Movies Filmed in the Miami Area Quiz

Answer: The Godfather Part II

This movie, directed and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, was filmed in 1974. It was the second part of the trilogy. At the time, it was the first sequel to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. Coppola won for Best Director and Pacino won for Best Supporting Actor. The scenes that were to have been shot on locale in Cuba had to be filmed in the Dominican Republic. The scene that was shot at the track was when Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) arrives in Miami from New York. There is a statue of Citation that is on the side of the park and Michael Corleone drives his black Cadillac right past it.

Hialeah racetrack began its history back in 1920 by James Bright and Glenn Curtis. In 1921 these two gents took thirteen miles and developed a town named Hialeah. In 1922, they opened the only pari-mutuel greyhound track in America. They called it the Miami Kennel Club. Then in 1924, Bright, Curtis and Joseph Smoot opened the Miami Jockey Club. Then in 1925 Hialeah Race Track opened its gates to thoroughbred horses. As many structures collapsed during the Hurricane of 1926, the track suffered as well, but in 1932 it was reopened. They brought in flamingoes from Cuba and then Seabiscuit debuted in 1935. Many famous aristocrats patronized this track. John J. Brunetti purchased Hialeah Park in 1977.

Answer: Scarface

"Scarface" is about a Cuban refugee, Tony Montana, who comes to the US during the Mariel boat lift in 1980, with his buddy Manny Ray. They take over a drug cartel and become infamous. Any more info would ruin the movie for you if you haven't seen it.

Star Island is located on Miami Beach. Many famous and wealthy residents have either lived here or still live here now. Some of the famous were Puff Daddy, Rosie O'Donnell, Gloria Estefan, Al Capone, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone. Star Island is on the waters of Biscayne Bay, between the main land and Miami Beach. There are two other islands, named Hibiscus Island and Palm Island. To get on to any of the islands you have to cross a bridge with a guarded gate. As Star Island is the most exclusive of the three islands, it has only 34 waterfront properties.

Answer: The Bodyguard

This movie is about a diva that is being stalked. After some threats, she hires an ex-secret service man to protect her. The story is about how their lives intertwine. Great songs are part of this movie. See it for yourself to find out what happens.

The Fontainebleau Hotel is located on Miami Beach. It is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. It was designed in 1954 by Morris Lapidus and sold to Ben Novack, who owned it until 1977. Turnberry Associates purchased the mega hotel for $165 million in 2005. Some of the many movies that had scenes filmed here were "Scarface", "The Bell Boy", "Surfside 6", and "Goldfinger". Even the popular tv show, "The Sopranos" filmed an episode here. A documentary called "Square Grouper" tells the story of the Black Tuna Gang. They dealt marijuana right from a hotel suite, back in the 1970s.

Answer: Midnight Cowboy

Since Joe Buck is down and out of luck and money, Rizzo offers Joe a place to live. It's in a room in an abandoned building. Rizzo is not in good health and he feels that if he moves to Miami, he will get better. Follow these guys to see how they manage to get to Florida.

Miracle Mile is located in the heart of downtown Coral Gables. Since 1922, it has been known as a place to bank, shop and eat. It was designed by George Merrick. Today, it is lined with upscale shops and restaurants. The Mile is really about a half a mile long that runs from Lejune Rd. (42 Ave) to Douglas Rd. (37 Ave).

Answer: Nude on the Moon

Doris Wishman and Raymond Phelan wrote and directed eight nudist films. Most of the films were set in traditional nudist colonies but this one had a different flare.

Coral Castle has a history of its own. There was a man from Latvia, named Edward Leedskalnin, who was supposed to marry the love of his life, Agnes Scuffs. He nicknamed her "Sweet Sixteen". Unfortunately, the day before they were to be married, she canceled the ceremony. Ed was so upset he left the country. Some years later he wound up in Florida, due to an illness that required warm weather. During the years of 1923 to 1951, he built one of the most magnificent Rock Castles all by himself. He built this castle for his true love "Sweet Sixteen", although she never saw the monument. His building process was done privately at night so no one could see what he was doing. No one knows how he was able to build it since he was a slight man of stature, only five feet tall and 100 pounds. It is located in Homestead, Florida on US 1.

Answer: Chef

When Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), opens his Cuban Food truck he makes delicious Cuban sandwiches and yuca fries. When he travels through Texas, he makes brisket sandwiches to appease his customers' tastebuds. His son uses Twitter to announce their locations and Instagrams their menus. They become a popular restaurant on wheels. Watch the movie to follow their travels.

Versailles restaurant is a well known Cuban restaurant that is located right in the middle of "Little Havana", on SW 8th Street, in Miami. Dignitaries and everyday people from all over have eaten in this restaurant. They are famous for their Cuban sandwiches and other popular Cuban dishes like Vaca Frita with black beans and rice. Their portions are large enough to share. Have some Flan or Tres Leches for dessert.

Answer: There's Something About Mary

This was a 1998 Farrelly brothers movie. Brett Favre was also one of the characters of this funny and sometimes gross flick. Quarterback Steve Young was to play the Favre role but turned it down due its script. Scene after scene gets funnier and funnier. See it for a great laugh release.

Matheson Hammock has a man made atoll pool inside the park. It is a great park if you have little children as the pool is not very deep. They also have boat docks at another area in the park. You can rent kayaks and canoes on the bay side of the park. They charge an entrance fee to get in. It is located off of Old Culter Drive in Miami.

Answer: The Birdcage

"The Birdcage" screenplay was based on "La Cage aux Folles". It was directed by Mike Nichols in 1996.

Some of "The Birdcage" was filmed at the Carlyle Hotel on Ocean Drive, South Beach, Florida. Other shots were filmed in numerous places on the beach.

This hysterical movie helped people gain some respect for the gay community.

Answer: Bad Boys II

Mike and Marcus have no idea that Syd works for the DEA.

During the shooting of the wild chase scene in August 2002, they closed the MacArthur Causeway for several days. It caused the worst traffic snarls on all major routes going to and coming from Miami Beach and thousands of people were inconvenienced.

Answer: The Versace Murder

It was 1997 and Andrew Cunanan's wealthy lover dumped him. Living in California then, he traveled across the country and killed his friend in Minneapolis, He continued on this killing spree until he found Gianni Versace on South Beach, Florida. Don't want to spoil the ending, if you aren't aware of how it all ends. This movie is taken from real, factual events.

Ocean Drive on South Beach, Florida, houses many hotels, restaurants and clubs. The News Cafe and Wet Willies are two of the many places to eat, drink and people watch. Close to the News Cafe is the Versace mansion. Gianni solicited this cafe right before he was murdered.