Where was PT 109 filmed?

In the Solomon Islands, Lt. John F. Kennedy (Cliff Robertson) arrives at the PT boat base at Tulagi. During persistent Japanese air attacks and cunning yeomen, he becomes acquainted with Commander C.R. Ritchie (James Gregory). At the beginning of their joint voyage, Kennedy's route crosses with his new commanding officer, Lt. Alvin Cluster (Grant Williams). The exteriors for these sequences were shot on Little Palm Island, originally known as Little Munson Island, now a luxurious resort in the Florida Keys. The sequences set in the Solomon Islands were well complemented by the island's calm and natural beauty. Little Palm Island is an isolated island sanctuary characterized by pathways of crushed seashells, flourishing tropical vegetation, and varied fauna. It is located off the renowned Florida Keys shoreline. The thatched-roof bungalows that dot this one-of-a-kind resort are a design nod to the British West Indies; they provide a breathtaking scene that reflects the story's tropical location. With its indoor/outdoor spa, the resort exudes an exotic charm reminiscent of a Balinese getaway. Getting to this location is an adventure in itself. Once you arrive at Little Torch Key, the resort will provide a motor yacht for the voyage to Little Palm Island. Another option is to take a seaplane straight to the island, giving you a breathtaking view of the Florida Keys from above. Furthermore, one can reach Key West from Miami by car, taking the US-1 S route. The drive typically lasts around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

At dawn, the survivors clutch the remnants of the PT 109 as their leader, Kennedy (Cliff Robertson), courageously decides to swim toward the nearest uninhabited island. The foredeck capsizes no sooner than the crew deserts the ship, compelling Kennedy and his men to swim a daunting three and a half miles to reach dry land. Like most of the production, this scene was filmed at Stage 16 at Warner Bros. Studios. In 1937, Stage 7 was elevated by 30 feet and rechristened as Stage 16, transforming it into a 98-foot high stage equipped with a 2-million-gallon water tank. This stage is among the largest in the world and has been utilized for filming scenes from renowned films such as 'The Goonies' (1985), 'The Perfect Storm' (2000), and 'Dunkirk' (2017). It is also featured in 'La La Land' (2016), where characters played by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone can be seen walking. In Burbank, Warner Bros. Studios is one of the oldest film studios globally and has been a public attraction since 1973. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour and experience the magic of filmmaking firsthand. To visit Warner Bros. Studios, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From the airport, Burbank is about a 30-minute drive. You can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service. Once in Burbank, follow the signs to Warner Bros. Studios at 4000 Warner Boulevard.

In a thrilling scene, Ritchie (James Gregory), initially ordered to remain at Tulagi, confronts the flotilla commander and arranges his transfer to Rendova with the PT 109 crew. On their journey, they are attacked by a Japanese fighter plane. Standing beside the 20-mm machine gun at the stern, Ritchie persuades the gunner to allow him to take a shot - and successfully downs the attacking aircraft. This scene was filmed on location in Key West, Florida, which served as a stand-in for the Solomon Island of Tulagi. This area was captured by the Japanese by the U.S. Marines in August 1942 and was the base for the U.S. PT Boat fleet for a year. Directed by Milestone, the production took advantage of Key West's unique landscape and ambiance for these scenes. Key West, a city situated on an island within the Florida Keys archipelago, holds the distinction of being Florida's southernmost point, positioned approximately 90 miles north of Cuba. The city is celebrated for its charming pastel-hued, conch-style homes and vibrant coral reefs, attracting diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Frequently visited by cruise ships, Key West is also accessible from mainland Florida via the scenic Overseas Highway. To get to Key West, you can fly into Miami International Airport or Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and then take a connecting flight to Key West International Airport. You can also drive from Miami; it's a scenic trip along the Overseas Highway, which takes roughly three and a half hours. Once in Key West, the city is compact enough to explore on foot, by bicycle, or by renting a golf cart.