The 1989 cult classic movie Road House, starring Patrick Swayze, has become a timeless action drama. Its combination of high-octane fights and memorable lines captured the audience’s imagination. However, the stunning filming locations played a significant role in immersing viewers in the gritty yet scenic world of the Double Deuce bar and its surrounding environment.
1. Overview of Road House (1989)
Road House tells the story of Dalton (Patrick Swayze), a professional “cooler” or bouncer, hired to clean up a violent bar named the Double Deuce in Jasper, Missouri. While he transforms the bar into a respectable establishment, he confronts corrupt businessman Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara), leading to intense confrontations.
The movie’s success owes much to its atmospheric setting, created using real-world and constructed locations.
2. Why Filming Locations Were Crucial to the Movie
The filmmakers meticulously chose locations to reflect the small-town vibe of Jasper, Missouri. The gritty, rural landscapes and the authentic atmosphere of the bars and other venues made the story believable, immersing audiences in Dalton’s world.
Key features of the locations include:
3. Complete List of Filming Locations
| Location | Description in the Movie | Real-World Details |
|---|---|---|
| Double Deuce Bar | The central setting of the movie where Dalton works as a cooler. | Filmed on a constructed set in Santa Clarita, California. |
| Red’s Auto Parts | The auto parts shop owned by Red Webster. | Filmed at Newhall, Santa Clarita, California. |
| Wesley’s Mansion | The lavish home of the antagonist Brad Wesley. | A private property in the San Fernando Valley, California. |
| Dalton’s Loft by the Lake | Dalton’s serene, lakeside home in the movie. | Filmed near the Santa Clarita area; the lake scenes were added post-production. |
| Emmet’s Barn | Where Dalton rents a room. | Located in Santa Clarita, California. |
| The Fight on the River | Dalton’s iconic fight with Jimmy by the river. | Filmed near Lake Piru, California. |
| Opening Scene Bar | The first bar Dalton works in before moving to the Double Deuce. | Filmed in Los Angeles, California. |
| Downtown Jasper | Representing the small town where the story takes place. | Filmed in various spots around Santa Clarita and its outskirts. |
4. Behind-the-Scenes Insights from the Filming Locations
a) The Double Deuce Bar
- While the Double Deuce appears authentic, it was constructed on a soundstage in Santa Clarita.
- The interior and exterior were designed to showcase the transformation from a dilapidated bar to a high-class venue.
b) Wesley’s Mansion
- The mansion used for Brad Wesley’s home reflects his wealth and dominance in Jasper. This private property remains inaccessible to the public, adding a layer of mystery.
c) Dalton’s Lakeside Loft
- Though the lake and cabin appear rustic, the location was enhanced with visual effects.
- Dalton’s loft was a constructed set, allowing flexibility for the filmmakers to capture dramatic scenes.
5. Can You Visit These Filming Locations Today
Some of the filming locations from Road House are accessible to fans, while others are either private properties or no longer exist.
| Location | Can You Visit? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Double Deuce Bar | No | The set was dismantled after filming. |
| Red’s Auto Parts | Partially | Newhall, Santa Clarita, has recognizable landmarks from the film. |
| Wesley’s Mansion | No | It’s a private property in the San Fernando Valley. |
| Dalton’s Lakeside Loft | No | The structure was a set, and the location near Santa Clarita is inaccessible. |
| Fight by the River | Yes | Lake Piru is open to the public for recreation and sightseeing. |
| Downtown Jasper | Partially | Santa Clarita’s outskirts still have elements reminiscent of the movie. |
6. Fun Facts About Road House Filming
- Patrick Swayze’s Stunts: Many of the fight scenes were performed by Swayze himself, adding authenticity to the action.
- Temperature Challenges: Filming in the Santa Clarita area posed challenges due to extreme heat.
- Custom-Built Sets: Several structures, including the Double Deuce, were built from scratch to achieve the movie’s aesthetic.
- Lake Piru Legacy: The river fight scene is one of the most memorable moments and continues to draw fans to Lake Piru.
7. FAQs About Road House 1989 Filming Locations
Q1: Was the Double Deuce a real bar?
No, the Double Deuce was a set built specifically for the film in Santa Clarita, California.
Q2: Where was the fight scene at the river filmed?
The fight scene was filmed at Lake Piru, California.
Q3: Can I visit Dalton’s lakeside home?
Unfortunately, Dalton’s home was a constructed set and no longer exists.
Q4: Did the movie use real towns to depict Jasper, Missouri?
No, the fictional town of Jasper was created using various locations in California, including Santa Clarit
1. Overview of Road House (1989)
Road House tells the story of Dalton (Patrick Swayze), a professional “cooler” or bouncer, hired to clean up a violent bar named the Double Deuce in Jasper, Missouri. While he transforms the bar into a respectable establishment, he confronts corrupt businessman Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara), leading to intense confrontations.
The movie’s success owes much to its atmospheric setting, created using real-world and constructed locations.
2. Why Filming Locations Were Crucial to the Movie
The filmmakers meticulously chose locations to reflect the small-town vibe of Jasper, Missouri. The gritty, rural landscapes and the authentic atmosphere of the bars and other venues made the story believable, immersing audiences in Dalton’s world.
Key features of the locations include:
- A realistic small-town aesthetic.
- Rural backdrops representing the ruggedness of the plot.
- Contrasts between gritty bars and scenic natural environments.
3. Complete List of Filming Locations
| Location | Description in the Movie | Real-World Details |
|---|---|---|
| Double Deuce Bar | The central setting of the movie where Dalton works as a cooler. | Filmed on a constructed set in Santa Clarita, California. |
| Red’s Auto Parts | The auto parts shop owned by Red Webster. | Filmed at Newhall, Santa Clarita, California. |
| Wesley’s Mansion | The lavish home of the antagonist Brad Wesley. | A private property in the San Fernando Valley, California. |
| Dalton’s Loft by the Lake | Dalton’s serene, lakeside home in the movie. | Filmed near the Santa Clarita area; the lake scenes were added post-production. |
| Emmet’s Barn | Where Dalton rents a room. | Located in Santa Clarita, California. |
| The Fight on the River | Dalton’s iconic fight with Jimmy by the river. | Filmed near Lake Piru, California. |
| Opening Scene Bar | The first bar Dalton works in before moving to the Double Deuce. | Filmed in Los Angeles, California. |
| Downtown Jasper | Representing the small town where the story takes place. | Filmed in various spots around Santa Clarita and its outskirts. |
4. Behind-the-Scenes Insights from the Filming Location
a) The Double Deuce Bar
- While the Double Deuce appears authentic, it was constructed on a soundstage in Santa Clarita.
- The interior and exterior were designed to showcase the transformation from a dilapidated bar to a high-class venue.
b) Wesley’s Mansion
- The mansion used for Brad Wesley’s home reflects his wealth and dominance in Jasper. This private property remains inaccessible to the public, adding a layer of mystery.
d) Fight by the River
- One of the most iconic scenes in Road House, the fight by the river, was shot at Lake Piru. The serene setting contrasts with the intense action.
| Location | Can You Visit? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Double Deuce Bar | No | The set was dismantled after filming. |
| Red’s Auto Parts | Partially | Newhall, Santa Clarita, has recognizable landmarks from the film. |
| Wesley’s Mansion | No | It’s a private property in the San Fernando Valley. |
| Dalton’s Lakeside Loft | No | The structure was a set, and the location near Santa Clarita is inaccessible. |
| Fight by the River | Yes | Lake Piru is open to the public for recreation and sightseeing. |
| Downtown Jasper | Partially | Santa Clarita’s outskirts still have elements reminiscent of the movie. |
6. Fun Facts About Road House Filming
- Patrick Swayze’s Stunts: Many of the fight scenes were performed by Swayze himself, adding authenticity to the action.
- Temperature Challenges: Filming in the Santa Clarita area posed challenges due to extreme heat.
- Custom-Built Sets: Several structures, including the Double Deuce, were built from scratch to achieve the movie’s aesthetic.