AUBURN’S HOLLYWOOD MOMENT 

Thirty years ago, Historic Old Town Auburn took center stage in a Hollywood story about friendship, love and the extraordinary possibilities that can emerge from an ordinary life.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Phenomenon’s theatrical release, which premiered in the U.S. on July 3, 1996. Directed by Jon Turteltaub and written by Gerald Di Pego, the film transformed Auburn into the fictional small town of Harmon and brought some of Hollywood’s biggest names to Placer County.

Starring John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall and Jeffrey DeMunn, Phenomenon tells the story of George Malley, an amiable small-town everyman whose life changes dramatically after he is struck by mysterious glowing lights on his birthday. George suddenly develops extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic abilities, setting off a remarkable journey that challenges his relationships and understanding of the world around him.

The film struck a chord with audiences. Phenomenon grossed more than $16 million during its opening weekend, debuting in third place at the box office before later climbing to second. By the end of its theatrical run, the movie had earned $104.6 million in the U.S. and another $47.4 million internationally, grossing approximately $152 million worldwide.

But for Auburn residents and visitors, one of the most memorable parts of Phenomenon is seeing familiar streets, businesses and landmarks on the big screen.

TRANSFORMING AUBURN INTO “HARMON”

Historic Old Town Auburn provided the perfect setting for the fictional town of Harmon, with several recognizable locations featured throughout the film.

Old Town Auburn Streetscape
The heart of fictional Harmon was actually Historic Old Town Auburn. The local garage where George Malley worked was constructed temporarily in the middle of the street in front of the Old Town Post Office, creating a movie set right in the center of town.

Auburn Alehouse, formerly the Shanghai Bar
Located at 289 Washington St., the building now home to Auburn Alehouse was prominently featured in the film. At the time, it was the Shanghai Bar and served as the watering hole where George celebrated his birthday shortly before his life-changing encounter with the mysterious glowing white lights.

Placer County Courthouse

Located at 101 Maple St., the historic courthouse is another unmistakable Auburn landmark featured prominently in the movie. The courthouse and its surroundings provide a memorable backdrop as George begins experiencing his sudden and extraordinary surge in intelligence and telekinetic powers.

Machado Orchards
The family-owned orchard at 100 Apple Lane, off Bowman Road, also made its Hollywood appearance in Phenomenon. It is here that George demonstrates his remarkable abilities while helping with the apple harvest.

Doc’s Office
The physician’s office belonging to George’s friend Doc, played by Robert Duvall, was filmed at 107 Sacramento St. The location became part of some of the film’s most important and emotional moments.

Sierra Moon Goldsmiths

Located at 204 Washington St., this Old Town building served as a jewelry store location in the film and was featured in one of George’s more comical birthday moments.

A LEGACY WORTH CELEBRATING

Three decades later, Phenomenon remains a special part of Auburn’s film history. The production showcased the charm, character and distinctive architecture of Old Town Auburn while bringing a major Hollywood production to the community.

For film fans, longtime residents and anyone who enjoys spotting familiar locations on screen, the movie offers a unique time capsule of Auburn in the mid-1990s.

And now, the community has a chance to experience the magic all over again.

Relive this Hollywood drama this Saturday, Sept. 12, in Old Town Auburn, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bring your chairs and settle in for outdoor seating during this free screening of Phenomenon.

The event is sponsored by Hour in the Tower Escape Room, Old Town Pizza and the City of Auburn.

Recently, former Placer Film Commissioner Beverly Lewis shared how Old Town Auburn became the backdrop of this classic movie. Watch the video below.