bedroom and the backyard where Sandy performed “Hopelessly Devoted to You,”— a song written specifically for the film.
If you're coming from downtown Los Angeles, the house is found around five miles northwest of the city center on Kingswell Avenue.
Carnival scene in Grease
John Marshall High School, 3939 Tracy St, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
The grand carnival scene at the end of Grease is an iconic moment in cinematography. This exuberant and celebratory scene features the ensemble singing and dancing to the song “You’re The One That I Want” as Sandy, Danny, and their friends come together in joyous bliss. The carnival scene represents the ultimate transformation of Sandy from her "good girl" persona to the red-stiletto-wearing Rizzo-inspired swan that has won Danny's heart. The carnival includes a Ferris wheel, a big wheel, twirling rides, and other classic games and activities. Everyone is decked out in their 1950s-style clothes and having a blast.
When the filmmakers of Grease needed a dramatic backdrop for their celebratory scene, they turned to John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. This school has gained notoriety amongst Hollywood directors due to its gothic architecture that can be used as a stand-in for many destinations from coast to coast. To make their finale extra special, the team opted out of more typical football fields at Venice or Huntington Park and instead chose one with an eye-catching aesthetic.
Making your way from downtown Los Angeles to John Marshall High School is a breeze! Traveling via private car will take approximately 15 minutes, depending on the traffic. If you opt for public transport, it should take about an hour.
Conclusion
The actors in Grease deliver superb performances that bring the characters to life, making them both endearing and entertaining. The script is witty and cleverly written, capturing all the charm of the era while still injecting modern sensibilities. The idea behind Grease 1978 is timeless and still resonates with audiences today.
The viewer's impression of Grease 1978 can be summed up in one word: delightful! Between Travolta and Newton-John’s incredible chemistry, catchy tunes, dance numbers, colorful costumes, sets, funny moments, and heartwarming romance, Grease 1978 has something for everyone. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times while engaging viewers with its modern take on teenage love stories.
Grease has been heavily influential in establishing the musical movie genre as it exists today. It has become a beloved classic over the decades and continues to entertain viewers across generations.