Two on a Guillotine (1965) Film Locations

“Guillotine-agers! Wouldn’t you like to learn how to flip your lid? If you’re chopping for entertainment, here’s the super-shocker of them all.” Great movie poster tag line. This alone should persuade you to see the movie.

I had never heard of the movie until I was perusing the Warner Archive website. William Conrad directs this movie with the following stars: Connie Stevens, Dean Jones, and Cesar Romero. How could I pass on viewing the movie? I added the DVD to my cart and awaited its arrival. A plus, was the movie seemed a benign horror flick I could share with the kiddoes during Halloween.

For those unfamiliar with this movie, the plot is a “Will and Inheritance trope”. Cassie Duquesne (Connie Stevens), daughter of the magician The Great Duquesne aka “Duke” (Cesar Romero), returns to Los Angeles to attend her father’s funeral. There are huge family tensions as the “Duke” had accidentally beheaded his wife and Cassie’s mom, Melinda, during his act 20 years prior. Cassie is to become the inheritor of his estate, but only if she agrees to spend 7 consecutive nights in his old, and probably haunted, mansion. This is how you make up with your children after you’ve beheaded their mom. Also, the “Duke” made it known he will contact from beyond the grave. Val Henderson (Dean Jones), a local Los Angeles reporter always on the prowl for a good story, weasels his way into Connie’s life. I won’t spoil the ending, so give the movie a view.

While watching the movie, I noticed a couple recognizable locations. IMDB had most of them listed already.

Film Location Comparison Shots:

Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, 1831 West Washington Blvd., Los Angeles
The Great Duquesne’s funeral is held on the grounds of this historic cemetery. I have visited as I have relatives buried in the cemetery. In addition, West Adams Heritage Association has an annual Living History Tour of the grounds. A can’t miss event. I’ve gone a couple times. Buffy fans will recognize the environs.

Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
The iconic Band Shell of this Los Angeles County Owned outdoor Amphitheater stands out during the reading of The Great Duquesne’s will. I’ve done stair workouts at the bowl before. As a County facility it is open to the public for free as long as performances are not going on. There is an on-site museum. Enjoyable place to go. I’ve always found it to be quiet when there is no performance. You can relive your Xanadu fantasy if it moves you.

 

Benedict Castle, 5445 Chicago Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

This is the estate of The Great Duquesne. The castle, also, made an appearance in Moonchild.

Charles Benedict began construction of the castle in 1922. He had in mind a castle residence like those he had found in Europe. Henry Jeckel, the architect of the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, served as the chief architect on the Castle project. Charles died in 1938. His third wife eventually sold the castle at auction. The castle is currently owned by Southern California Teen Challenge. Visit their website for an event schedule.