Where was Sunset Boulevard filmed?
1950
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Location Types
Mansion, Apartment, Storefront, Restaurant, Film Studio, Mediterranean
Location Styles
Tudor, Mediterranean, Building Dated/Retro, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Old Hollywood, Castle/Chateau
About Sunset Boulevard
Step into the captivating world of Hollywood's gloom and glamour with Sunset Boulevard, a 1950 American black comedy-drama film noir. This masterpiece was directed by the legendary Billy Wilder and produced by Charles Brackett and features the extraordinarily gifted William Holden in the role of Joe Gillis, a screenwriter facing challenges, and the iconic Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, an erstwhile star of silent films. The line-up is further enhanced by Erich von Stroheim, playing her loyal butler, and a robust ensemble consisting of Nancy Olson, Lloyd Gough, Jack Webb, and Fred Clark.
Sunset Boulevard spins a dark tale revolving around Joe Gillis, who ends up entangled in the chaotic fantasy world of Norma Desmond. A washed-up silent film star, Norma dreams of making a sensational comeback to the screen. But as Joe gets increasingly drawn into her life, he finds himself captive in her deranged world.
The film reaped recognition at the Academy Awards, garnering 11 nominations and bagging three wins. It received nominations across all acting categories, with Gloria Swanson nominated for Best Actress and William Holden for Best Actor. Sunset Boulevard also clinched the Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Original Score, and Writing.
Critically acclaimed, Sunset Boulevard is often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made. In 1989, it was inducted into the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. It also stands at number 12 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 best American films of the 20th century.
Sunset Boulevard Locations
This iconic film used myriad locations throughout Los Angeles, California, for its production. The majority of scenes were shot in midtown Los Angeles, which, at the time of filming, was graced by the Renaissance-style mansion at 641 South Irving Boulevard, a primary location in the film. Unfortunately, the mansion was demolished in 1957; it once stood amongst notable landmarks such as the Getty headquarters and the Griffith Observatory. Other captivating locations featured were the iconic Schwab's Pharmacy, the star-studded Perino's Restaurant, and the mock Tudor Para Sed Apartments. The film also offers an exclusive peek into the Paramount Studio at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood as Norma Desmond visits Cecil B DeMille on set.
Exploring these sites today provides a glimpse into history, notwithstanding the transformations they've experienced. While some may no longer be present, their enduring legacy has significantly imprinted numerous Hollywood narratives. A prime example of a surviving landmark is the Mediterranean-esque Alto Nido Apartments, which served as the residence of Joe Gillis, the screenwriter in the movie. While the principal entrance to Paramount Studio may not be the renowned Paramount Gate featured in the film, its spirit can still be experienced through the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour.
A trip to these locations from the Sunset Boulevard era can be a worthwhile adventure for classic Hollywood fans, location scouts, film students, and history buffs, promising a nostalgic journey through cinematic history. As you explore these landmarks, you can almost hear the echoes of Gloria Swanson's iconic line, "I am big; it's the pictures that got small".
Joe Gillis's apartment scene in Sunset Boulevard
Chateau Alto Nido, 1851 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Here, audiences are introduced to Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling screenwriter who has only managed to produce a handful of unremarkable films in his brief career. The scene is set in the Mediterranean-style Chateau Alto Nido Apartments at 1851 North Ivar Street, Hollywood. This is where Joe Gillis, played by William Holden, calls home. In the film, this location serves as a testament to Gillis's challenging circumstances and struggle to make it big in Hollywood.
Just a stone's throw away at 1817 North Ivar lies a captivating piece of history. In the enchanting Tudor-style building, the esteemed writer Nathaniel West embarked on his literary journey here. It was in 1935 when he first delved into the creation of his renowned Hollywood satire, "Day of the Locust." This masterpiece of literature would later grace the silver screen under the masterful direction of John Schlesinger in 1973.
Fans will be thrilled to know that they can actually stay at Chateau Alto Nido, as apartments there are available for rent. This offers fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Hollywood history.
Getting to the Alto Nido Apartments is relatively straightforward. You can take the Metro Red Line to the Hollywood/Vine Station if you're in Los Angeles. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the apartments. If you're driving, head towards North Ivar Street via Sunset Boulevard or Hollywood Boulevard.
Norma Desmond’s mansion scene in Sunset Boulevard
641 S Irving Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90005, USA
Joe Gillis (William Holden) seeks refuge from repossession men in a seemingly desolate mansion on Sunset Boulevard. After a tire on his car blows out, he stashes the vehicle in a nearby garage and proceeds to investigate the decaying property. Suddenly, a woman inside the mansion calls out to him. As he meets her, he realizes she is Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a long-forgotten silent film star.
Although the movie gives the address of the mansion as "10086 Sunset Boulevard", placing it west of Beverly Hills towards Bel Air, the actual location of Norma Desmond's magnificent Renaissance-style mansion was in midtown Los Angeles. Until 1957, it stood at 641 South Irving Boulevard on the northwest corner of Wilshire Boulevard. In an unfortunate twist, the mansion was demolished to make way for the unremarkable Getty headquarters, now known as the Harbor Building.
The mansion has an intriguing history; it was constructed between 1919 and 1924 by William O. Jenkins, a sugar plantation owner in Mexico. However, the mansion was rarely occupied, with the Jenkins family living there for just one year before returning to Mexico. In 1936, J. Paul Getty purchased the derelict house, reportedly as a home for a former wife. The mansion then stood empty, maintained by caretakers until its demolition in 1957.
You can get there by taking the Metro Bus Line 20 to Wilshire Boulevard and South Irving Boulevard. The exact location is now a modern office building. However, standing there, you can still imagine the echoes of Hollywood's golden age and the faded glory of its silent stars.
Norma and Joe stop for cigarettes scene in Sunset Boulevard
8024 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
A memorable scene unfolds at the renowned Schwab's Pharmacy. Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) and Joe Gillis (William Holden) stop at this iconic location to pick up cigarettes.
Schwab's Pharmacy was at 8024 Sunset Boulevard at Laurel Avenue in West Hollywood; this location was famed as a popular haunt for movie stars and industry insiders from the 1930s to the 1950s. It also held a counter that served ice cream dishes and light meals, typical of many American drug stores during the mid-20th century.
One of the enduring legends associated with Schwab's is that actress Lana Turner was discovered there while sitting at the counter. While this tale has been debunked, it remains part of this Hollywood landmark's lore.
Unfortunately, Schwab's Pharmacy was demolished in the 1980s. However, enthusiasts can still visit the site where this famous pharmacy once stood on Sunset Boulevard. For those wishing to visit, public transportation, such as Los Angeles Metro buses, can be used to reach the vicinity. Alternatively, for those driving, the location is easily accessible via Sunset Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Los Angeles.
Norma buys posh duds scene in Sunset Boulevard
Perino’s Restaurant, 3927 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA
Norma (Gloria Swanson) indulges Joe Gillis (William Holden) with lavish attention and extravagant clothing; this includes a tuxedo for an intimate New Year's Eve celebration. Fans of the film will fondly remember the scene where Norma purchases these high-end garments for Joe.
This scene occurs across the street from Perino's Restaurant, a famous hub for Hollywood stars during the Golden Age. Located at 3927 Wilshire Boulevard, the restaurant was established in 1932 by Alexander Perino, an Italian-American entrepreneur. It rapidly rose to fame among the Hollywood upper crust, earning its status as a Los Angeles icon akin to the Brown Derby, Chasen's, and Romanoff's.
The restaurant also made appearances in other films. For example, Dustin Hoffman can be seen in the restaurant in "Marathon Man," and a scene between Tony Montana, Elvira, and Manny in "Scarface" (1983) was filmed at Perino's. However, the same year that "Sunset Boulevard" was released, Perino's relocated a few blocks west to 4101 Wilshire. Sadly, this location was also demolished in 2005 to make way for apartment buildings.
To visit the original location of Perino's, one can use public transportation or drive, depending on one's starting point. If you're in the Los Angeles area, the Metro Purple Line subway stops at Wilshire/Normandie Station, about a 15-minute walk from the former location of Perino's.
Norma arrives at the studio scene in Sunset Boulevard
Paramount Studio, 5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA
Norma (Gloria Swanson) receives calls from Paramount Studios executive, Gordon Cole, but Norma demands to speak only with Cecil B. DeMille (as himself). She instructs her butler, Max (Erich von Stroheim), to drive her and Joe Gillis to the studio in her rare 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A vintage luxury car.
When Norma arrives at Paramount Studio in Hollywood, she pays a visit to Cecil on the set. DeMille was filming "Samson and Delilah" at the time. The rich-in-history studio was initially built as Peralta Studios in 1917. It became Brunton Studios in 1920 and United Studios in 1921 before Paramount purchased it in 1926. Since then, the studio has expanded, engulfing surrounding streets.
As a result, the main entrance is no longer the famous Paramount gate seen in "Sunset Boulevard". The iconic Paramount Arch is now in the lot and can only be viewed from afar unless you opt for a Paramount Pictures Studio Tour. This 2-hour tour operates Monday to Friday and accommodates small groups, providing an up-close look at this historic location.
One can use public transportation or drive to reach Paramount Studios, depending on the starting point. For Los Angeles residents, taking the Metro Red Line subway and alighting at the Hollywood/Vine Station would be the most convenient. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the studio.
Conclusion
Sunset Boulevard (1950) is a masterpiece that pulls back the curtains on the glamour of Hollywood to reveal its darker side. Portrayed with unforgettable intensity by Gloria Swanson, Norma Desmond is a character who continues to captivate audiences with her theatrical mannerisms and grandiose delusions.
William Holden breathes life into the role of Joe Gillis, a young writer who becomes entangled in Norma's world. His nuanced performance studies subtlety as he navigates his character's complex relationship with Norma. Erich von Stroheim, playing Norma's loyal butler, Max, delivers a moving and grounding performance, providing the emotional resonance that keeps the film from descending into a mere spectacle.
The script, co-written by Wilder and Charles Brackett, is a triumph of storytelling. It dares to use real names and real people from Hollywood, bringing an element of authenticity that makes the narrative all the more compelling. From Darryl Zanuck to Tyrone Power, from Alan Ladd to the silent stars who appear as Norma's "waxworks," the film blurs the line between fiction and reality in a daring and original way.
The locations used for filming add another layer of richness to the story. From midtown Los Angeles to the opulent Renaissance-style mansion at 641 South Irving Boulevard, each setting is used to its maximum potential to reflect the film's themes and character arcs. The film's visual representation truly captures Hollywood's essence during the transition from silent films to talkies.
Billy Wilder's enduring popularity is a testament to his talent as a filmmaker. His works, such as Sunset Boulevard, remain as fresh and entertaining today as they were when they were first released. His ability to weave a compelling narrative, his daring use of actual events and characters, and his knack for getting unforgettable performances from his actors make him one of the greatest directors of Hollywood's golden age.