Where was It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World filmed?
1963
City Locations
Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Santa Ana, Palos Verdes, CA (USA)
Location Types
Mansion, Office, Unusual, Airport
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Georgian/Southern, Building Dated/Retro, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Beachfront, Old Hollywood
About It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" is a classic American comedy film directed by Stanley Kramer, released in 1963. The film features an ensemble cast of comedic talents including Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Ethel Merman, Mickey Rooney, Jonathan Winters, and many others.
The plot of the film begins with a group of strangers witnessing a car accident. Before the man involved in the crash dies, he tells them about a buried treasure worth $350,000, hidden beneath a big "W" in a park in Santa Rosita, California. What follows is a series of outrageous and hysterical misadventures as the characters encounter various obstacles and challenges on their journey. From car chases to mistaken identities, the film is filled with slapstick comedy and absurd situations that escalate with each passing moment.
In recognition of its evergreen appeal and hilariousness, “It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” was included in the American Film Institute's 100 Years...100 Laughs list. With its lightning-fast plot, risky action, and outstanding performances by some of the funniest actors, this hilarious escape is a perfect example of classic comedy.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Locations
“It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” is an enduring classic in the world of cinema, which extensively used the diverse landscapes of California, for its production. The iconic Bronson Canyon in Hollywood Hills served as the backdrop for one of the movie's most memorable scenes. Known for its distinctive rock formations and scenic beauty, the canyon has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
The film's desert scenes were shot in Palm Desert, California, where the sandy terrain and striking mountain vistas provided the ideal setting for the characters' tumultuous treasure hunt. In addition, various scenes were captured across Los Angeles, including the renowned Griffith Observatory. The city's vibrant streets and notable landmarks perfectly encapsulated the characters' wild escapades.
One of the most famous landmarks in the film is the colossal "W" that signals the location of the buried treasure. This Big W, a prop created specifically for the movie, was positioned at Portuguese Point, Palos Verdes. The film's climactic chase scene was filmed on a stretch of highway near Long Beach, requiring intricate coordination of multiple vehicles and stunts.
For cinema enthusiasts and fans of the film, a trip to these locations would not only be worthwhile but also offer a fascinating insight into the making of this cinematic masterpiece.
The 'Big W' scene in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
5500 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
The narrative takes off when three cars and a van come to the aid of a recklessly crashed driver known as "Smiler" Grogan (Norman Fell). With his last breaths, Grogan cryptically informs the motorists that he's hidden stolen treasure "under a big W"; this propels all of them on a frantic hunt for the fortune.
The famed ‘Big W” scene was shot at 5500 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes in California. This location is now a private mansion hence fans are advised not to intrude on its residents. However, nearby locations like Altamira Canyon and East Beach are open for exploration. Altamira Canyon is a stunning canyon nestled in Rancho Palos Verdes, while East Beach offers a beautiful coastal experience.
Both Altamira Canyon and East Beach are publicly accessible and provide ample opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and relaxation. You can drive via I-110 S, which typically takes around 40 minutes to get to this location. Alternatively, you can also take a public bus from the city center of Los Angeles, although this method of transportation would take approximately 2 hours.
Plane flies through billboard scene in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
John Wayne Airport, 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707, USA
Dingy (Mickey Rooney) and Benjy (Buddy Hackett) appear in a memorable sequence; they recruit Jim Backus's (Tyler Fitzgerald) millionaire character, prone to flying and heavy drinking, to help them reach Santa Rosita. In an unfortunate turn of events, Tyler becomes intoxicated and passes out while in flight, forcing Dingy and Benjy to take control of the jet on their own. The sequence culminates with the plane flying through a billboard, a moment that moviegoers will definitely remember.
The location, currently called John Wayne Airport, was used to film this iconic scene. After being renamed in 1979 to honor the late John Wayne, the famed actor who lived in nearby Newport Beach and died that same year, the airport was formerly known as the Orange County Airport. While the airport has changed over the years, it still remains a point of interest for fans of the film. Visitors can explore the airport and even take a tour of the nearby Lyon Air Museum to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and history of aviation.
Getting to the John Wayne Airport is straightforward. It's located in Santa Ana and is accessible by car or public transport from various parts of Orange County. If you're coming from Los Angeles, the drive takes about an hour via I-5 S or I-405 S. Public buses also run frequent services to the airport.
Meyer finds himself trapped in a ravine scene in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
State Highway 74, Palm Desert, California, USA
In his quest for the treasure, Meyer encounters a stranded miner on the road and decides to help him. He is coerced into driving down a rocky mountainside to the miner's cabin, where the miner needs to deliver medicine to his ailing wife. However, after assisting the miner, Meyer finds himself trapped in a ravine, unable to navigate his car up the steep terrain.
This scene as well as several other driving scenes was filmed on State Highway 74 in Palm Desert, California. Over the years, the area might have developed, with new buildings cropping up. However, the general landscape, particularly the challenging terrain featured in the movie, remains largely the same. It's the task of genuine fans to discover the precise filming location!
If you're a fan planning on visiting this location, you can get to State Highway 74 by car from Palm Springs by taking I-10 W in the southeast direction. If you're coming from Los Angeles, the journey is approximately an hour and a half via CA-60 E. Do keep in mind to respect all private properties and adhere to any restrictions that may be in effect.
Santa Rosita beach park scenes in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Peck Park, 560 N Western Ave, San Pedro, CA 90732, USA
Mrs. Marcus (Ethel Merman) devises a plan involving her son, Sylvester (Dick Shawn), who is a lifeguard in Santa Rosita. However, when she tries to reach him, he is preoccupied with dancing with a girl (Barrie Chase). This gives rise to a conflict between Russell (Milton Berle) and Mrs. Marcus, as Russell fears Sylvester might run off with the money. The argument culminates in Hawthorne (Terry-Thomas) and Russell leaving Emmeline (Dorothy Provine) and her mother behind to continue their journey alone.
This scene was filmed at Peck Park in San Pedro, which served as the entrance parking area of the fictional Santa Rosita Beach Park. The park, named after notable landowner and developer George H. Peck, offers various facilities such as a baseball diamond, a swimming pool, extensive hiking trails, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, and a childcare center. Peck began donating the land for the park to the city in 1929, and it has since become the largest of four parks in San Pedro, bearing his family's name.
For fans wishing to visit this location, Peck Park is easily accessible by car. If you're coming from downtown Los Angeles, take the I-110 S and exit at Channel St in San Pedro. Follow signs for Gaffey St and then turn right onto S Western Ave until you reach the park. Please remember to respect the park rules and enjoy this piece of cinematic history.
The final chase scene in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Long Beach, California, USA
An intense and climactic pursuit culminates with all 11 men finding themselves atop a condemned building, a place Melville (Sid Caesar) had earlier deemed unsafe and from which he had ordered the women to leave. The entire stash of money is lost in the melee, scattering into the eager crowd below. A firetruck comes to the scene to safely lower the men, but as they all scramble onto the ladder, it spirals out of control, flinging them off into different locations.
Parts of the final chase scenes were shot around Long Beach, a coastal city and port in Southern California known for its rich history and attractions. The town boasts significant landmarks such as the RMS Queen Mary, a decommissioned ocean liner that now serves as a museum ship anchored in Queensway Bay. Another notable attraction is the Aquarium of the Pacific, located on the waterfront and features touch tanks and a shark lagoon.
To visit Long Beach from downtown Los Angeles, take the I-710 S freeway towards Long Beach. Exit at Downtown Long Beach and follow the signs to your desired destination. Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply love exploring historical sites, Long Beach offers a unique blend of cinematic history and cultural richness.
Conclusion
An exciting swirl of humor, “It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” successfully combines the traditional with the nontraditional elements. Despite its unconventional plot, the film was a commercial success and a beloved cult classic. Comedic genius and less consistent moments are displayed by the ensemble cast, including legendary comedy actors.
From Hollywood Hills' famous Bronson Canyon to Palos Verdes' scenic Portuguese Point, the film expertly used California's varied settings. Shot on a highway near Long Beach, the film's final chase scene displayed the production's grandeur and intricacy.
Culture continues to be shaped by “It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”; due to the jaw-dropping spectacle it generates, it is undeniably a classic in humor. Visiting these locations is more than just a holiday for movie buffs; it's an opportunity to experience the mesmerizing behind-the-scenes magic that made this film a timeless masterpiece.