Crime Wave brings together several elements I enjoy: Glendale, Film Noir and Sterling Hayden. It was made in 1952 in 13 days on a minimal budget, and as a result of the aggressive shooting schedule almost every outdoor shot was filmed on location primarily in Glendale. There are also a several locations in Atwater Village and Toluca Lake. Crime Wave was filmed and 1952 and released in 1954. The movie itself is actually quite good. The heist plot is fairly interesting, the cinematography is excellent, the cast is competent and the running time is a refreshingly brisk 73 minutes.I've taken screen captures from the film and recreated a number of them today.
San Fernando Road, looking north towards Sonora.
Looking south from San Fernando Road and Alma. Note the sign referring to the now-defunct Grand Central Air Terminal, which would have been just across the tracks.
This building is still there, and is still an animal hospital! That's a very young Charles Bronson.
Here is the building today at San Fernando and Alma.
This is looking north on San Fernando from Alma.
Here it is today.
Maryland Boulevard, looking north towards Wilson. Note the sign at the back of the Alex. The current Way To Happiness Foundation building is on the right.
This shot in the film continues, and follows the car heading south on Maryland across Broadway.
Looking east on Broadway from between Maryland and Brand.
The film's central heist is of the Bank of America that once stood at the SW corner of Brand and Broadway.
The interior of the bank.
Storefronts on the SW block of Brand/Broadway.
Looking west on Broadway towards Central.
East on Broadway towards Brand.
West on Broadway again, looking towards Orange and Central.
SE corner of Brand & Broadway. If you look closely, you can see Glendale City Hall and the Hotel Glendale in the distance.
Looking south on Brand towards Harvard, with Masonic Temple in backgound.
Car chase on Brand! Looking north with Palmer Ave. in foreground then panning east.
Heading south on Brand with Seeley's in the distance. Note the palm trees in both photos.
Glendale Blvd, Entering Atwater Village.
Looking west on Glendale Blvd. in Atwater Village.
The Hyperion Bridge in Atwater Village, looking much the same as it does today.
Looking east on Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village near the Hyperion Bridge.
Here are a few more captures from the film:
Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake.
More downtown Glendale in winter.
The main character's address.
If you know of any other movies that feature Glendale prominently, please let me know in the comments.
