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Weekend at Bernie's movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Weekend at Bernie's filmed?

1989

City Locations

New York (USA), Wilmington (USA), Southport (USA), Harnett (USA), North Carolina (USA)

Location Types

House, Unusual

Location Styles

Beachfront, Office Building Style, Beach House, Modern Building, Modern Car

About Weekend at Bernie's

Weekend at Bernie's is a light-hearted comedy about two young insurance company employees, Richard and Larry, who are invited by their boss, Bernie, to spend the weekend at his luxurious beach house. When they arrive, however, they discover that Bernie has passed away, yet his body mysteriously remains upright.

In an effort to avoid suspicion from others who might stumble upon this strange scene, the two men decide to keep up the charade that Bernie is alive by hauling him around with them as they explore the island. Further complicating their situation is the discovery that Bernie had been embezzling funds from their employer and had ordered their own assassinations to cover it up.

The film follows Larry and Richard's increasingly ridiculous attempts to save themselves from certain death while also keeping up the perception of Bernie being alive. Along the way they encounter a variety of characters, including a beautiful woman whose presence provides further enticement for them to keep up with their wild ruse.

The movie culminates in a chase scene featuring an entire mob of shady characters, out to get the duo, all while Bernie remains comically aloof in the background.

Weekend at Bernie's was a box office success when it was released in 1989, grossing more than $30 million on its $15 million production budget, and inspiring a sequel entitled Weekend at Bernie’s II (1993). It has since become a classic due to its unforgettable premise and unwillingness to take itself too seriously.

Weekend at Bernie's Locations

Weekend at Bernie's offers a comical, farcical outlook on friendship, loyalty, and mortality. To capture Richard and Larry, as they navigate a weekend of zany hijinks, the movie was filmed in several locations across both New York City and North Carolina.

New York City offered viewers a glimpse into all that the bustling metropolis, from trendy bars to quaint parks, the city is chock-full of landmarks that provided an unforgettable backdrop for this hilarious comedy. The Hamptons scenes were filmed at Bald Head Island in North Carolina; an idyllic island getaway with beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Fort Fisher in North Carolina, a historic coastal fort renowned for its pristine beaches and rich history, provided the setting for Bernie's house. Lastly, the ferry scenes were shot at Wrightsville Beach, which is another beach town with plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as swimming and kayaking.

A trip to explore any of the Weekend at Bernie's filming locations would be an absolute treat! Not only will visitors get to experience some of the best attractions each region has to offer but also relish in some true cinematic history while doing it!

Fun Fact:

During the production, Jonathan Silverman had difficulty working with his prop "corpse." He, instead, decides to create an entirely new one out of papier mache!

Fire hydrant scene in Weekend at Bernie's

173 Henry St, New York, NY 10002, USA

It is a hot summer day in New York. We see Central Park, where people sit on the benches, working on their tan or just taking a stroll. We then see a street in New York, where a child is fiddling with a fire hydrant trying to open it, but a man tries to stop him. Despite the man's intervention, water flows from the hydrant, pushing off the man, whom Larry (Andrew McCarthy) and Richard (Jonathan Silverman) outstep.

Henry Street in New York City is a historic thoroughfare that stretches between Catherine Street and Grand Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The street was named after Henry Rutgers, a Revolutionary War hero and philanthropist, who donated large sums of money to the city during his lifetime.

One of the most prominent features in the area is the Henry Street Settlement, a social service organization founded in 1893 by Lillian Wald. The settlement was one of the first of its kind in the United States and provided vital support to immigrants and low-income families.

To get to 173 Henry St, New York, take the subway to East Broadway Station. The F train is the closest subway line to 173 Henry St. After exiting the station, head southeast on Rutgers St towards Henry St. Turn left onto Henry St. Continue walking on Henry St for approximately 2 blocks. 173 Henry St will be on your left.

The attempted mugging scene in Weekend at Bernie's

Gapstow Bridge, New York, NY 10019, United States

Larry and Richard work at an insurance company in New York City as financial employees in low-level positions. One morning they meet up to go to work, and on their way, they pass through Central Park. They soon become the victims of an attempted mugging.

Larry stands scared, but Richard keeps going, just saying "Oh, get your a** out of here, it's too hot."

Gapstow Bridge, found within Central Park of New York, is a pedestrian bridge that offers stunning and picturesque views of the serene waters of The Pond. It has become a popular attraction for both tourists and locals because it provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding park landscape.

Constructed in 1874, Gapstow Bridge has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its original Victorian-era charm and appeal. The bridge's unique design features a large stone arch supported by two smaller arches on either side, adorned with ornamental iron railings and fixtures.

To reach Gapstow Bridge via subway, make your way to the 5th Ave/59th St station, which is a brief walk from Central Park. After exiting the station, walk north towards Central Park and follow the signs leading to Gapstow Bridge.

Finding out about the insurance scam scene in Weekend at Bernie's

11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA

As Richard is reviewing the actuarial reports, he stumbles upon repeated payments made for a single death. He shares his findings with his colleague, Larry, and they approach their company's CEO, the affluent and pleasure-seeking Bernie Lomax (Terry Kiser). Bernie praises them for uncovering the insurance scam and extends them an invitation to his beach house in The Hamptons for the Labor Day weekend.

Madison Avenue is a well-known street in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It stretches from Madison Square Park at 23rd Street to the southern tip of the Upper East Side near 142nd Street. Madison Avenue is known worldwide for its luxury shopping, high-end real estate, and advertising industry.

The area between 42nd and 58th Street, known as the "Madison Avenue Advertising District," was the center of the mid-20th century advertising industry. The district is famous for the creation of unforgettable ad campaigns and slogans, and several prominent advertising agencies still run their operations along the street.

11 Madison Avenue is located in Manhattan, New York City. Take the 6 Train to the 23rd Street Station and walk south on Park Avenue South towards Madison Square Park. 11 Madison is located a block away from the park.

Larry and Richard find Bernie's body scene in Weekend at Bernie's

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449, United States

After Larry and Richard stumble upon Bernie's deceased body, they think about contacting the authorities. However, their plans are interrupted when guests arrive for the regular party that Bernie holds every weekend. To their surprise, none of the guests notice that Bernie is dead due to his sunglasses and dopey grin.

Despite being afraid of being implicated, Larry suggests that they pretend Bernie is still alive to avoid ruining their weekend at the luxurious house. Richard finds the idea absurd, but they both decide to go along with it.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a beautiful coastal park located in Kure Beach, North Carolina. The park covers over 280 acres and features a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

For history buffs, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area holds significant historical value. During the Civil War, the area was used as a Confederate fort and played a crucial role in the blockade runners' operations. The park includes several interpretive exhibits and displays that provide insight into the area's rich history.

Drive to 1000 Loggerhead Road by taking US-421 South and turning right onto Kure Beach Avenue. From there, turn left onto Fort Fisher Boulevard South, and then take a right onto Loggerhead Road.

Richard and Gwen in the lighthouse scene in Weekend at Bernie's

Old Baldy Lighthouse, 101 Light House Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461, United States

Richard decides to go along with Larry's plan after seeing Gwen Saunders (Catherine Mary Stewart), a summer intern for the company whom he has a crush on, arrive at the office. The party is in full swing, nobody notices that Bernie is dead.

Richard sees Gwen walking on the beach, and Larry tells him to go and talk to her. They walk through the beach to the old lighthouse and decide to go upstairs.

Old Baldy Lighthouse is a historic structure located on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Constructed in 1817, it is the oldest standing lighthouse in the state. Aside from the breathtaking view, Old Baldy Lighthouse is surrounded by beautiful grounds that visitors can explore.

The lighthouse keeper's cottage is a museum that documents its importance in maritime navigation. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts to commemorate their visit.

To reach 101 Light House Wynd in Bald Head Island, North Carolina, take a ferry from Deep Point Marina in Southport to Bald Head Island. After arriving on the island, either rent a golf cart, or bike or use the Island Shuttle for transportation.

Follow signs to Old Baldy Lighthouse, and head towards the eastern side of the island. Turn onto South Bald Head Wynd and continue until you reach Light House Wynd, where you'll turn right. Within 50 yards on your left, you'll find 101 Light House Wynd.

Richard and Larry try getting out of the island scene in Weekend at Bernie's

Bald Head Island Ferry, 1301 Ferry Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461, United States

Richard and Larry are uncertain of the cause of Bernie's death. They think they could still be the targets of a mob hit and choose to use Bernie's body as protection since he previously assured them of their safety. However, their efforts to leave the island are hindered as they repeatedly misplace and retrieve Bernie's corpse. Eventually, they are compelled to return to Bernie's home.

Bald Head Island Ferry offers a comfortable, scenic, and only viable way to reach the island. The ferry runs during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and can transport cars, bikes, and golf carts to the island. Hence, it is a convenient option for visitors who want to bring their vehicles along.

To get to 1301 Ferry Rd SE in Southport, North Carolina, take US-17 South towards Southport. Once you reach Southport, continue on US-17 South and turn right onto NC-211 South at the intersection of NC-211 South and NC-133 South. Keep going on NC-211 South for roughly 3 miles until you arrive at the intersection of Ferry Road SE. From here, turn left onto Ferry Road SE. Continue on Ferry Road SE for approximately 1 mile, and you'll find 1301 Ferry Road SE on your right.

Conclusion

The range of filming locations that brought Weekend at Bernie’s to our screens added to the movie’s success. With a cast and crew of over 200, the majority of primary filming took place in the Big Apple, showcasing landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and the city's financial district. Other scenes were shot on the beaches near North Carolina’s Outer Banks and near Atlantic Beach.

Overall, Weekend at Bernie's uses an impressive mix of locations to tell its story. The backdrop of bustling New York City sets the tone for this hilarious romp while also providing a stark contrast to the peaceful coastal scenes in North Carolina.

Picture taking a walk along Fort Fisher’s sandy beach while reminiscing about your favorite scene from the movie or exploring Bald Head Island’s marshes while keeping an eye out for characters from the film! Fans of this classic comedy or anyone looking for a fun retrospective adventure will enjoy visiting these locations.