‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ is a popular American coming-of-age film from 1985. Joel Schumacher directs the film, which stars Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andie MacDowell, and Mare Winningham. The plot follows a group of friends who have recently graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. It delves into their issues with adulthood and the obstacles of life after college. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the picture was a box office success, grossing $37.8 million against a $10 million budget.
Where was “St. Elmo’s Fire” Filmed?
Principal photography for ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ started in early October 1984. It coincided with Ned Tanen becoming the president of Paramount Pictures’ motion picture division.
Georgetown University Setting: The film is set in and around Georgetown, a thriving neighborhood in northwest Washington, D.C., recognized for its historical significance and university culture. However, Georgetown University prohibited production on its campus due to worries about the film’s subject. Instead, sequences that were supposed to resemble Georgetown University were recorded at the University of Maryland, College Park, which is about 10 miles from Washington, DC.
Iconic Locations
The Tombs: One of the iconic locations is The Tombs, located at 1226 36th Street NW. This famous bar inspired the fictional St. Elmo’s Bar in the film. Interestingly, across the street from The Tombs is the mansion featured in another classic Georgetown-set movie, ‘The Exorcist.’
Third Edition: Another notable location, the Third Edition pub, was located at 1218 Wisconsin Avenue at M Street. Although the pub has closed since then, it was prominently featured in the film.
Los Angeles and Central California: Some sequences from ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ were shot in the historic bank building on 650 South Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. In addition, a house on Prosser Dam Road in central California was used for key scenes. These locales broadened the film’s setting beyond Washington, D.C.
Wendy & Jules’ Shop: Wendy & Jules’ Shop, a key site in the film, may be found at 3216 O Street NW in Washington, D.C. Visiting these locations would be a delight for any fan of ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ providing a view into the urban landscapes, ancient buildings, and lovely neighborhoods that influenced this renowned coming-of-age novel.
University Scenes in St. Elmo’s Fire Filmed in University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
In ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ the characters Alec, Leslie, Kevin, Jules, and Kirby, recent Georgetown University graduates, face the obstacles of post-college life. Although the film is set in Georgetown, the majority of the scenes were filmed at the University of Maryland, College Park. Located around 10 miles outside Washington, D.C., this historic institution, founded in 1856, serves as the backdrop for their alma mater. Fans who want to visit should be aware that it is an active academic campus. You may easily get there by riding the Green Line Metro to Greenbelt and stepping off at the College Park-University of Maryland stop. It’s a short walk or bus ride away, or a 30-minute drive via Queens Chapel Road.
Kirby’s Medical Student Encounter shot at Leland Memorial Hospital, 4404 Queensbury Rd, Riverdale, MD 20737
In one iconic scene from ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ Kirby meets a medical student called Dale at a hospital. This encounter rekindles old feelings from their college years. The hospital scenes were filmed at Riverdale’s Leland Memorial Hospital. Although the hospital is now closed, the building’s facade remains, providing a unique environment for moviegoers. Visitors may see the exterior, which links them directly to the film’s plot. To get there, take the MARC train from Union Station in Washington, DC, to Perryville and get off at Riverdale. From there, it’s a short walk or bus trip to the former hospital.
Bar Hangout Scene shot in The Tombs, 1226 36th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
One of the key moments in ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ takes place at St. Elmo’s Bar, the group’s favorite hangout. Friendship difficulties rise as they confront the reality of life after college. While the inside sequences were shot in Hollywood, the bar’s decor was inspired on The Tombs, a popular watering hole on 1226 36th Street NW in Georgetown. The Tombs is a long-standing local institution noted for its lively atmosphere. To get there, take the DC Circulator Bus from Union Station to Georgetown and get off at the Wisconsin Ave NW & M Street NW stop. It’s only a 10-minute walk from there, giving you a chance to enjoy the vibrant community vibe.
Billy’s Bar Incident shot in Universal Studios Backlot – Courthouse Square, Universal City, North Hollywood, California, 91602
In ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ Billy confronts his wife’s partner in St. Elmo’s Bar, resulting in his dismissal. Although it appears to be a standard campus pub, the inside scenes were shot on the Courthouse Square backlot in Hollywood. This set, which features several facades such as a courthouse, has a long cinematic history, having appeared in numerous films. Fans can visit as part of the Universal Studios trip, which is accessible via the Metro Red Line subway to Universal City station and a bus to the theme park.
Party at Mr. Kim’s house shot in Georgetown, 3700 O Street NW, Washington, DC
Another noteworthy scene depicts Kirby throwing a party at Mr. Kim’s house to impress Dale, demonstrating the ups and downs of post-college life. Georgetown, a historic district in northwest Washington, D.C., is noted for its lively student culture. Much of the film was shot here, giving guests the opportunity to explore the campus and its surrounds. If you’re visiting from downtown Washington, D.C., take the DC Circulator Bus to Georgetown or drive south on US-29.
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Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – St. Elmo’s Fire
Q: Where was ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ filmed?
A: ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ was filmed in various locations. The majority of the film is set in Georgetown, Washington, DC. However, because Georgetown University does not permit filming on its campus, university scenes were shot at the University of Maryland, College Park. Other filming sites included Georgetown’s The Tombs pub, as well as sequences in Los Angeles and central California.
Q: When was ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ filmed?
A: The principal photography for ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ began in early October 1984. The filming lasted several months, with different scenes shot in various locales.
Q: What is the release date of ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’?
A: ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ was released on June 28, 1985. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film became a box-office success.
Q: Why was Georgetown University not used for filming?
A: Georgetown University did not permit filming on its campus due to concerns about the movie’s content, which included themes of premarital sex. As a result, the filmmakers chose the University of Maryland, College Park, to stand in for Georgetown University in the film.
Q: What notable locales appear in the film?
A: Some prominent sites in ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ include The Tombs Bar in Georgetown, which inspired the fictional St. Elmo’s Bar. The Third Edition bar at 1218 Wisconsin Avenue was also mentioned, although it has since closed. In addition, several sequences were shot at a historic bank building in downtown Los Angeles and a residence on Prosser Dam Road in Central California. Wendy & Jules’ Shop, another important location, is located at 3216 O Street NW, Washington, D.C.
