The Great Outdoors is a classic comedy film that has been beloved by fans since its release in 1988. The film stars John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, and Annette Bening as the bumbling, would-be outdoorsmen who try to make the best of a camping trip gone awry. It's a timeless classic that never gets old, and is often referenced in other movies and TV shows.
But where was the film actually filmed? It turns out, the answer isn't as simple as you might think. While the movie was set in the fictional town of Walley, Wisconsin, the majority of the filming was done in California. The main location for the film was the Yosemite National Park in California, and the scenes of the family camping in the woods were shot in the nearby Sequoia National Park.
The opening scene of the film features the family driving up to the campground, and this was shot on the Big Tujunga Canyon Road in Los Angeles. The exterior shots of the family's house were done at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The exterior of the restaurant where John Candy's character, Chet Ripley, works was filmed at the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale. And the famous scene where Chet and Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd) are fighting in the lake was filmed at Bass Lake, in the Sierra National Forest.
Why Was The Great Outdoors Filmed in California?
The Great Outdoors was written and directed by John Hughes, who was known for his work on classic comedies such as National Lampoon's Vacation, Home Alone, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Hughes wanted to make a movie that was set in the Midwest, but he decided that it would be more cost-effective to film in California.
At the time, filming in Los Angeles was much cheaper than filming in the Midwest. Hughes also wanted to take advantage of the beautiful scenery of California, which made the movie look much more authentic. In addition, he was able to hire local actors and crew members, which saved money and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Great Outdoors filmed?
The majority of the filming for The Great Outdoors was done in California. The main location for the film was the Yosemite National Park in California, and the scenes of the family camping in the woods were shot in the nearby Sequoia National Park. The opening scene of the film was shot on the Big Tujunga Canyon Road in Los Angeles, and the exterior shots of the family's house were done at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The exterior of the restaurant where John Candy's character, Chet Ripley, works was filmed at the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, and the famous scene where Chet and Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd) are fighting in the lake was filmed at Bass Lake, in the Sierra National Forest.
Why was The Great Outdoors filmed in California?
The Great Outdoors was written and directed by John Hughes, who wanted to make a movie that was set in the Midwest, but he decided that it would be more cost-effective to film in California. At the time, filming in Los Angeles was much cheaper than filming in the Midwest, and Hughes was able to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and hire local actors and crew members, which saved money and time.
What was the main theme of The Great Outdoors?
The main theme of The Great Outdoors is that family relationships can be strengthened and deepened through shared experiences. Despite the misadventures and chaos that ensues on the camping trip, the family ultimately comes together to enjoy each other's company and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Who was in the cast of The Great Outdoors?
The cast of The Great Outdoors included John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Annette Bening, Stephanie Faracy, and Ian Giatti. Brian Doyle-Murray and Chris Young also had supporting roles in the film.
What is the most memorable scene in The Great Outdoors?
The most memorable scene in The Great Outdoors is when Chet and Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd) get into a fight in the lake. The scene is iconic, and has been referenced in other films and TV shows over the years.
What kind of movie is The Great Outdoors?
The Great Outdoors is a classic comedy film. It combines physical comedy with witty dialogue and a heartwarming story about family relationships.
When was The Great Outdoors released?
The Great Outdoors was released in 1988.
What is the running time of The Great Outdoors?
The running time of The Great Outdoors is 97 minutes.
Who wrote and directed The Great Outdoors?
The Great Outdoors was written and directed by John Hughes.
What awards did The Great Outdoors win?
The Great Outdoors was nominated for one Academy Award and one Golden Globe Award, but it did not win either award.
What is the tagline of The Great Outdoors?
The tagline of The Great Outdoors is "The family vacation you'll never forget."
What is the message of The Great Outdoors?
The message of The Great Outdoors is that family relationships can be strengthened and deepened through shared experiences.
Was The Great Outdoors a box office success?
The Great Outdoors was a moderate box office success. It earned $26.4 million on a $20 million budget.
Where can I watch The Great Outdoors?
The Great Outdoors is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms, such as iTunes and Amazon Prime Video. It is also available on DVD.