Exploring the Filming Locations of The Green Berets Movie

Introduction

The Green Berets is an iconic American war film that was released in 1968. Directed by John Wayne and co-written by James Lee Barrett, the movie follows a group of U.S. Special Forces soldiers as they fight in the Vietnam War. While the movie was criticized for its romanticized view of war and its one-dimensional portrayal of the Viet Cong, it has remained popular among fans of classic war films and military history buffs alike.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the filming locations of The Green Berets movie. We’ll look at the various places where the movie was shot, from Vietnam War locations to military bases in the United States. We’ll also take a look back at how the filmmakers recreated scenes from the war, and discuss how the locations have changed since the movie was made.

Exploring the Filming Locations of The Green Berets Movie

The Green Berets was filmed in several different locations. For the Vietnam War scenes, the filmmakers shot on location in Thailand, as well as in Hawaii and California. They also used footage from actual battles that had taken place in Vietnam.

For the scenes set in the United States, the filmmakers chose two military bases: Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They also used Camp Pendleton in California for some of the sequences involving Marines.

Vietnam War locations

The Vietnam War scenes were shot in various locations in Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. The filmmakers also used footage from actual battles that had taken place in Vietnam. This included footage from the Battle of Ap Bac and the Tet Offensive.

Fort Benning, Georgia

The filmmakers chose Fort Benning, Georgia, as the primary location for their U.S. scenes. Located near Columbus, Georgia, Fort Benning is the home of the U.S. Army Infantry School and the Maneuver Center of Excellence. During the filming of The Green Berets, the base was used to recreate scenes from the Vietnam War, such as the arrival of the Special Forces soldiers.

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was also used in the filming of The Green Berets. Located near Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fort Bragg is the home of the U.S. Army’s Airborne and Special Operations Forces. It was used in the movie to recreate scenes from the Vietnam War, such as the departure of the Special Forces soldiers.

Camp Pendleton, California

The filmmakers also used Camp Pendleton, California, for some of the sequences involving Marines. Located near Oceanside, California, Camp Pendleton is the home of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and the 1st Marine Division. It was used in the movie to recreate scenes from the Vietnam War, such as the landing of the Marines.

A Look Back at Where The Green Berets Was Filmed

When filming The Green Berets, the filmmakers relied heavily on special effects to recreate the war-torn landscape of Vietnam. They used a technique called “optical printing” to combine live-action footage with archival footage from the war. They also used miniatures and models to create the illusion of helicopters and tanks.

The filmmakers also used sound effects to create the illusion of battle. They recorded the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and other battle noises and then added them to the soundtrack. Additionally, they used music to evoke the emotion of the scenes.

Touring the Places Where The Green Berets Was Shot

Today, many of the locations used in The Green Berets can still be visited. In Thailand, visitors can explore the sites of the Vietnam War, such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Mekong Delta. In the United States, visitors can tour the military bases used in the movie, such as Fort Benning and Fort Bragg.

Visitors to these locations can also get a glimpse into the past by interviewing local residents who remember when the movie was being made. Many of these locals recall the excitement of seeing Hollywood stars like John Wayne and George Takei on their doorstep.

Behind the Scenes: Visiting the Sites of The Green Berets

Visitors to the filming locations of The Green Berets can also get an inside look at the production process. They can explore the sets and props used in the movie and examine the equipment used to create the special effects. They can also see firsthand how the filmmakers used a combination of live-action footage and archival footage to recreate the war-torn landscape of Vietnam.

Visitors can also get a glimpse of the actors and crew behind the scenes. Many of the people involved in the making of The Green Berets are still around today, and they can be found sharing stories of their experiences on the set.

Revisiting the Locations of The Green Berets Movie

Finally, visitors to the filming locations of The Green Berets can compare the current state of the locations to what they were like during filming. In some cases, the locations have changed drastically since the movie was made. For example, Fort Bragg, which was once a quiet military base, is now bustling with activity.

In other cases, the locations have remained largely unchanged. In Thailand, visitors can still explore the sites of the Vietnam War, such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Mekong Delta. These places remain haunting reminders of the cost of war.

Conclusion

The Green Berets is an iconic American war film that was released in 1968. In this article, we explored the filming locations of The Green Berets movie, from Vietnam War locations to military bases in the United States. We looked back at how the filmmakers recreated scenes from the war, and discussed how the locations have changed since the movie was made.

Today, many of the locations used in The Green Berets can still be visited. Visitors can tour the military bases used in the movie, explore the sets and props used in the movie, and interview local residents who remember when the movie was being made. We encourage readers to explore the locations for themselves and gain a deeper appreciation for the story of The Green Berets.