Madonna may have fallen in love with San Pedro on La Isla Bonita (1987), but she didn't shoot a video there until she released Like A Prayer. She continues with the religious themes previously explored in the aforementioned video. And what would a Madonna video be without a little controversy? She certainly caused a commotion ;-) burning crosses and dancing around a black saint, which received massive protests by religious groups. Pepsi, who had paid Madonna 5 million dollars to feature her and the song in their new ad campaign, as well as sponsor her next world tour, soon severed all ties and the Material Girl laughed all the way to the bank.
Like a Prayer was filmed in San Pedro, CA
Location: The Church Exterior
Address: 205 N Culver Avenue, Compton, CA
A while back, Robert Patterson at Set-jetter.com found a church that closely resembled the one seen in the video at 3600 S Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA. It was recently brought to our attention that the actual church used in the video is located in Compton. Much thanks to Madonna fan Kevin Petrie for providing that information! Here is a screenshot from google maps until I get to visit in person...
The interiors were filmed on a soundstage.
Location: The Apartments
Address: 3601 S Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA
Battery Osgood Farley/Fort MacArthur
The cross burning hill has not been confirmed but may have been shot here, which is at the top of the stairs.
Locations Visited: March 2016
Related Locations:
Madonna - Borderline (1984), Madonna - Material Girl (1985), Madonna - Papa Don't Preach (1986), Madonna - Open Your Heart (1986), Madonna - La Isla Bonita (1987), Madonna - Cherish (1989), Madonna - Bad Girl (1993), Madonna - Secret (1994), Who's That Girl (1987), A League Of Their Own (1992)
I was at Fort Mac during the burning cross shoot. It was done on the hillside between the Osgood and Farley gun batteries, on the south side which faces the ocean. There was a bunch of iceplant growing there which helped hide the gas lines used to "burn" the crosses, but it made it harder for Madonna to get into position (wearing high heels, as I recall). It was also a chilly night, but she was a trooper and intent on getting the job done.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Would love to hear more. Thanks for the info.
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