In 1975 the critically acclaimed film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was released to massive success, but did you know that it was actually filmed on location in the now state-run Oregon State Hospital? Originally built in 1883 as the state’s premiere insane asylum the building holds many secrets. It also features a Museum of Mental Health that details the dated methods of witch doctor psychiatric practices from that past century.
- Jack Nicholson famously stayed in character while filming the movie in the asylum so he refused to speak to the director, according to cinematographer Bill Butler.
Archives New Zealand / Flickr
- The film would go onto win all five major Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. The film captures the essence of Salem, Oregon in the 1970’s while remaining true to it’s source material, Ken Kesey’s novel of the same name.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest poster”. Via Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:One_Flew_Over_the_Cuckoo%27s_Nest_poster.jpg#/media/File:One_Flew_Over_the_Cuckoo%27s_Nest_poster.jpg
- Many controversies have plagued the hospital over the years, including an astonishing loss of over 1,500 cans of cremated human remains.
“Oregon State Hospital 1920” by Carey, Charles Henry. (1922). History of Oregon. Pioneer Historical Publishing Co.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
- The hospital stands today as Oregon’s primary psychiatric facility but it once held insanity that inspired the novel and eventually film that would change the way we watch movies forever.
“OSHFront” by Katr67 - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
- Haven’t seen the film in awhile? Catch the trailer, right here!
Archives New Zealand / Flickr
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest poster”. Via Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:One_Flew_Over_the_Cuckoo%27s_Nest_poster.jpg#/media/File:One_Flew_Over_the_Cuckoo%27s_Nest_poster.jpg
“Oregon State Hospital 1920” by Carey, Charles Henry. (1922). History of Oregon. Pioneer Historical Publishing Co.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
“OSHFront” by Katr67 - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Bet you didn’t know all this about the Oregon State Hospital. Which Oregon locations do you remember that were the sets of famous Hollywood films? Tell us in the comments below!
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