Where Was 'The Breakfast Club' Filmed?

The beloved 1985 coming-of-age film The Breakfast Club captivated audiences with its iconic portrayal of high school life in the 1980s. This article delves into the specific filming locations of this classic movie, detailing the high schools used and the remarkable locations chosen by the filmmakers.

Filming Locations

The movie The Breakfast Club was primarily filmed at Maine North High School in Des Plaines, Illinois. The school stands at 9511 Harrison St, Des Plaines, IL 60016-1523. It served as the filming location for most of the interior scenes in the movie, recreating the high school environment that was so pivotal to the plot.

Interestingly, aside from its role in The Breakfast Club, Maine North High School has also captured the attention of another famous movie. In 1986, the same school was featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This added dual significance makes it a noteworthy location for both film enthusiasts and students alike.

For the The Breakfast Club, not only did the exterior scenes of the high school building suffice for numerous interior shots, the production team also made use of the school's facilities extensively. This all-encompassing use of the school premises ensured that the production could effectively keep costs low while maintaining the authenticity of the high school setting.

The Football Field

While the Maine North High School provided the backdrop for most of the interior scenes, another significant location was the football field from Maine South High School. This field is located in Des Plaines, Illinois and was used in some of the outdoor scenes, helping to validate the high school environment represented in the film.

The production of The Breakfast Club was particularly ingenious in its utilization of the school spaces. It is worth noting that the production was not just limited to using the facilities; the entire production – including the production office, costumes, assistants, directors, props, art crew, and more – was based in the school, making it one of those great locations that could house the entire unit. This strategy not only helped in keeping the costs down but also fostered an atmosphere of authenticity and immersion that was key to the movie’s success.

Additional Details and Benefits

The preference for filming at Maine North High School and Maine South High School speaks volumes about the adaptability and creativity of the filmmakers. Filming in such strategic locations provided multiple benefits:

Cost Efficiency: Utilizing existing school facilities meant that significant sets and production spaces were already available, reducing the need for large-scale set construction and maintenance. Aesthetic Authenticity: The use of real high school locations added a layer of realism to the film, ensuring that the portrayal of 1980s high school life resonated with the audience. Logistical Convenience: Having the production base within the school made coordination and logistics much smoother, allowing for a more focused and efficient production process.

Today, Maine North High School continues to serve a different but significant purpose. The school is now employed as a Regional Office of the Illinois State Police, ensuring that the location still holds a significant place in both the urban landscape and law enforcement activities.

Conclusion

From its pivotal role in the classic movie The Breakfast Club to its use in another iconic film, Maine North High School and Maine South High School have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Their strategic use in the filming of The Breakfast Club has not only contributed to the film's success but has also provided a lasting legacy in the realm of classic 1980s movies.

If you're a fan of classic 80s movies or have an interest in the making-of story behind some of the most famous scenes, these locations are a must-visit. The next time you're in the area, why not do a little tourism of your own and pay homage to these iconic schools?

Thank you for reading.