The Wizard (1989)

In the 1989 film “The Wizard,” Corey, played by Fred Savage, along with his brother Jimmy, played by Luke Edwards, run away to California. Their father and brother, played by Beau Bridges and Christian Slater respectively, follow on their trail in hopes of finding them. Sam (Bridges) and Nick (Slater) stay at this hotel and play video games. These scenes were filed at the Sierra Pelona Motel in Santa Clarita.  The motel also appeared in the films “Near Dark,” “The Grifters” and “Crossroads,” as well as the TV shows “Too Old To Die Young” and “Westworld.”

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LOCATION: 12117 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390

Corey and Jimmy make their way to Reno, which is home to Haley, played by Jenny Lewis.  The famous Reno Arch is featured prominently during this scene.

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LOCATION: 345 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501

The casino scenes were filmed at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno. The same casino, which has since been remodeled, also appeared in the film “Hard Eight.”

LOCATION: 2707 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502

Near the end of the film, Jimmy makes his way to the Cabazon Dinosaurs to relive some family memories.  The dinosaurs are a roadside attraction in Cabazon, California and can be seen from the 10 freeway.  Originally built by a sculptor and theme park artist as a way to attract customers to his nearby restaurant, the dinosaurs now operate as a small museum and gift shop.  The dinosaurs were also seen in the 1984 film “Paris, Texas” and the 1985 film “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”

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LOCATION: 50700 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230

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To see our “The Wizard” location page, click here.

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