The Hills Have Eyes (1977)





The Hills Have Eyes was released into theaters on July 22nd, 1977. It was filmed near Apple Valley and Phelan, Ca. It was directed by Wes Craven, in what was his 3rd film. Craven directed the films sequel as well, in 1984. There was also a re-make in 2006, which was surprisingly a very solid film. Dee Wallace played the part of Lynne Wood, in what was her second film role. Wallace would go on to star in genre films like Critters, Cujo, Halloween (2007), The Howling, The Lords of Salem and Popcorn. It also stars another genre veteran, Michael Berryman, in what was his third film role. Two years prior, Berryman was in Oscar Best Picture winner, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Producer Peter Locke played the role of Mercury. The films Art Director was Robert A. Burns, who had worked on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, three years prior. Some of the props from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre were reused to decorate the cannibal clan's lair. The score was composed by Don Peake. The films first DVD release was on September 23rd, 2003.


Fred's Oasis - west of* Palmdale Rd. and Caughlin Rd. Phelan, Ca. 92371

As seen in the film, there were a number of small dilapidated structures there at the time, which have disappeared over the years. At the time of my visit, the only remains were the chimney, a number of concrete foundations and a set of steps that led into a small hole, presumably a former basement.


All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.






Car crash - southeast of* Johnson Rd. and Hudson Rd. Apple Valley, Ca. 92307

This is a popular area for people to come shoot their firearms.

I'd like to thank Justin Scarred of Randomland Adventures for finding this location.


All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.







Doug fights Mars - Hutch Rd. Apple Valley, Ca. 92307

At the time of filming, this area was incredibly desolate. And while it's still not exactly a hotbed of activity, a few houses do exist now, far below on the desert floor. The easiest way to get to the location is to drive up to it via Hutch Road, although, this won't happen unless it's by four-wheel drive. The other option is a roughly one and a half mile hike (one-way). Once you reach the area where filming took place, it's a matter of scurrying around the mountainside in order to pin point particular shots. For some reason, one of the shots in the film (see screenshots below) was flipped.

I'd like to thank Justin Scarred of Randomland Adventures for finding this location.



All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.






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