As a devoted fan, I’m sharing the sad news: The music store that set the stage for an iconic scene in the 1992 film “Wayne’s World” is shutting down permanently.
Music Store Scene In Wayne’s World
As his movie’s performance improves, Wayne decides to buy the Fender guitar he’s been dreaming of from a nearby music shop.
A shop employee takes a guitar out of its showcase for a customer named Wayne, who subsequently attempts to perform “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin in the store, despite a sign cautioning against playing that specific tune inside. The staff member needs to intervene to prevent this action.
“No ‘Stairway.’ Denied!”
Where Is The Music Store From Wayne’s World Located?
Despite the film’s location being Aurora, Illinois, it’s important to note that the real-life music store where Wayne purchases his coveted guitar is actually Cassell’s Music, situated in San Fernando, California.
After seven and a half decades, it’s with regret that the store is set to shut down its operations. Its owner has shared on social media platforms that he will be retiring this year, marking the end of the store’s long-standing business.
The current owner has been in charge of Cassell’s for the past 48 years.
Behind The Scenes Of Filming Wayne’s World At Cassell’s Music
Based on what was reported by Cassell’s, the location was selected for the movie after a countrywide hunt by Paramount Pictures. It appears that the studio found Cassell’s particularly appealing.
- Variety of instruments
- Openess
- Overall appearance
Later on, the studio undertook a transformation to change Cassell’s into the shop depicted in the film. Filming took place at this site for four consecutive days back in 1991.
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According to Cassell, it was a pleasure working alongside the team, and there were plenty of shared laughter during rehearsals and filming sessions.
Can You Play “Stairway to Heaven” At Cassell’s?
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m sharing some exciting news – Cassell’s, my beloved cinema haven, has commenced sales to clear their remaining stock. Despite the bittersweet fact that we’re nearing its last days, there’s still a reminder on the wall, asking patrons not to strum the opening chords of “Stairway to Heaven” – a testament to the unique charm this place has held for so many years.
Denied!
Cassell’s is planning a special screening of Wayne’s World at the store on July 10.
Popular Movie Comedies That Could Never Get Made Today
Blazing Saddles (1974)
In essence, the movie “Blazing Saddles” supports its minority characters and employs an abundance of offensive language and racial slurs to mock and humiliate those who use them. However, due to the high volume of these elements, modern viewers may find the content shocking or disturbing, despite its purpose. When it was first aired on HBO Max, a content warning was included, cautioning viewers about “racist language and attitudes” that are “prevalent throughout the film.” Despite being a masterpiece of its genre and time, it appears unimaginable to create a new version of it in today’s era.
Manhattan (1979)
Set aside, for now, the accusations of abuse against Woody Allen made by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow. Regardless, in a world without these allegations, “Manhattan” – one of Allen’s most acclaimed films upon its release in 1979, as well as an Academy Award nominee and member of the National Film Registry – remains a film that portrays a middle-aged man (played by Allen himself at age 44) engaged in a relationship with a 17-year-old girl (Mariel Hemingway, who was actually 16 during filming). Even if Allen had led an uncontroversial life, this premise alone would make “Manhattan” a potentially problematic film for modern audiences.
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
The classic comedy “National Lampoon’s Animal House” served as a blueprint for numerous slobs versus snobs comedies throughout the 1980s and ’90s. It is often hailed as one of the best comedies of its time, yet it contains scenes that wouldn’t be tolerated today due to its immense influence. For instance, there’s a scene where a woman, while making out with Pinto (played by Tom Hulce), passes out and an angel and a devil appear on his shoulders to persuade him one way or another about further intimacy.
Additionally, there’s a sequence that Universal Pictures attempted to eliminate from the film initially, where the Delta House members deceive a group of women from a neighboring college into going out with them, only to panic when they stumble into a bar where they are the sole white patrons. Essentially, if “Animal House” were remade today, the movie would likely last no more than 75 minutes due to its outdated content.
Zapped! (1982)
In the film “Zapped!”, a teenager named Barney, portrayed by Scott Baio, gains telekinetic abilities after an accident in a science experiment. Instead of using his powers responsibly, he decides to harass and embarrass women he doesn’t favor, even going so far as to forcibly remove their clothes in public. Although it’s understandable that a movie can explore sexual themes, “Zapped!” repeatedly uses abusive behavior for comedic effect, which is problematic.
Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
In a surprising twist, this long-running comedy, known for its endearing characters, seems to harbor an unexpectedly cruel undertone. The story, supposedly revolving around misunderstood outcasts, is riddled with offensive humor, including homophobic and racist remarks. A significant subplot involves a group of bullied students seeking revenge on a sorority through underhanded tactics such as house raids and secret surveillance. This reaches its peak when the leader of this group disguises himself as a popular girl’s boyfriend, deceiving her into believing he is someone else and eventually engaging in sexual acts under false pretenses. Remarkably, she falls in love with him despite his deception. A remake attempt was made in the mid-2000s, but it never saw the light of day, perhaps because the only way this film could resonate in today’s era is through a gritty reboot that critiques the notion that nerds are entitled to love, fame, and success merely due to their encounters with a few insensitive jocks.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
In the world of cinema, John Hughes is well-known for creating humorous and empathetic depictions of teenagers in movies such as “The Breakfast Club,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and “Sixteen Candles.” However, it’s important to note that this sensitivity was not consistent across all characters and films. For instance, the character Long Duk Dong from “Sixteen Candles” appears to embody numerous offensive Asian stereotypes, which might be hard to fathom today. This character even has a gong sound effect associated with his on-screen appearances. In retrospect, Molly Ringwald – who starred in the film – labeled Long Duk Dong as a “grotesque stereotype” in an essay for The New Yorker. The article also critically analyzed Hughes’ films’ portrayal of women and casual homophobia, which highlight how these movies are significant artifacts of their time rather than our own.
Short Circuit (1986)
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t forget the delightful comedy “Short Circuit” about a rogue robot named Number 5. However, it’s possible that if you haven’t watched it in a while, you may not recall that the Indian roboticist Ben Jabituya, who was instrumental to the story, was portrayed by Fisher Stevens in brownface makeup. This character was so well-received that he became the main human lead in the sequel, “Short Circuit 2”. Despite the success of these films in the 1980s, Stevens has since expressed regret over playing the role, stating it still haunts him and he wouldn’t take it on again.
Soul Man (1986)
In 1986, an unexpected comedy titled “Soul Man” was produced. The film centers around Mark, a college student played by C. Thomas Howell who is admitted to Harvard Law School but finds his father unwilling to pay the tuition fees. Desperate for financial aid, he discovers a scholarship meant for African American students and decides to alter his appearance drastically with tanning pills and a wig in an attempt to pass as black. Remarkably, this questionable disguise works, at least temporarily. The film attempts to tackle racial issues, but its humor often falls flat due to its tone-deafness. Given the current societal climate, it is more likely to see a remake of “Gigli” than “Soul Man” in today’s times.
Big (1988)
In this movie, although individual recollections may vary, let’s look at the facts: Tom Hanks portrays an adult version of Josh Baskin, a boy who makes a wish to grow up in a carnival game. After transformation, Hanks’ character leaves home for New York City and gets a job at a toy company. The plot already seems peculiar when it involves a child deceiving his family about being kidnapped for months while enjoying life in a luxurious Soho apartment.
By the conclusion of the film, Josh has also pursued a relationship with one of his colleagues (Elizabeth Perkins’ character). Although nothing is explicitly shown onscreen, it’s heavily hinted that Josh, still a 12-year-old trapped in an adult body, develops a romantic interest in Perkins’ Susan. This film was not only financially successful, but also catapulted Tom Hanks to national fame as America’s darling. The 1980s were indeed an unusual decade.
Dream a Little Dream (1989)
As a die-hard ’80s movie enthusiast, let me tell you about an intriguing twist in the underrated film, “Dream a Little Dream.” While Corey Feldman’s Michael Jackson impersonation scene is entertaining, it takes a backseat to one of the most uncomfortable and questionable storylines in any ’80s flick. The narrative revolves around a character named Lainie (Meredith Salenger), who finds herself entangled in an abusive relationship with a manipulative boyfriend.
A fellow student, played by Corey Feldman, develops feelings for Lainie and tries to help her escape this toxic bond. However, things take a dark turn when Lainie’s parents, instead of supporting their daughter, side with the abusive boyfriend and threaten to relocate the entire family due to Lainie refusing to give in to her boyfriend’s demands after he physically harmed her. The plot takes an even more disturbing twist as Lainie’s mother drugs her own daughter, supposedly to keep her out of trouble. This storyline is so unsettling that it led to a sequel for the film. It’s a grim reminder of how some aspects of ’80s teen comedies were far from comedic.
Heathers (1989)
In 1989, the idea of high school students harming or even killing each other wasn’t as sensitive an issue as it is today. The movie ‘Heathers’, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, portrayed their dark comedic attempts to eliminate their school rivals in a way that made it seem like suicides, serving as a grim satire on teenage cliques back then. Nowadays, such violent acts among children are no longer just comedy; they’re a troubling reality of modern life.
Interestingly, ‘Heathers’ still has enough appeal that filmmakers have attempted to modernize it in various ways. Ironically, when Paramount Network tried to reboot ‘Heathers’ for television a few years ago, they discovered that the movie is nearly impossible to remake today – the premiere of the show was delayed multiple times due to real-life school shootings. Eventually, the show did air, but it was heavily edited; the final episode was actually a combination of the last two episodes.
Blank Check (1994)
A clever child (Brian Bonsall) stumbles upon a blank check, writes a million dollars on it, cashes it, and suddenly finds himself a millionaire. Not too surprising, right?
However, what sets this film apart is that the young protagonist develops feelings for a bank teller played by Karen Duffy, who is 31 years old. This relationship culminates in a kiss towards the end of the movie. In recent times, this aspect of the film and particularly this unusual romance have sparked much debate online. Interestingly, whenever a Disney or Fox production is deemed inappropriate for Disney+, viewers often point out that “Blank Check,” including that age-gap (or perhaps generation-gap) kiss, can be found on the streaming platform. As of now, it remains available for streaming.
Bulworth (1998)
Without a doubt, the film “Bulworth” aims its critique at politicians who prioritize donors over their constituents, much like the film “Network” targeted the media. Set in the ’90s, it focuses on Congress instead. However, the method by which this message is conveyed – through an exhausted U.S. Senator (played and co-written by Warren Beatty) who begins to use provocative language and lengthy rap-like speeches – might not receive the same level of acclaim today as it did in 1998. Remarkably, this movie, which includes scenes of Beatty rapping while dressed in a unique manner, was even nominated for an Academy Award.
Shallow Hal (2001)
The Farrelly brothers built their careers by consistently pushing the boundaries of comedy on screen. However, many of their movies might not resonate with contemporary sensibilities and values. Among these, none more so than “Shallow Hal,” a romantic comedy about a shallow man (portrayed by Jack Black) who is hypnotized and subsequently perceives people based on their inner beauty.
After being captivated by Rosemary, who resembles the glamorous movie star Gwyneth Paltrow, the humor lies in the fact that Hal is seeing Rosemary’s “inner” beauty while she actually weighs 300 pounds, a fact which Hal remains unaware of due to numerous poorly executed jokes, such as this one where she appears to lift his side of a canoe high into the air.
Although the film isn’t entirely malicious, the constant jabs at Rosemary’s weight in 2001 already strained the boundaries of “good intentions.” If it were made today, it would require significant changes, such as finding a new leading lady; Gwyneth Paltrow later referred to “Shallow Hal” as a “disaster” and her “least favorite performance” throughout her career.
Sorority Boys (2002)
The comedy film “American Pie” sparked numerous raunchy teen comedies during the late 1990s and early 2000s, each vying to surpass one another in the use of crude sexual humor. In the movie “Sorority Boys,” a group of lecherous fraternity members disguise themselves as women. Despite the eventual message that women should be treated with respect and not objectified, it’s challenging to find another film that shows less regard for women or portrays them more consistently as objects.
The sorority in the movie is called DOG (short for “Daughters of Greek”), and its members are supposed to be the intelligent girls on campus. However, none of them are smart enough to realize their new members are actually three men in drag with high-pitched voices. In one subplot, a frat boy goes undercover as a member of DOG, becomes friends with the president, and frequently showers with her, even in a shower she cannot discern his true identity because he’s washing her body while deceiving her.
Later, they engage in a lesbian relationship, and he continues to conceal his identity, all without any portrayal of this as strange or inappropriate; it’s merely more material for lewd jokes. It’s worth mentioning that the plot device is a tape one of the guys made of himself having sex with multiple women without their consent. Once again, this film is a comedy, or at least it aims to be.
Garden State (2004)
In an article by film critic Nathan Rabin, he introduced the term “manic pixie dream girl” when discussing Cameron Crowe’s movie “Elizabethtown,” also mentioning Natalie Portman’s character Sam from “Garden State” as another example. He described these characters as existing to help brooding males embrace life and its enigmas, with the former film being a major flop while the latter became a significant independent film of the mid-2000s due to its unique visual style and indie pop soundtrack.
However, even back then, there were hints that Sam may have been too perfect (and underdeveloped) for reality; in his 2004 review, Roger Ebert labeled her as one of those movie characters who are totally accessible, extremely attractive, and fond of the viewer, with very little information given about her aside from her visual appeal and positive traits.
The term “manic pixie dream girl” was used so extensively, often incorrectly, that it became a subject of debate in its own right. (Rabin later expressed regret for coining the phrase.) Nevertheless, it remains a potent and divisive concept in popular culture, one that would likely spark a lengthy discussion if someone attempted to remake “Garden State” in 2020 without significantly altering the Sam character to make her more independent and well-rounded.
The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
Warner Bros. started phasing out the Confederate flag from certain toys and representations of the General Lee car from “The Dukes of Hazzard” on their rooftops in 2013. However, eight years prior, they enthusiastically marketed a $50-million movie adaptation of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which showcased the iconic General Lee.
The car itself was not hidden; it was present at many promotional events and premieres for the film “Dukes,” starring Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott as Luke and Bo Duke. The main attraction apart from the General Lee was Jessica Simpson, who appeared in her Daisy Dukes during promotions, which might have drawn some side-eye in today’s context.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)
In a surprising twist, the comedy film “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” which features gay marriage as its main theme, concludes with a heartfelt speech advocating for equal rights and respect for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the 110 minutes leading up to this moment are filled with derogatory comments and insults about homosexuality, as one firefighter (Kevin James) coerces his resistant, macho colleague (Adam Sandler) into pretending to be his domestic partner for insurance purposes.
What makes this film even more troubling is the inclusion of Rob Schneider in numerous scenes playing an Asian wedding officiant, portraying stereotypes so racially insensitive that it seems as if someone challenged him to outdo Mickey Rooney’s performance in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
The film’s studio was so convinced that Schneider’s racist jokes would be well-received, they heavily featured him in the trailer, even making his voice the first heard in the advertisement. Shockingly, this movie was released as recently as 2007.
Norbit (2007)
Audiences often find delight in Eddie Murphy’s ability to portray multiple characters using intricate prosthetics within a single movie, even when critic reviews are less than favorable. For instance, the 2007 film Norbit, despite receiving poor ratings from critics, grossed nearly $160 million worldwide on a budget of only $60 million.
However, this doesn’t mean it remains enjoyable today. In this particular movie, Murphy’s skill for morphing physically (and Rick Baker’s exceptional makeup effects) are utilized to tell a story that is filled with anger. The tale revolves around a meek man (also played by Murphy) who marries a domineering woman, treating his spouse more like an abused servant than a partner.
Murphy’s portrayal of the vindictive, violent Rasputia is technically impressive, but it also presents a harsh caricature of a shrew, with countless jokes about her weight. To make matters worse, Murphy also plays Mr. Wong, a rough Chinese man who runs an orphanage and speaks in a thick stereotypical accent. Ultimately, the film leaves one feeling quite disheartened.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
It’s evident that the character portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder,” who dons blackface and employs stereotypical slang to play the soldier Lincoln Osiris in a film about the Vietnam War, was intended as a satire of self-important Hollywood stars, not African Americans. However, I’m not certain that context would hold much weight nowadays. Despite the humor being primarily directed at Downey’s character and the movie industry’s pattern of casting white actors for minority roles (as demonstrated numerous times on this list), the final impression remains: a man in blackface – an image that would spark endless discussions and analyses today.
This assessment is further complicated by the presence of Ben Stiller’s character, another struggling actor who previously played a mentally challenged individual in “Simple Jack.” This leads to a prolonged discussion between Downey and Stiller’s characters about how overdoing the “r-word” can ruin your chances at an Oscar. Ironically, Downey was actually nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Tropic Thunder,” a scenario that would seem implausible only a few years later.
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2025-06-12 17:26