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Junior movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Junior filmed?

1994

City Locations

California (USA)

Location Types

Colleges, Hotel, Office Buildings, House

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, American Art Deco, Luxury Hotel, Modern Building

About Junior

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is known for his unfaltering tough guy screen presence, teams up with the legendary director Ivan Reitman in a high-concept comedy. As Dr. Alex Hess, Schwarzenegger takes on the role of a medical researcher making every effort to craft an innovative medication that could assist expectant mothers in delivering endangered newborns safely.

Unfortunately, government regulations prevent Dr. Hess stopped testing the drug through normal channels, so his partner Dr. Larry Arbogast (Danny DeVito) devises an alternate solution. They steal a female egg and implant it in Dr. Hess himself!

This unexpected decision sets the stage for plenty of hilarious moments as audiences witness the visuals of an overly muscular man going through morning sickness, labor pains, and other physical manifestations of pregnancy. Dr. Hesse’s romantic interest is Dr. Diana Reddin (Emma Thompson), and she provides him with support as he navigates his unique journey as a pregnant man while trying to find ways to test his life-saving drug on expectant mothers.

With its mix of drama and comedy, Reitman’s film successfully captures the comedic elements of a man becoming pregnant while also addressing important topics such as government regulations preventing progress in medical research and innovation, parenthood and its responsibilities, love, and commitment.

Junior Locations

The Junior production team used a variety of locations to capture the essence of its protagonist's journey. Primarily filmed across the state of California in America, the film made use of the bustling cityscapes of Los Angeles and San Francisco, the rustic beach town of Carmel Valley, and even the University of California in Berkeley.

The sun-soaked boulevard of Los Angeles with its endless lists of landmarks featured in the movie. That includes the Biltmore Hotel on Grand Avenue where Junior's lab is located and Steiner Street situated in Hayes Valley which is where his home was located.

San Francisco also played an important role in production; from Chinatown to Nob Hill's Fairmont Hotel, each offering something unique that contributed to creating a visually striking movie experience. The scenic panorama of Fisherman’s Wharf was especially captivating; its famous pier provided stunning outdoor shots.

For any ardent fan intent on reliving the unforgettable scenes from this beloved classic, or even for those who simply wish to explore California's alluring attractions, embark on a Junior filming location tour with this guide.

The opening scene in Junior

350 Moffitt Library, Berkeley, CA, United States

While perusing a library for his next read, Dr. Alexander "Alex" Hesse (Arnold Schwarzenegger) suddenly hears the wail of a little one in distress. Unable to locate anyone nearby and realizing that the child is alone, he takes charge, scoops up the infant into his arms, and strides into an adjacent room where hundreds more crying children fill this space with noise. Then abruptly he wakes up from what seemed like such a vivid dream.

James K. Moffitt Undergraduate Library, or simply Moffitt Library, provided the setting for the scene. It is a beloved structure of the University of California Berkeley campus, a status it holds since its construction in the late ‘60s. Designed by John Carl Warnecke and named after Regent James K. Moffitt has provided students with an inspiring learning environment for more than 40 years.

Sadly, the James K. Moffitt Undergraduate Library is not open to non-students and visitors at this time. If it is accessible to you, head north on Sather Rd towards Sather's Cross Path, then turn left onto Memorial Way and take a slight left to remain on Memorial Way. Afterward, take the stairs and make two more consecutive turns to your final destination: Left onto University Drive followed by another left onto Moffitt Service Road. For those catching a bus instead; the nearest stop is Moffitt Library: University Drive for an effortless commute!

The lecture scene in Junior

Harmon Way, Berkeley, CA, United States

Remember this adorable thing with monkeys where Dr. Alexander Hesse (Arnold Schwarzenegger) talks about their invention, a new medicine that helps prevent miscarriage? There are students who are following intently.

The Life Sciences Building, University of California, Berkeley, one of the largest academic buildings in the world, provided the setting for that specific Junior scene. If you want to experience the magic of UC Berkeley’s biological sciences, then a visit to the Valley Life Sciences Building (VLSB) is an absolute must.

The building has been around since the ‘30s and it underwent renovations in 1990 as part of a four-building project designed to breathe new life into the research and development conducted at the campus. The Osborne the T-Rex is one of the main attractions it houses, and it will leave you astonished by its lifelike accuracy and structure. However, only students have access to the building, but it is possible to rent some space for events or science work.

The closest bus stops to reach Berkeley (Crescent Lawn) and Li Ka Shing: West Crescent are Berkeley's own. If you'd prefer a stroll from downtown, take Allston Way eastward towards Harold Way, make a left onto Oxford St., turn right into Frank Schlessinger Way, and continue on Campanile Way until you arrive at your destination - conveniently located on the left!

The fertility clinic scene in Junior

2680 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA, United States

The meeting with Dr. Larry Arbogast (Danny DeVito) for the first time happens in the fertility clinic. He’s in a good mood as he discusses the important day ahead and commissions with a colleague. While the first patient is waiting for him, complaining.

The beautiful building which catches our glimpse is Bancroft Hotel. It is a beautiful example of the Craftsman movement that was popularized by notable American architects like Bernard Maybeck, Julia Morgan, and Greene. Originally meant to be an expansive building with an indoor pool, rising costs made it impossible to complete its original design.

Having served as a rooming house and sorority in the past few decades, it was eventually restored with a major seismic overhaul. Steel I-beams were discreetly placed in the bookcases and the ceiling of the Great Hall, all anchored deep into the foundation.

Now standing majestic along College Avenue near the UC Berkeley Campus, the Bancroft Hotel serves as an iconic landmark of hospitality. The nearest bus stop along Bancroft Way at College Ave allows easy access when traveling via public transport while those driving will enjoy a quick trip down Euclid Ave!

The commission scene in Junior

50 United Nations Plaza, San Francisco, CA, United States

The important commission, where both doctors are asking for permission to test their medication on women, happens in a big conference room. Dr. Larry Arbogast (Danny DeVito) is more emotional and gets notes on his behavior. Dr. Alexander Hesse (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is calm and confident though, hoping to hear a resounding yes.

The 50 United Nations Plaza Federal Office Building stands tall at the corner of Hyde and McAllister Streets in San Francisco, California. An example of timeless Neoclassical style architecture, it was designed by Arthur Brown, Jr. in 1936 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a contributing property to the San Francisco Civic Center Historic District.

During public hours, anyone is invited to enter the building with a tenant escort. Guests must pass through electronic security on the first floor upon entry. Additionally, ADA access is available at UN Plaza for visitors who require it.

Take the yellow line and make your way to the Civic Center stop. For those traveling by car, Mission St offers you the fastest route. Alternatively, if traveling by bus is more appealing to you – then make sure to get off at Larkin St & Mcallister St, that's the closest bus station.

Dr. Alexander Hesse leaving scene in Junior

2552 Hyde Street, San Francisco, California, United States

Dr. Hesse (Arnold Schwarzenegger) was utterly stunned when his potentially life-altering deal didn't receive approval from the FDA - so he decided to take a trip overseas. We witness him packing his luggage and hailing a taxi cab outside his beautiful home on Hyde Street.

At 2552 Hyde St in Russian Hill lies a remarkable 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom single family house resting on 1,900 square feet of space. This was the same house used by Arnold Schwarzenegger's character. At some point, its market value stood at around $1,895,000 and when it went on sale again, the asking price was set at $1,995,000.

Its magnificent exterior belies its secluded location, standing proudly against the backdrop of its surroundings. Being a private residence, it is closed off to the public. But you can still admire it from the outside as you drive by.

Starting on Montgomery Street, the most direct route to 2552 Hyde Street is to take a one-minute subway ride with Bay Area Rapid Transit’s Blue line – SSF/Daly City, stopping at Stop ID: MONT. From there, you can embark on a short 1-minute walk to arrive at Powell Street and Market Street where you can grab the cable car PHBeach + Hyde. The 17-minute cable car ride with 25 stops eventually ends at Hyde St & Bay St. From there, it’s a mere 82ft walk of about one minute until you reach your destination of 2552 Hyde Street.

The Dr. Larry Arbogast house scene in Junior

722 Steiner Street, Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA, United States

Dr. Hesse was ready to hop across the pond and start anew in Europe before Arbogast stepped in with a daring plan. He had somehow convinced the Canadian firm, Lyndon Pharmaceutical, to fund their study of Expectane, a drug that was denied approval by the FDA.

There still remained one difficulty: how would they find a volunteer to try such an unproven drug? Shockingly, Arbogast suggests that Dr. Hesse makes use of his own genetics, by having himself impregnated via an ovum known only as Junior.

It seemed that any doubts relating to gender would be avoided in this groundbreaking experiment, so like a phoenix from the ashes, Dr. Hesse agreed and made history without ever leaving these American lands. During the experiment, Dr. Hesse moves in with Dr. Larry Arbogast, so that nobody knows.

Constructed in 1892, 722 Steiner sits elegantly at the corner of Alamo Square, and its sunlit bay windows overlook City Hall and Downtown's glittering skyline. The bottom four levels were renovated in 2015 to bring modern convenience to a classic style - the marble fireplaces, glass gaslit chandeliers, wainscoting, and crown moldings remain in perfect harmony with a completely permitted kitchen/family room upgrade. There is no information if the house is empty now, someone might live there.

The fastest and most convenient way to get there is by car or bus - the subway station is too far away. If you're taking a bus, hop off at Fillmore St & Grove St. From there, it will only take about three minutes of walking (0.1 miles) to reach your destination!

Conclusion

High-concept films are defined by the ability to boil the plot down to a single sentence. Junior can be pitched in three words - Arnold Schwarzenegger pregnant. Although this setup was agreed to and seemed promising, it is fairly obvious that little work went into the actual script.

Arnie's performance radiates with expectancy and is paired with the woefully underappreciated Pamela Reed as his pregnant friend, providing most of the film's few comedic moments. The sequence of the two of them binging on junk food while trading stories is easily the best scene in the movie, showcasing both actors' comedic timing and chemistry.

Emma Thompson also stars in the movie, but her role is unfortunately not developed very much. Ultimately, although there are some entertaining aspects to this movie based on its premise alone, it falls short when it comes to providing an engaging story or engaging characters.