Folsom is well known for a lot of local landmarks -
Folsom Prison,
Folsom Dam, and the
Rainbow Bridge, to name a few. Fortunately this
makes for some compelling video. It's been featured in several
movies and videos over the years.
Captain America II: Death Too Soon
This cheesy 1970's made-for-television movie was the talk of the
town around 25 years ago. Several scenes were shot here in Folsom.
There is a large motorcycle chase scene that goes through some
undeveloped areas of town, and then culminates with a chase over the
Folsom Dam, where Captain America ends
up in the American River Below.
Later in the movie, Captain America breaks in to a Prison (filmed at
Folsom Prison) and makes quite an
escape! You may recognize a younger Christopher Lee, known for the
Lord of the Rings films, and Stanley Kamel, who has a regular
role in the TV show Monk.
American Me
The 1992 Edward James Olmos film American Me was filmed at Folsom
Prison. The movie is about a Chicano youth who breaks the law and
then becomes the leader of a powerful gang at Folsom Prison.
The Jericho Mile (1979) Filmed entirely inside of Folsom Prison,
this was the directorial debut of Michael Mann. The movie is about a
prisoner who takes up long-distance running, and even becomes
competitive enough to beat Olympic runners.
Papa Roach's "Time and Time Again"
Local Band Papa Roach filmed "Time and Time Again" in the Sacramento
area... the scene starts in Sacramento and ends on the
Rainbow Bridge. The chase scene
also goes over Lake Natoma
Crossing. Papa Roach guitarist Jerry Horton lives in the
American River Canyon North area.
Diggstown (1992)
Starring James Woods & Louis Gossett, Jr., this movie is about a con
artist who is just released from prison.
Siskel & Ebert review of Diggstown
Another 48 Hours
Eddie Murphy's character is released from Folsom Prison - lots of
scenes were filmed here and can be seen in the trailer. The bus
accident appears to be in the area as well - White Rock Road maybe?
View Trailer Video Here
Folsom Prison Blues
Most are aware that Johnny Cash filmed his famous concert at Folsom
Prison in 1965. No known video has been found of this event (though
he also played at San Quentin and was filmed there). Joaquin
Phoenix's 2005 biopic Walk the Line has a scene that says it
is Folsom Prison, however nothing looks familiar.
Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison (1951)
The movie that inspired
Johnny Cash to write "Folsom Prison Blues". It is unknown
if this movie is available for NetFlix.