Where was Martin filmed?
1977
City Locations
Braddock and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Location Types
House, Hospitals/Medical
Location Styles
Federal Building, Modern Building, Modern Car
About Martin
Martin, a unique and captivating horror movie from 1977, was directed by the famous George A. Romero. By mixing psychological horror with dark humor, the movie gives vampire myths a new look.
Martin (John Amplas), a young man who thinks he is an 84-year-old vampire, is at the center of the story. Martin is not like most vampires, though, because he doesn't have fangs or any other magical powers. Instead, he uses sharp blades and sedatives to control his victims, which gives him a menacing, realistic feel.
His life changes when he goes to Pennsylvania to live with Tata Cuda (Lincoln Maazel), his older cousin. Tata Cuda is sure that Martin is a vampire and wants to save his life before killing him. As Martin struggles with his identity, loneliness, and strange impulses, the distinction between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred.
The movie goes into great detail about themes like being alone, right and wrong, and how complicated the mind is. Martin's secret calls to a local radio show to talk about his "condition" add another layer to the story. They create a strange sense of community while also making Martin feel even more alone.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, 40 reviews of Martin gave it an average score of 7.5/10, which means that 90% of those reviews were positive. It's George A. Romero's own take on vampire lore, with a powerful ending that mixes gore and social commentary. The movie also has a good average score of 68 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Overall, Martin isn't just a vampire movie; it's a deep look at what it means to be human, wrapped up in the trappings of a horror movie.
Martin Locations
Martin utilized the diverse backdrops of Pennsylvania to bring its chilling narrative to life. The regions chosen for filming played a significant role in creating the film's atmospheric and immersive setting.
Most of the scenes were filmed in Braddock, Pennsylvania, at 215 5th Street, which was Tata Cuda's house. With its rustic charm and old buildings, this location was great for setting the creepy mood of the movie.
The Monroeville Mall was also used. The mall, which is known for its large size and busy atmosphere, was turned into a deeply memorable setting for the movie's final scene.
For fans of the movie, these locations are definitely worth visiting. People can appreciate the carefully chosen shooting locations that helped make Martin feel so unique by walking through Monroeville Mall like Martin or getting a glimpse of Tata Cuda’s house.
Did you know?
Despite being less well-known than his Night of the Living Dead films, George A. Romero considered Martin to be his favorite. He saw it as his most personal work and even had a small role as a priest in it to show how much he cared about it.
Martin living at Cuda's house scene in Martin
215 5th St, Braddock, PA 15104, USA
Upon Martin's arrival, Cuda immediately acknowledges his belief in Martin's vampire condition, referring to him as "Nosferatu". This sets the tone for their tense relationship and the unsettling events that follow. Cuda shows Martin to the guest bedroom in the attic. The room is adorned with crosses and garlic, traditional instruments of vampire lore, reflecting Cuda's intention to save Martin's soul before destroying him.
This house is found at 5th Street in Braddock, Pennsylvania, a place steeped in history and charm. The street is lined with historic houses, and it exudes a unique allure that draws in visitors and film enthusiasts alike.
To visit the iconic house at 215 5th Street, Braddock, PA, from downtown Pittsburgh, take I-376 E for approximately nine miles. The journey will take around 15 minutes.
Martin and Cuda walking to downtown Pittsburgh scene in Martin
Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse, 700 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
Martin and Cuda walk from the station to downtown Pittsburgh. The cityscape serves as an imposing backdrop, with its towering buildings and busy streets providing a stark contrast to the quiet, suburban scenes from earlier in the film. This scene effectively uses the urban environment to emphasize Martin's internal struggle and the complicated relationship he shares with Cuda, creating a memorable cinematic moment.
This scene was filmed in Pittsburgh, where Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse provides a memorable setting. The courthouse is a striking example of Beaux Arts architecture. It serves as the courthouse for the Western District of Pennsylvania, dedicated to the memory of Joseph F. Weis Jr., a distinguished judge of the United States District Court from 1970 to 1973. Situated at 700 Grant Street, this courthouse stands as a symbol of justice, intricately woven into the architectural fabric of Pittsburgh.
To visit this location, from the Pittsburgh International Airport, take I-376 E towards Pittsburgh for about 20 miles. The journey will take around 25 minutes by car.
Martin and Cuda walking under the bridge scene in Martin
1600 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Martin and Cuda walk in a wholesale district under a bridge. The setting is gritty and industrial, with the imposing structure of the bridge overhead and the bustle of commerce and trade around them. Cuda, in his usual stern demeanor, walks alongside Martin, a reminder of the ominous presence he has in Martin's life. Their interaction during this walk further illuminates the tension between them, a constant theme throughout the film.
Smallman Street is a vibrant and historic thoroughfare in Pittsburgh's beloved Strip District, and it’s where this scene was filmed. Known for its unique blend of old and new, it hosts the Smallman Street Deli, the Produce Terminal, and the Strip District Terminal. The street offers stunning views of downtown Pittsburgh and Saint Stanislaus Church. However, as of 2024, a section of Smallman Street is closed for construction until the following year, causing some disruption to the usual hustle and bustle.
To visit 1600 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, from Pittsburgh International Airport, start by taking I-376 E. Drive approximately 18 miles, then follow GPS directions to get to your destination. The journey should take around 20-25 minutes.
Martin delivering meat order scene in Martin
1331 Kirkpatrick Ave, Braddock, PA 15104, USA
Martin delivers a meat order to a lady's home. Miscommunication and hilarity ensue as Martin, who is usually out of his depth in such situations, attempts to handle the task. The woman, an odd character, contributes to the laughter with her distinct reactions and demands. This scene exemplifies the film's ability to elicit amusement from commonplace events while highlighting Martin's charmingly unique nature.
This scene was filmed at a house on Kirkpatrick Avenue in Braddock, Pennsylvania. This avenue is a residential street set against the backdrop of a town steeped in history. Braddock, once a bustling steel industry hub, has seen significant change over the years. Kirkpatrick Avenue, like many streets in the area, reflects this evolution with its mix of older homes and newer developments.
To visit this location from downtown Pittsburgh, start on I-376 E. The 12-mile journey should take you around 20 minutes to complete.
Martin stalking a house scene in Martin
2322 Marbury Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, USA
Martin stalks a house where a couple lives. He observes the couple from a distance, using his characteristic blend of humor and suspense, with each move adding to the tension. As the couple becomes aware of Martin's presence, their sense of security crumbles. The situation culminates when Martin assaults them, ending in a humorous but nerve-wracking fight that brilliantly captures the core of the show.
This scene was filmed at a house on Marbury Road, which is a private street in Pittsburgh’s North Shore neighborhood. It's famous for its cute, well-kept houses, many of which are built in the traditional American style. There are big trees all along the street, which adds to its peaceful, neighborhood feel. It's close to downtown Pittsburgh and has a lot of parks, which makes it a good place for families and single people who want a quiet but easy place to live.
From the center of Pittsburgh, take I-376 E east to begin your journey to this destination. It should take a little over 10 minutes if you’re driving.
Conclusion
Martin is a visual feast that takes us from the rough cityscapes of Pittsburgh to its quieter neighborhoods, showcasing a wide range of American life. These places aren't just backgrounds; they're characters in their own right, adding to the mood and tone of the story. These locations are used so well in the movie that they create a complex tapestry that goes well with the story.
Martin is a memorable film that shows how geography can be used to improve a movie's story by giving the characters' lives and experiences more depth and meaning. It's an exciting and darkly funny horror movie that will stay with you for a long time.