Where Was Fantasy Island Filmed in The 70s?
Fantasy Island was a beloved television series that ran from the late 70s to the early 80s. It captured viewers’ imaginations for years and is still remembered fondly today. If you are lucky, you can still find it in syndication. But where was Fantasy Island filmed?
The Location of Where Was Fantasy Island Filmed
Fantasy Island was filmed mainly in Burbank, California. Interiors were shot on Warner Bros. Stages 26 and 17, and later exterior scenes were shot at the Warner Ranch.
The famous house with the bell tower, where Mr. Roarke greets his guests, is the Queen Anne Cottage at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia. It was built in 1885.
The Arboretum’s lake and palm trees gave the show its tropical look. You can still see the cottage there today, though visitors view it from the outside.
The Story of Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island was a fantasy drama television series that aired from 1978-1984. The show follows the exploits of Mr. Roarke (Ricardo Montalban) and his assistant Tattoo (Hervé Villechaize), who run a fictional island resort where wealthy guests can live out their elaborate fantasies. But as with any fantasy, there is usually a hidden catch.
Each episode was filled with exciting twists and turns that kept audiences guessing until the very end. Visitors to the island must confront their inner demons and learn important life lessons in order to escape without harm. The show was known for its campy humor, intense drama, dramatic twists, and supernatural elements that made it unlike anything else on TV at the time. It remains a cult classic today and has influenced many other fantasy-adventure shows since.
The Original Fantasy Island Cast
The show’s main stars were Ricardo Montalban as Mr. Roarke and Hervé Villechaize as his loyal sidekick Tattoo, who famously yelled “de plane, de plane!” to announce the arrival of new guests on the island.
Other recurring cast members included Wendy Schaal as Julie, Mr. Roarke’s goddaughter and assistant, from 1981 to 1982. In the final season, Christopher Hewett joined as Lawrence, a butler who replaced Tattoo. The guest stars changed from week to week.
The Director
The show had many directors over its seven seasons. Gene Levitt created the series, and Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg produced it for ABC.
Fun Facts About The Original Fantasy Island TV Show
The network originally wanted Orson Welles to play the lead role but Aaron Spelling won the battle with Ricardo Montalban.
The waterfall in the opening credits is Wailua Falls on Kauai, Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the house on Fantasy Island real?
The house is the Queen Anne Cottage at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, California. It was built in 1885.
Why did Tattoo stop appearing on Fantasy Island?
Hervé Villechaize left after the sixth season following a pay dispute with the producers. In the final season, Christopher Hewett played Lawrence, a butler, in his place. Hewett later starred in Mr. Belvedere, a different show.
If you are old enough to remember the series, a trip to the Los Angeles County Arboretum lets you stand where Mr. Roarke greeted his guests. The gardens and lake make it an easy half-day visit.
Additional Film Location Resources
If you are looking for more film locations, insider information and behind the scenes footage of your favorite movies – here are some additional posts for you to check out:
Have you seen the Queen Anne Cottage in person? Let me know in the comments below.
Alanna Birmingham
Alanna Birmingham is a professional freelance writer and a Film Aficionado who adores watching, writing, and being involved in all elements of filmmaking.