The film “Scared to Death” from 1980 is a work of horror and science fiction. The movie follows the story of an ex-police officer turned novelist who is drawn back into the world of crime. He helps investigate a string of deaths that initially seem to be perpetrated by a serial killer, but are later found to be the work of the Syngenor – a synthesized genetic organism. The protagonist is played by John Stinson, with Diana Davidson and David Moses also in significant roles. Let’s delve into the main filming location and some unique facts about this movie.
Where it Filmed?
“Scared to Death” was filmed in multiple locations across California, USA. Key venues include various spots in Los Angeles like Hollywood and Los Angeles County, the 12142 Ventura Blvd in Studio City, and the intersection of Sunset Blvd and Gardner Street. All the depicted sequences provide an interesting backdrop to this gripping narrative. 
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| John Stinson | Ted Lonergan |
| Diana Davidson | Jennifer Stanton |
| Toni Jannotta | Sherry Carpenter |
| Walker Edmiston | Police Chief Dennis Warren |
| Pamela Bowman | Janie Richter |
| Freddie Dawson | Virgil Watson |
| Tracy Weddle | Kathy Sperry |
| Joleen Porcaro | Kelly – Victim #5 |
| David Daniels | Michael |
| Stephen Fanning | Scott |
| roller skater | |
| Greer Justin | Sandy |
| rollerskater | |
| Johnny Crear | Victor Colter |
| Evan Cole | Paramedic |
| Michael Griswold | Dr. Epstein |
| Robert Short | Ed |
| William Malone | Alex Waverly |
| newscaster | |
| Kermit Eller | The Syngenor |
Trivia and Facts
- Director William Malone initially cast musician and actor Rick Springfield in the main role of Ted Lonergan. However, Springfield withdrew a night before shooting commenced for fear of missing too many acting classes. Subsequently, Malone roped in John Stinson for the role.
- The movie had a budget of $74,000 – quite modest by modern standards.
- “Scared to Death” is not only a work of fiction but points towards the emerging field of genetic engineering. A message at the beginning of the film emphasizes this reality and the impending definitions and values we might have to consider for life and death.
- The film is part of the larger conversation around genetic manipulation, as depicted in the featured 2006 documentary “Working with a Master: William Malone.”
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0549076
- Longitude: -118.242643
- Place ID: ChIJE9on3F3HwoAR9AhGJW_fL-I
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Los Angeles County, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.3871821
- Longitude: -118.1122679
- Place ID: ChIJMc1kAdMq3YARKjm9z9YofYM
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Los Angeles County, CA, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: 12142 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.1431276
- Longitude: -118.3966565
- Place ID: ChIJ8WrExPy9woARpWoOI7WLlQA
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 12142 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Sunset Blvd & Gardner Street, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0980337
- Longitude: -118.3528577
- Place ID: EjRTdW5zZXQgQmx2ZCAmIEdhcmRuZXIgU3QsIExvcyBBbmdlbGVzLCBDQSA5MDA0NiwgVVNBImYiZAoUChIJZ6JBF9y-woARgXmCf8ugXC0SFAoSCWeiQRfcvsKAEYF5gn_LoFwtGhQKEgnPyEQ8CrzCgBHJWmKjJBAvIBoUChIJEWRBOOe-woARJRz5ay9HaPoiCg1x8lIUFX_JdLk
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Sunset Blvd & Gardner St, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
