Exploring the Filming Locations of Tour of Duty
When it premiered in 1987, Tour of Duty marked a major milestone in television history. The series followed the lives of a group of soldiers in the Vietnam War, becoming the first show to focus on the conflict and its aftermath. Since then, it has become a beloved classic, remembered for its gripping storylines and realistic portrayal of the war. But what many fans don’t know is that much of the show was filmed in locations around the world.
Overview of Tour of Duty
Tour of Duty follows a platoon of soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division, based in Cu Chi, Vietnam. Led by Sergeant Zeke Anderson (Terence Knox), the platoon includes a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations. As the show progresses, viewers get a firsthand look at the horrors of war, as well as the resilience and courage of the soldiers who fought in it.
Where Was Tour of Duty Filmed?
Despite being set in Vietnam, Tour of Duty was actually filmed in several different countries. Much of the show was shot in Hawaii, which served as a stand-in for Vietnam. Other scenes were filmed in Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. According to producer Zev Braun, the decision to film in multiple countries was driven by budget constraints: “We had to be very economical with our resources. We couldn’t afford to build sets or hire thousands of extras, so we had to be creative with our locations.”
A Look Back at the Sets of Tour of Duty
Although much of Tour of Duty was filmed on location, some scenes were shot on set. For instance, the show’s barracks were built on the grounds of the former Honolulu International Airport. Meanwhile, the officers’ mess hall was constructed on the grounds of the former U.S. Naval Station at Pearl Harbor. Other sets, such as the jungle and river scenes, were filmed in various locations in Hawaii.
On Location: Shooting Tour of Duty
Filming Tour of Duty on location presented its own set of challenges. For one thing, the crew had to contend with the unpredictable weather and terrain of the various shooting sites. They also had to work within the limitations of the local infrastructure, which often made transportation difficult. As Braun explained, “We had to be very resourceful in finding ways to move equipment and people from one location to another.”
Discussing the Production Design
In addition to logistical challenges, the production team also had to find creative ways to bring the show to life. To this end, they worked closely with the art department to create sets that would be both realistic and cost-effective. As production designer Robert Greene recalled, “We had to figure out how to make the sets look like they were in Vietnam without actually having to build them there.”
The Challenges of Filming in Various Locations
The production team also had to take into account the cultural differences between the various countries where they were filming. As Braun explained, “We had to be mindful of the sensitivities of the locals. We had to make sure we weren’t offending anyone or stepping on any toes.” In addition, the crew had to be aware of the political situation in each country, as some governments were less than enthusiastic about the show’s subject matter.
Working With a Limited Budget
Working with a limited budget also posed a challenge for the production team. To keep costs down, the crew had to be resourceful in their use of materials and props. As Greene noted, “We had to make sure everything was as realistic as possible while still staying within our budget.” The crew also had to make sure the sets were easy to construct and deconstruct, as they often had to move between locations quickly.
Behind the Scenes: Tour of Duty Filming
Behind the scenes, Tour of Duty was a labor of love for the cast and crew. Although the show was often grueling, the team was determined to capture the reality of war. As Knox recalled, “We all wanted to make sure we got it right. We wanted to do justice to the men and women who served in Vietnam.”
The Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of Tour of Duty worked hard to bring the show to life. Knox and his co-stars, including Stephen Caffrey, Tony Becker, and Ramon Franco, put in long hours on set, often working late into the night. Meanwhile, the crew had to contend with the rigors of location shooting, often spending weeks away from home.
The Making of Tour of Duty
The making of Tour of Duty was an incredible undertaking. From scouting locations to building sets, the production team had their hands full. According to Braun, “It was a huge undertaking, but it was worth it. We all felt we were doing something special.”
The Legacy of Tour of Duty
Today, Tour of Duty stands as a testament to the power of television. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War, and many consider it to be one of the best shows of its time. As Knox noted, “I think Tour of Duty will always be remembered as a groundbreaking show. It changed the way people think about war and what it means to serve.”
Visiting the Real-Life Locations of Tour of Duty
For diehard fans, visiting the real-life locations of Tour of Duty is a must. Although the show was filmed in multiple countries, some of the most iconic scenes were shot in Hawaii. Fortunately, fans can still visit many of the show’s filming sites, including the barracks at the former Honolulu International Airport and the officers’ mess hall at the former U.S. Naval Station at Pearl Harbor.
Exploring the Filming Sites
Visiting the filming sites of Tour of Duty can be a rewarding experience. Many of the sites are open to the public, allowing fans to get a firsthand look at the show’s iconic sets. Some sites even offer guided tours, giving fans an insider’s perspective on the show’s production.
Tour of Duty on Location
Many of the show’s original locations are still recognizable today. Fans can explore the jungles of Hawaii, which served as a stand-in for Vietnam. They can also visit the beaches of Australia, which were often featured in the show’s beach scenes. And they can travel to the Philippines and Thailand, where some of the show’s most memorable scenes were filmed.
Revisiting the Tour of Duty Filming Sites
Visiting the filming sites of Tour of Duty is a great way to relive the show’s legacy. Fans can revisit their favorite scenes and get a firsthand look at the show’s iconic sets. They can also learn more about the show’s production, as well as the challenges faced by the cast and crew during filming.
Conclusion
Since its premiere in 1987, Tour of Duty has become a beloved classic. The show was filmed in multiple countries, including Hawaii, Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Despite the logistical and budgetary challenges, the production team worked hard to bring the show to life. Today, fans can still visit many of the show’s filming sites, allowing them to relive the show’s legacy.
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