Where was Porky's filmed?
1981
City Locations
Miami, North Bay Village, FL; Santa Monica, CA (USA)
Location Types
Restaurants, Schools/Colleges, House, Gyms/Sports
Location Styles
American Art Deco, Beachfront, Craftsman, Colonial, Dilapidated/Neglected, Modern Building
About Porky's
Dive back into the raucous world of high school with Porky's, a 1981 sex comedy movie that will transport you to the nostalgic era of the 1950s. This iconic film is brought to life by the exceptional direction of Bob Clark, known for his unique storytelling style. The ensemble cast includes the talents of Wyatt Knight, Dan Monahan, Mark Herrier, Roger Wilson, Kim Cattrall, Tony Ganios, Cyril O'Reilly, Kaki Hunter, Nancy Parsons, and others.
Set in the fictional Angel Beach High School in Florida, Porky's takes the audience on a wild ride through adolescent fascination and misadventures. The story centers around a group of high school students who are determined to lose their virginity. Their journey detours as they visit Porky's, a notorious strip club in the Everglades. After an unexpected encounter with Porky, the club's owner, the group gets embroiled in a hilarious quest for self-redemption and sweet revenge.
Despite receiving mixed reviews over time, Porky's soared to commercial success upon its release in 1981, grossing over $130 million worldwide and ranking as the fifth highest-grossing film in 1982.
Although the movie did not receive any significant awards or nominations, the humor, camaraderie, and relatable coming-of-age escapades have secured Porky's a unique spot in cinema history. Porky's is more than just a film; it's a journey back to a simpler time, packed with a dose of nostalgia and a healthy serving of laughter.
Porky's Locations
Porky's is celebrated for its comedic narrative and the distinct locations used during production. Despite being an American creation, it was produced by Canadian company Astral Media and filmed primarily in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida, giving it a unique cross-cultural heritage. The notorious exterior of Porky's nightclub was built on what is currently known as Oleta State Park, situated near Sunny Isles Blvd in North Miami. With its verdant surroundings and closeness to the water, this location offers a uniquely Floridian setting.
The interior scenes of Porky's were shot in a restaurant off the 79th Street Causeway in Miami, a site that holds a bit of Hollywood history as Frank Sinatra also filmed a movie there in the 1960s. This restaurant, unfortunately, no longer stands, but the location offers other attractions, such as the vibrant North Bay Village.
The high school scenes, including the courtyard and the memorable night dance scene, were filmed at a former school in Miami Beach, specifically Miami Senior High. This location, amidst Miami's beautiful beaches and lively cityscape, adds an authentic high-school atmosphere to the film.
Cherry Forever's house, another important set piece, was built in Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach, a serene location known for its natural beauty and historic buildings. Meanwhile, the beach restaurant scene, famed for the "Mike Hunt" gag, was shot on Hollywood Beach, a popular destination known for its boardwalk.
The movie culminates in a scene where Porky traverses the county border, a sequence filmed on what is currently the North Miami Campus of Florida International University. In 1982, this expanse of deserted roads wove through dense forests, infusing a feeling of seclusion and thrill into this crucial instant.
Visiting these locations today could be an exciting journey for film fans, offering a chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of Miami and Miami Beach while reminiscing about the iconic scenes from Porky's.
Interesting fact:
The concept for the film was conceived by Bob Clark in 1972, drawing inspiration from his experiences with a group of five friends during his high school years in Florida in the 1950s. The real-life events that took place at Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport and Fort Lauderdale High School in the early 1960s served as the basis for the storyline. A local establishment named Porky's Hide Away in Oakland Park, Florida also played a significant role in shaping the narrative.
Pee Wee tells Mickey about Wendy scene in Porky's
Fienberg Fisher Adult School, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Mickey Jarvis (Roger Wilson) expresses his shock that Pee Wee (Dan Monahan) is considering Wendy (Kaki Hunter) as his only option to lose his virginity. Wendy, known for her loose reputation, is a source of envy for many girls who secretly wish to live as freely as she does but lack the courage. This scene is a stark portrayal of teenage angst and the pressures of social conformity.
This scene and others set in the high school, including the courtyard and the memorable night dance scene, were filmed at what is now known as the Fienberg Fisher Adult School in Miami Beach, Florida. The exterior "secret" entrance to the girl's shower, an iconic element in the film, was also shot here, although the shower itself was a set built for the movie.
The Fienberg Fisher Adult School's exterior has remained unchanged since the filming of Porky's, preserving its nostalgic charm. However, as the school is still operational, potential visitors have to contact the school administration for permission.
To reach the Fienberg Fisher Adult School, you can drive from Miami via MacArthur Cswy, which typically takes around 20 minutes, considering traffic conditions. Alternatively, public transportation is available, with convenient bus stops located nearby. Parking facilities are available in the surrounding area if you prefer to drive.
Mickey goes to Cherry Forever's house scene in Porky's
Greynolds Park, 17530 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA
An iconic scene unfolds at Cherry Forever's (Susan Clark) swamp shack home, where Mickey and his friends visit the local prostitute. Before any sexual act can occur, all the boys are required to strip naked for inspection to ensure they are clean. The scene contributes to the film's exploration of teenage sexual curiosity and the lengths young men will go to satisfy their desires. It also adds a layer of humor and awkwardness that has become synonymous with the Porky's brand.
The residence of the character Cherry Forever in Porky's was a constructed set in Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach. Although the exact set decor from the movie isn't present for visitors, Greynolds Park is still an exceptional place to visit. It's a haven for nature lovers, offering many facilities like picnic spots, recreational areas, a bird rookery, and a golf course.
The park's boathouse hosts a nature exhibit and provides various interpretive programs such as guided and self-guided nature walks, educational lectures, campfires, and more. Additionally, on weekends and public holidays, guests have the option to rent paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes to navigate the park's beautiful waterways.
Fans can travel to Greynolds Park by train from Miami or hire a car/taxi. By car, the road will take about 30 minutes. On-site parking is also available for convenience.
The boys go to a strip scene in Porky's
Jilly's, 1856 N Bay Causeway, North Bay Village, FL 33141, USA
There's a memorable scene where the boys visit a strip club named Porky's. Inside, they encounter a unique spectacle: a midget (Peter Conrad) using women as Santa Claus's reindeer while country music plays in the background. When one customer crosses the line with a stripper (Pat Lee), the bouncers (Cash Baron, Cash Spadard, and Roger Womack) promptly escort him out.
This scene is significant not only for its humor but also for the way it encapsulates the raucous, carefree spirit of the film's characters and setting.
The interior scenes of Porky's strip club were filmed at Jilly's, a now-demolished restaurant located off the 79th Street causeway in Miami. This location has a rich history; Frank Sinatra filmed a movie there in the '60s, and it was part of North Bay Village, an area famous for its popular restaurants and nightclubs that attracted celebrities like Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Dean Martin. Martin even had his nightclub, Dino's, in the late '60s and early '70s, situated next to Jilly Rizzo's club, Jilly's.
Although Jilly's no longer exists, North Bay Village retains its charm and is a delightful area for fans to visit. The site is accessible via public transportation or car, with parking available in the surrounding area. From Miami, it's a 20-minute drive by car.
The gang goes to the hang-out restaurant scene in Porky's
McGowan's Oceanside Tiki Bar & Restaurant, 298 Arizona St, Hollywood, FL 33019, USA
At the gang's local hang-out, 'Deadbeats,' Mickey and his friends contemplate their next move over hot dogs served by a waitress (Joanne Marsic). Mickey is keen on revenge, but his older brother Ted Jarvis (Art Hingle) warns him against crossing paths with Porky (Chuck Mitchell), a dangerous man who won't hesitate to escalate the situation.
This scene is pivotal as it sets the stage for the conflict that drives the narrative, highlighting the tension between the reckless ambition of youth and the cautious wisdom of experience.
The 'Deadbeats' bar scenes were filmed at McGowan's Oceanside Tiki Bar & Restaurant, located at 298 Arizona Street in Hollywood, Florida. Known for its Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant offers dishes like calamari, ceviche, and fried fish. Despite changes over the years, the restaurant still retains its charm, and the surrounding area mirrors the movie setting, making it a recommended visit for fans of the film, especially during the night when it comes alive.
To get to McGowan's Oceanside Tiki Bar & Restaurant, you can drive from Miami via I-95. It's conveniently located and easily reachable via public transportation or car. If driving, parking is available nearby.
Porky crosses the county line scene in Porky's
North Campus, Florida International University, FIU North Campus, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
One of the final scenes showcases Porky and the sheriff stepping out of their jurisdiction. Porky attempts to persuade the local police officers to hand over the offending boys to him. However, doing so would mean acknowledging that underage boys—aged 16 and 17—were present in a restricted area, a fact the sheriff is too obtuse to keep quiet about. In an act of retribution, Ted Jarvis damages Porky's property, much like Porky had done to Tommy's (Wyatt Knight) car earlier in the film. Porky is forced to put his hand in his brother's mouth until he promises not to revisit Ted's county.
This climactic scene was filmed at what is now the North Miami Campus of Florida International University (FIU). Back in 1982, the location was merely empty roads running through woodland. It's about 3/4 mile south of the university's 151st Street entrance.
Today, FIU is a public research university known for its main campus in the University Park neighborhood. The campus is notable for its oldest buildings, which exemplify Brutalist architecture. While student tours are available, those interested in visiting should contact the university administration for permission.
To reach the North Miami Campus of Florida International University, you can drive (30 minutes) or take buses with multiple transfers (an hour and a half) to reach your destination.
Conclusion
Porky's dives into the realm of teenage antics, focusing heavily on themes of sex, high school pranks, and adolescent preoccupations. Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it reflects the era when the filmmakers themselves were teenagers, creating a sense of nostalgia. While this may seem outdated to some, the themes appear to resonate with teenagers of any generation, given their timeless nature.
Many critics argue that the characters do not convincingly portray teenagers; instead, they come across as older individuals revisiting their youth. This disconnect hinders the audience's ability to empathize with the characters' embarrassments, as they often appear to be merely acting out the parts.
The script of Porky's, while filled with raunchy humor and clichés, has been criticized for its portrayal of women. The film heavily emphasizes male camaraderie, often at the expense of its female characters, which may not sit well with modern audiences.
Despite these critiques, Porky's is noteworthy for its authentic use of location. Filmed primarily in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida, the movie effectively captures the unique cultural landscape of the area. The infamous exterior of Porky's nightclub, constructed in what is now Oleta State Park and the high school scenes filmed at Miami Senior High lend an air of authenticity to the narrative.
As for whether it's worth watching, Porky's might appeal to those interested in retro cinema or viewers who appreciate raunchy humor and nostalgia. However, modern audiences should be prepared for the film's dated attitudes toward gender and sexuality.
Porky's is a film that encapsulates a specific era of teenage life and filmmaking. While its portrayal of characters and themes might not meet today's standards, it remains a significant part of cinema history.