Top 5 Movies Filmed in Carlsbad, New Mexico by US Box Office

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Lights, Camera, Carlsbad: Unveiling the Silver Screen Magic of New Mexico

Lights, camera, action! Welcome to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where the desert scenery isn’t the only star of the show. If you’re a movie buff on the lookout for an exciting adventure, you’re in for a blockbuster treat.

Get ready to step into the reel world as we take you on a whirlwind tour of the movies filmed right here in Carlsbad. Get your popcorn ready and let’s dive right in!

Key Takeaways:

  • Carlsbad, New Mexico has served as the breathtaking backdrop for numerous Hollywood films.
  • Exploring the movie filming locations adds a delightful twist to your travel experience.
  • By visiting these spots, you’ll have the chance to relive iconic movie moments and create your own cinematic memories.

Lights, camera, adventure! Picture this: wandering through the very locations where your favorite movie scenes came to life. As you stroll through the dusty streets of Carlsbad, a thrilling sense of déjà vu washes over you. Each corner you turn, every historic building you encounter, might just be the place where your beloved actors once graced the set.

Imagine standing in the exact spot where an epic action sequence unfolded or pausing for a photo op next to the iconic backdrop that captivated audiences around the world. It’s like being an extra in your very own blockbuster film – only this time, you’re the star of your own adventure! Not only will you be exploring a fascinating city, but you’ll also be walking in the footsteps of Hollywood legends.

So, what have we learned from this cinematic journey? Let’s break it down:

  • Movie filming locations offer a unique and exciting twist for your travel itinerary. Who needs a typical sightseeing tour when you can immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen?
  • Exploring these spots allows you to connect with your favorite movies on a whole new level. You’ll experience a rush of excitement as you encounter familiar landmarks from the big screen.
  • Not to mention, the bragging rights of visiting iconic movie filming locations and being able to share your adventures with fellow film enthusiasts. Talk about a conversation starter!

Lights, camera, adventure! Don’t let these movie filming locations be the stuff of dreams – turn them into your reality. So grab your camera, pack your sense of curiosity, and embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and leave you star-struck. It’s time to experience Carlsbad’s reel magic firsthand.

Ready to explore the movies filmed in Carlsbad, New Mexico? Just scroll down and let the Hollywood-infused adventure begin!

Journey to the Center of the Earth – US Box Office: USD$10millions

Director: Henry Levin

Main Cast: James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, Diane Baker, Thayer David, Peter Ronson, Robert Adler, and Alan Napier

Release Date: 16 December 1959

Filming Locations: Carlsbad Caverns National Park – 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA; Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; Malibu, California, USA; Old Quad, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Main Plot: Sir Oliver Lindenbrook of Edinburgh University believes he has discovered a very old message from a long-lost scientist who may have found a way to travel to the center of the Earth. He sets off for Iceland with his assistant, student Alec McKuen, searching for an entrance into a volcanic range. As they descend into the Earth’s bowels, they are soon joined by Carla Goetabaug, whose scientist-husband was recently killed, and Icelander Hans Belker. There they will encounter fantastic creatures, exotic plants, the lost city of Atlantis, and a foe who wishes to keep informed of the underworld to himself.

Famous quotes:

Carla Goetabaug: “Sir Oliver, you’re not going to listen to a murderer?”

Sir Oliver Lindenbrook: “Never interrupt a murderer, madam.”

Count Saknussemm: “I resent that bourgeois classification. I’ll spare your lives. You have my word of honor.”

Sir Oliver Lindenbrook: “Give me your hand on that.”

[Sir Oliver throws salt into Count Saknussemm’s eyes]

Sir Oliver Lindenbrook: “A bourgeois trick. So sorry.”

Sequel: Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

Fun Fact about Journey to the Center of the Earth:

  • Pat Boone didn’t want to make this movie, but his agent persuaded him to. Years later, he said he’s glad he did it because of the regular residual checks, and it’s probably the film for which he’ll be best remembered.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull – US Box Office: USD$1million

Director: Hall Bartlett

Main Cast: James Franciscus, Juliet Mills, Philip Ahn, David Ladd, Kelly Harmon, Dorothy McGuire, Richard Crenna, and Hal Holbrook

Release Date: 23 October 1973

Filming Locations: Carlsbad Caverns National Park – 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA; Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA; Death Valley National Park, California, USA; Monterey Peninsula Landfill, Marina, California, USA; Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Main Plot: Richard Bach’s book Jonathan Livingston Seagull is about a seagull’s unrelenting desire to fly despite rebuke from his clan, friends, and most loved ones. His perseverance, and his insatiable thirst for perfection. You will be amazed at how he has put this profound truth in such simple words, hailed as one of the 50 timeless spiritual classics. Our seagull is dissatisfied with the mundane daily struggle for food and the lackluster, passionless lives that the seagulls around him love and expect him to conform to. The lack of encouragement from his peers does not deter him from pursuing his dream, and he continues to push himself to learn everything he can about flying.

Famous quotes:

Jonathan: “You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now – and nothing can stand in your way!”

Jonathan: “The only true law is that which sets us free.”

Jonathan: “I want to fly where no seagull has flown before. I want to know what there is to know about life!”

Jonathan: “Listen, everybody! There’s no limit to how high we can fly! We can dive for fish and never have to live on garbage again!”

Chang: “To fly as fast as thought to anywhere that is now – you begin by knowing that you have already arrived…”

Fun Fact about Jonathan Livingston Seagull:

  • Real birds are used in the film. Contrary to the book’s hopes, these birds are just regular garden-variety seagulls, and it’s a little sickening to see them being knocked out and batted around for the sake of the story.

Route 66

Directors: Arthur Hiller, James Sheldon, Alvin Ganzer, Philip Leacock, and David Lowell Rich

Main Cast: Martin Milner, George Maharis, Glenn Corbett, James Brown, Alex Cord, and Edward Asner

Release Date: 7 October 1960

Filming Locations: Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA; Downtown, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Scottish Rite Temple, 160 S Scott Ave, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Pima County Courthouse, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Old Tucson – 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Main Plot: An aging rodeo champion is so self-absorbed that he neglects his wife, son, and best friend.

Sequel: Route 66 (2019)

Fun Fact about Route 66:

  • The show was originally going to be called “The Searchers,” which would have made much more sense. Still, producers feared confusion with the very popular John Wayne western of the same name that came out four years before.

The Bat People

Director: Jerry Jameson

Main Cast: Stewart Moss, Marianne McAndrew, Michael Pataki, Paul Carr, Arthur Space, Robert Berk, and Pat Delaney

Release Date: 30 January 1974

Filming Locations: Carlsbad Caverns National Park – 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA; Bishop, California, USA; 115 East Line Street, Bishop California, USA; Mitchell Caverns, Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, 38200 Essex Rd, Essex, California, USA; Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Mammoth Lakes, California, USA

Main Plot: The story revolves around Dr. John Beck and his wife, Cathy. They were both newlyweds who were on their honeymoon at a ski resort. Beck is bitten by a vampire bat while spelunking. He finally agrees to see the resort’s doctor after much cajoling from his wife. The doctor’s ambivalence and lack of concern only frustrate Cathy. She apparently does not appreciate being a witness to blatant malpractice. Before they finally relent, both men share that wonderfully sexist attitude of treating Cathy like she’s just another overly emotional and hysterical woman. While in the hospital, John undergoes a physical transformation that transforms him into a man-bat who goes on a killing spree to satisfy his new thirst for human blood. Cathy soon suspects her husband is insane, and while she tries to help the love of her life, she also has to deal with Sgt. Ward, a corrupt police officer.

Famous quotes:

Dr. John Beck: “You’re quite the philsopher!”

Tramp: “That’s me: Jack-of-all-thoughts and master of none.”

Fun Fact about The Bat People:

  • This film is also known by another title. It was originally titled “It Lives by Night,” and MST3K spoofed it under that name.

The Spider

Director: Bert I. Gordon

Main Cast: Ed Kemmer, June Kenney, Eugene Persson, Gene Roth, Hal Torey, Mickey Finn, and Sally Fraser

Release Date: September 1958

Filming Locations: Bronson Caves, Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park – 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA; Carlsbad Caverns National Park – 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA; Backlot, Universal Studios – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA; Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA

Main Plot: Carol Flynn discovers her father’s abandoned pickup truck while out with her friend Mike Simpson looking for her father. The latter had not returned home the previous night. They search nearby caves hoping that the man may have sought refuge there. Inside, however, they discover a massive spider web and are soon confronted by the gigantic creature itself. They persuade the police to search the caves with the help of their high school chemistry teacher, Art Klingman. They spray DDT on the spider, forcing it out of its lair, and then transport it to the local high school, thinking it’s dead. The reanimated creature quickly causes havoc in the community. When the police discover that the animal has returned to its cave, they blow it up, not realizing that Carol and Mike are also inside. They are looking for the birthday gift Carol’s father purchased for her.

Famous quotes:

Sheriff Cagle: “Bring your bug juice and let’s go!”

Pest Control Man: “What are we using it on?”

Sheriff Cagle: “Does it make a difference?”

Pest Control Man: “Well, I gotta mix the DDT according to what you want killed.”

Sheriff Cagle: “What do I tell him Professor… . uh, spiders?”

Pest Control Man: “A 2 to 4 percent solution is the usual dose.”

Professor Art Kingman: “Make it 50!”

Fun Fact about The Spider:

  • This was filmed as “The Spider.” Before the actual, the title was changed to “Earth vs. The Spider,” which was used as the film’s main title. When 20th Century Fox’s The Fly (1958) became a box office success, American International decided to capitalize on its success by changing the title back to “The Spider” on all advertising material. The film’s main title was never changed.

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