Friday the 13th (1980)

Friday the 13th was released into theaters on May 9th, 1980. Filming locations include Blairstown, Hardwick and Hope, NJ. Filming ran from September 4th, 1979 to October 3rd, 1979. It was directed by Sean S. Cunningham, who's admittedly stated that his whole motivation for the film was to attempt to capitalize off the success of Halloween, which had been released one year prior. Regardless, Cunningham and writer Victor Miller, ended up crafting a horror masterpiece. The film had a budget of $550k, and to date the franchise has grossed well over $500 million dollars. The working title for the film was Long Night at Camp Blood. The two jeeps in the film, one driven by Steve Christy and the other by Mrs. Voorhees, were actually the same vehicle, a 1966 CJ-5. During Christie's scenes the soft-top was down and during Mrs. Voorhees' scenes it was up.

The film features a solid score by Harry Manfredini. On Friday, January 13th, 2012 La-La Land Records released a definitive limited edition box set of all of Manfredini's tracks (many previously unreleased) for the first six films which was limited to 1300 units. It included a forty page booklet and the first one-hundred units that were ordered through La-La Lands website were autographed by Harry Manfredini. The film also features the song Sail Away Tiny Sparrow, written by Harry Manfredini and sung by Angela Rotella. It's heard at two points during the film, the first being in the general store when Annie asks for directions and the second being in the diner scene. The films first DVD release was on October 19th, 1999.

Annie walking - Main St./Bridge St. Blairstown, NJ. 07825

She starts out walking west down Main Street, crossing a bridge over Blair Creek. Around 2012, the bridges appearance was altered from what it looks like in the film. Next, she passes by the Old Water Works, which has been there since 1889. At the time of filming it was the town library. The film then cuts to her walking down a street, which is actually Bridge St, the next street over. She's walking south toward a pair of old gas pumps, which have been gone for quite some time. Next she's back on Main St. walking east, past the Blairstown Theater (also known as Roy's Hall). Sometimes the theater has special screenings of Friday the 13th. The Blairstown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 16th, 1987.

All "Now" pictures taken in 2019.

All "Now" pictures taken in 2019.

Annie asks for directions - 331 High St. Hope, NJ. 07844

In reality, the store is six and a half miles south of the street Annie was seen walking along. The store has been there since at least the 1930's. At the time of my visit, it was Hope Junction Antiques.

2013

All "Now" pictures taken in 2019.

Annie and Enos encounter Crazy Ralph - Walnut St. and High St. Hope, NJ. 07844

This spot looks pretty much like it did in the film, with the exception of a few modifications made to the sidewalk and the stone guardrail across the street.

Enos drops Annie off - 354 High St. Hope, NJ. 07844

The entrance to Hope Moravian Cemetery can be seen in the background. The cemetery dates back to the 1700's, with the oldest gravestone dated 1768.

2019

Mrs. Voorhees picks up Annie - Shannon Rd. Hardwick, NJ. 07825

If you travel from Blairstown to Camp No Be Bo Sco, it's inevitable that you'll have to cross over this bridge.

All "Now" pictures taken in 2019.

Jack, Marcie & Ned driving - 126 Millbrook Rd. Hardwick, NJ. 07825

They're driving southeast on Millbrook Rd, the opposite direction they'd be driving if they were actually going to the camp. Although the lake, house and two of the silo's in the distance are still there, they're not visible from the same spot as seen from in the movie, due to all of the foliage during my visit.

All "Now" pictures taken in 2019.

Diner - 53 State Route 94 Blairstown, NJ. 07825

(Blairstown Diner)

The diner opened in 1949. The "DINER" sign letters were removed at some point but you can still see them at the Blairstown Museum, located at 26 Main St. The interior has been slightly remodeled but is still recognizable from the film. I recommend Blairstown Diner if you like good food and friendly service.

2013

All "Now" pictures taken in 2019.

Small bridge Steve Christy and Sgt. Tierney drive over - Shannon Rd. and Sand Pond Rd. Hardwick, NJ. 07825

The bridge is seen very briefly in the film during a night shot.

2019

Camp Crystal Lake - 11 Sand Pond Rd. Hardwick, NJ. 07825

(Camp-No-Be-Bo-Sco)

The camp opened in 1927. It's owned by the Northern New Jersey Council and sits on the shores of Sand Pond at the base of the Kittatinny Ridge on 380 acres. Being a fully functional Boy Scout camp, this location has presented the biggest challenge of any from the film to visit in person. That's because it's not open to the public and they have a strict no trespassing policy. Only Boy Scouts and those associated with the camp are allowed on the property. So up until Friday, May 13th, 2011 fans of the film were rarely granted access. That's the date of the first ever public camp tour. Sure, tickets were few and sold out in under ten minutes, but it was a start. Since then, Crystal Lake Tours have held these tours periodically, usually on a Friday the 13th in order to make the experience that much more memorable. And instead of just making the tickets available for sale all at once, they implemented a lottery system in order to simplify the process. After not being selected for years, my luck changed and I was finally chosen for the 13th official tour. I visited the camp on Friday, May 17th, 2019. I brought my brother Cody along (it was his birthday coincidentally) and we both had a fantastic time. Everyone associated with the camp and tour were very friendly and knowledgeable. We were even pleasantly surprised to be graced with three Friday the 13th alum, Jeannine Taylor (Marcie), Ron Millkie (Officer Dorf) and Adrienne King (Alice). And I got to check another one off of my movie location Mt. Rushmore.

Campfire Kumbaya - Dining Hall

Barry and Claudette alone time - Storage shed

Archery range - Shooting sports area (built in 1968)

Alice's cabin (Fox) - Mechanics Lodge (built in 1928)

Main cabin (Comanche) - Van Dusen Lodge (built in 1928)

Jack and Marcie's cabin - Waterfront Cabin

Shower house - Price Lodge (built in 1956)

Generator shed - Electrical room

Alice searches for ammunition - Storage building

Beach/Finale

Mail box seen in front of office.