Where was Harlem Nights filmed?
1989
City Locations
Los Angeles (USA), Santa Monica (USA), Burbank (USA), Long Beach (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, House, Clubs/Bars, Restaurant
Location Styles
Mid-Century Modern, Classic Car, Federal Building
About Harlem Nights
Harlem Nights is an iconic film, released in 1989, that immerses audiences into the vibrant and dynamic world of late 1930s Harlem. The story revolves around "Sugar" Ray (Richard Pryor) and his adopted son, Vernest "Quick" Brown (Eddie Murphy), who together run a thriving speakeasy known as Club Sugar Ray.
The plot thickens when they find themselves at odds with ruthless gangsters and corrupt police officers determined to shut them down. Their business savvy and street smarts are put to the test as they maneuver through the dangerous landscape of organized crime, corruption, and vice.
One night, an intriguing event unfolds. A gangster, Tommy Smalls, graces their club accompanied by the stunning Creole beauty, Dominique La Rue (Jasmine Guy). This incident sets off a series of events that further complicates their lives but also adds to the dramatic intrigue of the narrative.
Harlem Nights is not just a gangster comedy. It's a portrayal of a specific era, capturing the essence of 1930s Harlem, a state of mind, a world within a world. Amidst the zany comedic elements, the movie doesn't shy away from exploring themes of power, race, and survival.
A unique aspect of Harlem Nights is its bold originality. Despite being a gangland tale, it offers an introspective look into the lives of its characters, making it a boisterously idiosyncratic yet thoughtful drama. The movie's daring fusion of comedy, drama, and crime genres, combined with its historical backdrop, makes it a stand-out piece in cinematic history.
Harlem Nights Locations
Harlem Nights, a vivid depiction of 1930s Harlem, was surprisingly not filmed in the historic New York City neighborhood. The majority of the scenes were shot on the opposite coast in sunny California. The production utilized various locations within the state to bring the story to life, demonstrating the magic of movie-making.
The primary filming locations for Harlem Nights were in Long Beach and Burbank, California. RMS Queen Mary, located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, was one of the sites used to portray the world of Harlem. The distinct backdrop of these Californian cities, often associated with palm trees, beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle, was transformed to replicate the bustling streets and lively nightlife of Harlem.
Filming also occurred on three soundstages at Paramount Pictures Studios, as well as on the backlot of Burbank Studios, which includes Arc Street, Brownstone Street, and Hennessy Street. This combination of studio and on-location shooting added depth and authenticity to the film's setting.
A trip to these filming locations can indeed be a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of the movie. While the sets may not exist anymore, visiting the areas provides a sense of nostalgia and a peek into the behind-the-scenes process of creating this iconic film.
Did you know?
Harlem Nights was Eddie Murphy's directorial debut, showcasing his versatility and talent not only in front of the camera but behind it as well. The movie also marked the first and only time comedy legends Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy shared the screen, making it a must-see for comedy and film enthusiasts alike.
Sugar Ray and Quick confronting Bugsy Calhoune scene in Harlem Nights
617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
Sugar Ray and his adopted son, Quick, confront gangster Bugsy Calhoune (Michael Lerner) about their suspicions of him trying to shut down their club, Club Sugar Ray. The atmosphere in the restaurant is tense as Quick and Sugar Ray walk in, dressed to the nines. Calhoun and his henchmen are there, exuding an air of superiority and menace. The scene is further intensified by the sophisticated setting of the restaurant, with its luxurious decor, plush seating, and fine dining ambiance.
This scene was shot at a site on South Olive Street, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. This vibrant and bustling street is known for its cultural and architectural significance. It hosts a range of historic buildings, including the iconic Pershing Square and the Biltmore Hotel. The street also features a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. With its proximity to the financial district and arts district, South Olive Street embodies the diverse spirit of LA.
To visit 617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), travelers should take I-105 E and then merge onto I-110 N towards Los Angeles. The journey will take around 40 minutes by car
Quick escape from the murder scene in Harlem Nights
Warner Brothers, 4000 Warner Blvd bldg 08, Burbank, CA 91522, United States
Quick narrowly escapes being cornered by two men after being noticed near the scene of Tommy Smalls' (Thomas Mikal Ford) murder. The tension escalates as Quick maneuvers through the dangerous streets of Harlem.
This scene was filmed at the Warner Bros. studios in Burbank. Warner Brothers Entertainment Inc., established in 1923, is one of the leading film and television production companies globally. Known for producing iconic franchises like Harry Potter, Batman, and The Lord of the Rings, the studio has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
To visit 4000 Warner Blvd, Bldg 08, Burbank from downtown Los Angeles, take US-101 N towards Sacramento. The 10-mile journey will take around 20 minutes, but public transport options are also available.
Explosion scene in Harlem Nights
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States
As the championship fight ensues, Calhoune's gang, who are regular club patrons, becomes engrossed in the brawl. Seizing this opportunity, two of Ray's men infiltrate the premises to execute a daring plan. With the crowd distracted, they plant explosives around the club. The tension mounts as the audience is left wondering whether they will manage to escape before the explosives detonate. The suspense culminates in a dramatic explosion, destroying the Pitty Pat Club.
Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize the RMS Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner permanently moored in Long Beach, California, which offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and mystery. Today, it serves as a hotel, museum, and event facility, featuring world-class entertainment and breathtaking views of the Long Beach skyline.
To visit the RMS Queen Mary at 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA, travelers can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and take the 405 Freeway south. The journey will take around 40-45 minutes. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
Conclusion
Harlem Nights is a striking example of cinematic artistry in terms of location selection and set design. Despite being set in Harlem, New York, the movie was primarily filmed in California, showcasing Hollywood's ability to recreate diverse settings. Key filming locations included three soundstages at Paramount Pictures Studios and various spots at the Burbank Studios' backlot, like Hennesy Street and Brownstone Street. The film also utilized the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach for certain scenes. These varied locations contributed to the authentic 1930s atmosphere that pervades the film. The intricate set designs, coupled with period-appropriate costumes and props, transported audiences back in time, immersing them in the world of Sugar Ray and Quick. All in all, Harlem Nights serves as a testament to the magic of movie-making, where disparate locations can be seamlessly woven together to tell a captivating story.