Motel Hell (1980) Film Locations

Looking for a farm stay at Farmer Vincent’s establishment. Don’t be bothered that the neon sign for their connected “Motel Hello” has some flickering issues. Try his smoked meats they’re to die for.

This 1980 horror movie scared me as a child. Even as a teenager I refused to watch the movie during the late 80s when it made the rounds on cable television. I do not understand why. A couple years back, I watched it and it was more dark comedy than horror. Oh, the movie is horrific and bloody, but also funny. I’m a fan of Leonard Maltin and he only gave it 1.5, so you have been warned.

The basic plot is a love triangle between Terry, a stranded motorist, Farmer Vincent Smith, a psychotic farmer with “syphilis of the brain”, and Sheriff Bruce Smith, Vincent’s dopey but chivalrous brother. I consider the movie a gem. First, the movie stars Rory Calhoun – Eben from How to Mary a Millionaire and countless western television shows. Second, Wolfman Jack has a small part in the movie.

Much of the film was shot at Sable Ranch. The historic hacienda was used as Motel Hello and Vincent Farm. The hacienda has appeared in countless television episodes and movies. Sable Ranch is a private movie ranch. A check of IMDB showed Moorpark was also used as a film location. So, when a weekend trip to Camarillo took me and the wifey through Moorpark, I had to stop for some photos. I tracked down Reverend Billy’s church and some local street scenes.

Film Location Comparison Shots:

The historic church is a combination of two church buildings. In 1904, the Methodist Church was moved from Epworth to Moorpark. In 1919, the Methodist Episcopal Church from Somis was moved an added to the building.