There have been many movies filmed in and around San Antonio, including one that was awarded an Academy Award for “Best Picture” These are just some of them.
MISS CONGENIALITY ( 2000 )
Starring Sandra Bullock, William Shatner, Candice Bergen and Sir Michael Caine. Lots of memorable scenes around San Antonio including at the front of the Alamo and on the iconic stage of the Arneson River Theater
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CLOAK AND DAGGER ( 1984 )
Numerous shooting locations around San Antonio including the Japanese Tea Gardens in Brackenridge Park, The Tower Life Building, the Alamo, and plenty of action around the historic Riverwalk. It stars San Antonio’s own Henry Thomas.
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SELENA ( 1997 )
Based on the life of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez, it starred Jennifer Lopez in her first leading role. One memorable scene in the movie takes place on top of the Robert Hugman Bridge in front of the Omni La Mansion Hotel on the Riverwalk. This bridge is now known as “Selena’s Bridge” and also “The Kissing Bridge.”
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WINGS ( 1927 )
Shot on location at Kelly Field, the movie stars Clara Bow, Charles Rogers…and a young Gary Cooper. The world premiere of this silent movie was held at the Texas Theater on Houston Street with a number of stars attending. “Wings” is remembered in cinematic history as the recipient of the first Oscar for “Best Picture” and also “Best Engineering Effects” at the first Academy Awards Ceremony in 1929.
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Some other movies that have featured scenes and locations in San Antonio and surrounding areas include:
Spy Kids (2001) Featuring Travis Park.
The Great Waldo Pepper (1975): Scenes from Floresville, Seguin and Kerrville.
Honeysuckle Rose (1980): Featuring a Willie Nelson concert at the Convention Center Arena.
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985): A brief scene at the Alamo.
Viva Max (1969): Highlighting various locations around Von Ormy, Laredo and San Antonio, including some scenes near the Alamo.
Knight Rider 2000 (1991): Tower of the Americas, Botanical Gardens and the Rivercenter Mall.
The Sugarland Express (1974): This is Steven Spielberg’s debut directing role and it was filmed around Floresville, Pleasanton, Converse and San Antonio.
Syriana (2005) Shot around the town of Hondo.
Rolling Thunder (1977): This was filmed over 31 days at various locations around San Antonio.
Johnny Be Good (1988): Used Olmos Pharmacy, Alamo Heights High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and locations around the University of the Incarnate Word.
Still Breathing (1997): With scenes from the Alamo, Mission San Jose, and the San Antonio River near Mulberry Avenue in Brackenridge Park.
All The Pretty Horses (2000): Featuring Hill Ranch near Helotes, and the Anhalt Dance Hall.
8 Seconds (1994): Del Rio, Boerne and the bar at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes.
The Newton Boys (1998): Various scenes from San Antonio, including the St. Anthony Hotel, and New Braunfels.
The Big Brawl (1980): Shot at the Sunken Gardens in San Antonio and also in Floresville.
Michael (1996): Look for scenes at Gruene Dance Hall.
Race With The Devil (1975): Shot around San Antonio, Bandera, Castroville and Wimberley
The Getaway (1972): Great scenes on the Riverwalk and at Sunset Station.
Toy Soldiers (1991): Showing the historic Alamo Plaza.
Wrong is Right (1982): Also features scenes around Alamo Plaza
Speaking of which…Remember the Alamo?
The classic movie The Alamo starring John Wayne, Richard Widmark, Lawrence Harvey, Frankie Avalon, Patrick Wayne, Linda Crystal and Richard Boone was actually filmed at a specially-constructed movie set at Brackettville called “Alamo Village” (128 miles West of San Antonio).
Meanwhile, the 2004 version of The Alamo starring Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton was shot at a specially-created set on Milton Reimers Ranch Park, near Austin TX.
And, as Charlie Pride asked, “Is anybody goin’ to San Antone”?
Ironically, the movie San Antonio starring Errol Flynn, was filmed at the Warner’s Calabasas Ranch location near Hollywood….also used for many movies like Sergeant York, Calamity Jane, and Dark Victory, along with TV shows over the years, including F Troop, Cheyenne, Maverick, and Bonanza.
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Memories of San Antonio 