From ‘Clerks’ To Kubrick — Uncovering Hollywood’s Real-Life Landmarks

Hollywood movies may often be the product of studio sets and CGI magic, but plenty of real-life locations have had starring roles as well.

AOL Moviefone’s On The Scene column has run down a number of cinema’s most famous places in recent weeks.

Here are some of the most notable…

The Timberline Lodge – In Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” the director looked to the Timberline Lodge in the Oregon mountains to serve as the film’s isolated haunt, the Overlook Hotel. However, only the outside of the hotel made it into the film – the terrifying interior shots were done on set in England.

Katz’s Deli – One of New York City’s longest-lived delis, the culinary landmark played an unforgettable part in “When Harry Met Sally,” serving as the scene of Meg Ryan’s famous fake orgasm. Having sampled the restaurant’s pastrami sandwiches ourselves, we’ll also have what she’s having.

“The Exorcist” Steps – The horror classic “The Exorcist’s” last scenes feature a flight of 97 stairs just outside of Georgetown University’s campus in Washington, D.C. Climbing them all will make anyone’s head spin.

The Chemosphere – In “Charlie’s Angels,” the villainous Eric Knox (Sam Rockwell) romances Dylan (Drew Barrymore) in a octagonal, Space Age house that’s a real-life home. Called the Chemosphere, it can be found on Torreyson Drive in Los Angeles, south of Mulholland Dr. It’s quite a view — with or without Drew.

Quick Stop Groceries – Kevin Smith’s “Clerks” doesn’t go too far for its action – the director shot much of the film at the Quick Stop Groceries convenience store in Leonardo, New Jersey, where Kevin himself once worked. The venue makes a return, briefly, in “Clerks II.”

Mountain Lake Resort – “Dirty Dancing” may be a New York story, but rather than shoot in the movie’s Catskills setting, Mountain Lake Resort in Southwest Virginia was transformed into Kellerman’s Resort for Baby and Johnny’s hot moves.