Introduction
Slap Shot is a classic American sports comedy film released in 1977. Directed by George Roy Hill and written by Nancy Dowd, the movie stars Paul Newman as Reggie Dunlop, the player-coach of a failing minor league ice hockey team. The movie follows the team’s journey as they attempt to make a comeback with the help of their new recruits, the Hanson Brothers. Slap Shot was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide and becoming one of the most popular hockey films of all time.
This article will explore the filming locations of Slap Shot, from Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Charlestown, Rhode Island. Learn more about the real places behind the movie and how they were used to create an authentic hockey arena.
A Look at the On-Location Filming of Slap Shot
Slap Shot was filmed on location in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and Charlestown, Rhode Island. The majority of the movie was shot in Johnstown, while the final scenes were filmed in Charlestown. The movie also features some additional footage that was filmed in Buffalo, New York.
Johnstown was chosen as the primary filming location due to its proximity to the real-life Johnstown Jets, a minor league ice hockey team from the Eastern Hockey League. The team served as the inspiration for the fictional Charlestown Chiefs, the team featured in the movie. The city also provided the perfect backdrop for the film, with its rustic industrial architecture and small-town feel.
Exploring the Filming Locations of Slap Shot
Johnstown, Pennsylvania was the main filming location for Slap Shot. The town provided the perfect backdrop for the movie, with its rustic industrial architecture and small-town feel. The Johnstown War Memorial Arena was used as the primary shooting location, standing in for the fictional Charlestown Coliseum.
The Johnstown War Memorial Arena was built in 1950 and is still in use today. It served as the home of the Johnstown Jets until 1977, when the team disbanded. The arena has a seating capacity of 4,000 and is equipped with a full-sized ice rink. It was the perfect place to shoot the movie’s hockey scenes, providing an authentic atmosphere for the actors and crew.
Charlestown, Rhode Island was the secondary filming location for Slap Shot. The town was chosen for its resemblance to a classic small-town New England setting. Several locations in the town were used for exterior shots, including the town square, Main Street, and the waterfront.
Behind the Scenes: Where Was Slap Shot Filmed?
In order to recreate the look of an authentic hockey arena, the production team had to do some creative work. The Johnstown War Memorial Arena was too small to accommodate the large crowd scenes featured in the movie, so a larger venue was needed. To get around this problem, the team rented out the old Bethlehem Steel Mill, located just outside of Johnstown, and transformed it into a makeshift hockey arena.
The team also made use of several other locations in Johnstown, including the Cambria County Courthouse, the Johnstown Inclined Plane, and the Johnstown Flood Museum. These locations were used for exterior shots or as backdrops for certain scenes.
From Johnstown to Charlestown: Revisiting the Filming Locations of Slap Shot
Slap Shot contains many iconic scenes that have become part of pop culture. From the infamous “triple deke” move to the chaotic locker room brawl, these scenes are instantly recognizable to fans of the movie. But what many people don’t know is that the locations where these scenes were filmed still exist today, waiting to be explored.
One of the most memorable scenes from the movie is the climactic final game. This scene was filmed at the old Bethlehem Steel Mill, which was transformed into a makeshift hockey arena for the movie. Today, the building is abandoned and in disrepair, but it still stands as a reminder of Slap Shot’s impact on the local community.
Retracing Slap Shot’s Iconic Filming Locations
Visitors to Johnstown and Charlestown can retrace the steps of the movie’s characters by visiting the filming locations. Fans of the movie can tour the Johnstown War Memorial Arena and the old Bethlehem Steel Mill, as well as the other locations used in the movie. They can also visit the Johnstown Flood Museum and the Cambria County Courthouse, both of which were featured in the movie.
In addition to the physical locations, visitors can also explore the cultural legacy of Slap Shot. The movie has become a cult classic, inspiring generations of hockey fans. There are even fan-created websites dedicated to the movie, such as SlapShotMovie.com, which provides detailed information about the movie and its filming locations.
Conclusion
Slap Shot is one of the most iconic hockey films of all time. The movie was filmed on location in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and Charlestown, Rhode Island, using a variety of real-life locations to create an authentic hockey arena. Visitors to the area can explore the filming locations and learn more about the movie’s legacy.
From the iconic scenes to the real-life locations, Slap Shot has left an indelible mark on the world of hockey. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just a curious traveler, there’s no better way to experience the movie than to visit the locations where it was filmed.
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