Son-in-Law (1993) is a hilarious coming-of-age comedy that showcases the quirky charm of college life and the challenges of blending two very different worlds.
Directed by Steve Rash, the film stars Pauly Shore, Carla Gugino, and Lane Smith. Though the story is set in South Dakota, the real magic happened in California, where most of the movie was filmed.
Let’s dig into the specific locations, funny behind-the-scenes moments, and why these places made the movie unforgettable!
Where Was Son-in-Law Filmed? 🎬
The movie takes viewers from a bustling college campus to a serene countryside farm, and these real-world locations brought the story to life:
| Location | Scenes Filmed & Unique Facts |
|---|---|
| Visalia, California 🌾 | The farm scenes were shot here. Fun fact: The picturesque landscape perfectly mimicked South Dakota’s open plains! |
| Wasco, California 🚜 | Key farm-related sequences were filmed here. It’s a small agricultural town that added an authentic rural vibe to the film. |
| Baldwin Park, California 🎓 | This suburban city hosted the high school graduation scene, highlighting its charming community settings. |
| California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 🏫 | The vibrant college campus scenes were filmed here. Post-filming, the campus endured significant damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. |
What Made These Locations Special?
- Visalia & Wasco: Known for their farming culture, these towns perfectly replicated the rural charm of South Dakota. Their peaceful landscapes contrasted beautifully with Crawl’s eccentric personality.
- CSUN: A bustling and modern campus in California brought out the energetic college vibes, making it relatable for young audiences.
- Baldwin Park: With its cozy suburban aesthetics, the graduation scenes felt grounded and heartwarming.
Funny Filming Facts & Trivia 😄
Unpredictable Animals: During the farm scenes, animals frequently disrupted filming, particularly a mischievous goat that Pauly Shore nicknamed “Frankie.”
Thanksgiving in the Summer: Despite the Thanksgiving theme, much of the filming occurred in the heat of California’s summer. Cast members joked about sweating in “winter” clothing.
Improv Genius: Many of Pauly Shore’s lines, including his memorable “crawl tactics,” were completely improvised, keeping the cast laughing between takes.
Cultural Clashes On Set: To mirror the family dynamics in the movie, the cast occasionally adopted their characters’ attitudes during downtime, creating playful tension.
Behind-the-Scenes Mishaps: Pauly Shore accidentally fell into a pile of manure while filming one scene, earning him the nickname “Crawl the Cow Whisperer” on set.
What Makes These Locations Unique?
The farm in Visalia is a real working farm, so the crew had to adjust their schedule around actual agricultural work.
CSUN’s campus was chosen for its modern facilities, making the college scenes authentic. It was also popular with filmmakers, featuring in other hits like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Wasco gave filmmakers a chance to capture breathtaking sunsets that added warmth to the movie’s visuals.
Cast Highlights & Chemistry 🌟
- Pauly Shore as Crawl: His exaggerated antics brought comic relief and highlighted the clash between city life and rural traditions.
- Carla Gugino as Rebecca: Her character bridged the gap between her conservative family and the free-spirited Crawl.
- Lane Smith as Walter: His slow acceptance of Crawl brought depth to the film’s humor.
Final Thoughts 🌟
Son-in-Law is a lighthearted gem that blends laugh-out-loud comedy with heartfelt family moments.
The diverse filming locations in California brought authenticity and beauty to the story, proving that the Golden State can double as any setting.
Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or watching it for the first time, this movie reminds us of the power of individuality, acceptance, and a little chaos to bring families closer.
FAQs About Son in Law
Why was Visalia chosen for filming?
Visalia’s scenic farmland and small-town charm made it a perfect stand-in for South Dakota, offering picturesque backdrops for key scenes.
What’s funny about the farm scenes?
Pauly Shore’s interactions with real farm animals, including a scene where he gets chased by a stubborn cow, added spontaneous laughs.
What happened to the CSUN campus?
The campus, used for college scenes, was severely damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake just months after the film’s release.
Did Pauly Shore improvise his lines?
Yes! Many of his iconic lines were unscripted, showcasing his unique comedic style.
Why is the movie set in South Dakota but filmed in California?
California offered a variety of landscapes close to Hollywood, making it easier for the production team to manage logistics while achieving a South Dakota feel.