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Rain Man movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Rain Man filmed?

1988

City Locations

Ohio; Kentucky; Indiana; Oklahoma; Nevada; California (USA)

Location Types

Hospital, Hotel, Restaurant, Bar, Motel

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Colonial, Mediterranean, Luxury Hotel, Modern Building, Building Dated/Retro

About Rain Man

Rain Man is regarded as one of the most treasured films of the late 1980s, directed by Barry Levinson. Starring Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt and Dustin Hoffman as Raymond Babbitt, the film tells the story of two estranged brothers on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

The plot begins when Charlie, a self-absorbed businessman (Tom Cruise), discovers his estranged autistic savant brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman); Charlie has no idea that Raymond has become the only heir to their father's considerable fortune. The plot revolves around their trip together, showcasing Raymond's remarkable powers and struggles while strengthening the bond between the brothers.

Rain Man was a tremendous financial success, earning $354 million worldwide, and critics highly praised the movie for its innovative narrative and excellent acting. For its compassionate and accurate depiction of autism and savant syndrome in a time when these disorders were mainly unknown, the film has received high praise. Dustin Hoffman's compelling performance as Raymond Babbitt won him well-deserved praise for its honesty and emotional depth.

Rain Man Locations

Step inside the cinematic universe of Rain Man (1988) as we take you around the wide, diverse locations used to make this classic picture. The film masterfully portrays the essence of American living while transporting viewers throughout the country.

Cincinnati, Ohio, alludes to its historic charm as the film's primary setting. Envision the magnificent Dixie hub, a once-thriving stock market, and streetcar center, or the opulent home where Charlie Babbitt grew up in Cincinnati's East Walnut Hills neighborhood.

Several well-known landmarks and historical places exist in the Cincinnati area and the neighboring regions. The beautiful St. Anne's Convent in Melbourne, Kentucky, Charlie's brother Raymond's home in the film, or the marble arcade of the Dixie Terminal may be reached by following the Ohio River.

In Rain Man, Cincinnati is just one among several locations. For one, you can embark on a Midwest adventure and discover the incredible beauty of Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nevada, and California. Wander the lush walkways of Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Kentucky, where Charlie and Raymond laid their father to rest, or marvel at the technical marvel of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Staying at the Vernon Manor Hotel on the Babbitt brothers' first night in Cincinnati allowed them to experience the city's uptown splendor.

Those interested in the varied landscapes of the United States or fans of the film Rain Man will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience touring the locations used in the movie. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Cincinnati and Kentucky's historic districts as you witness the vibrant energy of Oklahoma and Nevada. The breathtaking settings in Rain Man are like moths to a flame; they all have something unique to offer.

Fun Fact

The film won four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (Barry Levinson), Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), and Best Original Screenplay (the team). The Berlin International Film Festival also presented it with the prestigious Golden Bear award.

Charlie and Raymond leave the Wallbrook by foot scene in Rain Man

St Anne’s Convent, 5275-5300 St Anne Dr, Melbourne, KY 41059, USA

Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) discovers he has an autistic savant brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). Stunned by this revelation and driven by his quest to secure what he perceives as his fair share of their father's estate, Charlie initiates a life-altering cross-country journey with Raymond.

One of the most iconic scenes unfolds when Charlie and Raymond depart from the Wallbrook institution on foot. This scene is etched in cinematic history as it signifies the start of their transformative journey together, setting the stage for the compelling narrative that follows.

The Wallbrook institution, where Charlie finds Raymond, is filmed at St. Anne’s Convent, located at 1000 Saint Anne Drive, Melbourne, Kentucky. The convent, designed by architect Howard McClorey and established in 1919, exudes a serene religiosity, with statues of the Virgin Mary adorning its walls. Situated southeast of Cincinnati over the Ohio River on Route 8, it houses a Montessori school today.

If you're interested in visiting this historic and beautiful location, it's recommended to contact the administration in advance to confirm if visits are permitted. To reach St. Anne's Convent from Cincinnati, take I-471 S; this 17-minute drive offers picturesque views along the Ohio River, making the trip not only a pilgrimage to a film location but also a delightful excursion.

Raymond counts 246 toothpicks scene in Rain Man

Pompilio’s Bar and Restaurant, 600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071, USA

In this scene, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) exhibits his extraordinary numerical abilities. This occurs at Pompilio's Bar and Restaurant, where Raymond astounds his younger brother Charlie (Tom Cruise) by accurately counting 246 toothpicks that had fallen to the floor. He further surprises everyone by memorizing the waitress's phone number.

This iconic scene was filmed at Pompilio's Bar and Restaurant at 600 Washington Avenue, Newport. The restaurant, established in 1933, is steeped in history and charm. It was one of the first establishments granted a liquor license following the end of Prohibition in the United States, adding to its historical significance. Today, Pompilio’s remains a beloved local institution, serving both the Greater Cincinnati community and visitors alike. It has become a multi-generational haunt, with families introducing their young ones to its rich history and delectable food.

If you're journeying from downtown Cincinnati to Pompilio's, you can take the US Hwy 27 S heading towards Newport. It's a swift 10-minute car ride via the Taylor Southgate Bridge. Alternatively, public transportation is also an option, with bus services running from downtown Cincinnati to this location.

The casino scene in Rain Man

Caesars Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Paradise, NV 89109, USA

Charlie (Tom Cruise) discovers his brother Raymond's (Dustin Hoffman) exceptional memory skills and exploits this by taking him to Las Vegas. Their goal? To win big at blackjack by counting cards.

One of the most memorable moments in this sequence is when Charlie lets Raymond take the car wheel at the fountain of Caesars Palace. This is followed by a shot of the two brothers descending into the bustling casino on an escalator. Fans of the film will also recall a heartwarming scene where Charlie and Raymond share a dance in their suite.

These hotel sequences occur in the iconic Caesars Palace, nestled along 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Opened in 1966, it has long been a destination for high rollers, attracting wealthy gamblers from all over the world. The hotel boasts various restaurants, including several that serve authentic Chinese cuisine. Since filming Rain Man, the complex at Caesars Palace has undergone significant expansions.

If you're traveling from McCarran International Airport to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, you can get there by heading southeast on S University Center Dr, which typically takes around 15 minutes by car. Alternatively, public buses and taxis are readily available for a convenient commute.

Charlie meets with his attorney scene in Rain Man

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

The pivotal moment occurs when Charlie (Tom Cruise) meets with his lawyer to claim his inheritance. On the other hand, Charlie has a change of heart and learns that what he wants is not finances but custody of his brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). Set at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel on 404 South Figueroa Street in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, this moving setting unfolds by the poolside. Rejecting Dr. Bruner's $250,000 offer reveals Charlie's newfound compassion for his brother.

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel holds a prominent place in the annals of film and television history, having been showcased in a multitude of productions. Constructed between 1974 and 1976, the Westin Bonaventure Hotel is a landmark in its own right. Its top floor houses a revolving restaurant and bar, offering panoramic views of the city.

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel is just a stone's throw away from downtown Los Angeles. By car, a brief 5-minute drive east on W 1st St and Flower St will get you there. Alternatively, if you're up for a stroll, it's a pleasant 25-minute walk from downtown.

Raymond goes back home scene in Rain Man

Santa Ana Train Station, 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701, USA

The moving scene unfolds as Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) prepares to return to Cincinnati. Throughout the film, Charlie (Tom Cruise) undergoes a change of heart, coming to regard Raymond as a beloved sibling and an integral character of his life. Their strong relationship is on full display as Charlie assures Raymond that he will visit him in two weeks as he boards the Amtrak train.

Santa Ana Train Station is the setting for this moving scene. In keeping with the region's rich architectural history, the Blurock Partnership architectural firm skillfully combined Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival elements to create the station's design. Fans of the film will be thrilled to see that the station still exudes the tranquil atmosphere depicted so brilliantly on film.

Suppose you're starting from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel or the city center of Los Angeles and want to get to the Santa Ana Train Station. In that case, you'll need to start by driving south on US-101 S. This journey will take approximately 50 minutes if you travel via I-5 South. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation such as the bus, but be prepared for a longer journey, as it may take almost two hours to reach your destination.

Conclusion

Rain Man is a film masterpiece that explores the complexity of a brother relationship. An ideal depiction of the struggles, triumphs, and deep love shared by two very different brothers is shown in the film.

As the autistic genius Raymond, Dustin Hoffman gives an outstanding performance. With his subtle performance, Hoffman enthralls audiences and excels in a role that may have overwhelmed others. Tom Cruise delivers an enthralling performance as Charlie, the initially egotistical sibling, and credibly displays the character's evolution from irritation to acceptance.

Rain Man takes us on a cross-country journey across the diverse landscapes of Kentucky, Ohio, Nevada, and California. With the addition of new settings, the plot thickens and the narrative becomes more dynamic.

The excellent performances, exciting narrative, and thought-provoking storytelling in Rain Man make the movie a must-see. Furthermore, visiting the various filming locations may provide a deeper grasp of the film's narrative and visual storytelling.