A History of Cinema in Puerto Rico: The Making of "The Rum Diary"

In the heart of the Caribbean, where the 500-year-old cobblestone streets of Old San Juan echo with the whispers of history, this ancient fortified served as the backdrop for the filming of "The Rum Diary." This cinematic adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's novel not only brought the story to life but also left an indelible mark on the vibrant community of Old San Juan, enriching both its cultural tapestry and its local businesses.

Downtown Records, nestled at the crossroads of Calle O'Donell and Calle San Francisco, became a focal point for the film's production. This iconic record store, steeped in nostalgia and brimming with vinyl treasures, served as a main supplier of props for several scenes in "The Rum Diary."

The partnership between "The Rum Diary" production team and Downtown Records proved mutually beneficial, fostering a symbiotic relationship that transcended the boundaries of film commerce. For Downtown Records, the opportunity to be yet again a main supplier of props for a major motion picture was a dream come true.

Moreover, the film's presence breathed new life into the surrounding community, as visitors flocked to Old San Juan to catch a glimpse of the movie magic unfolding before their eyes. Tourists wandered the streets in search of filming locations, soaking in the atmosphere and immersing themselves in the allure of Puerto Rico's historic capital.

Beyond the economic impact, "The Rum Diary" left a lasting legacy of collaboration and camaraderie in Old San Juan. Local residents eagerly embraced the film's production, opening their doors and their hearts to the cast and crew. From sharing stories over cups of strong Puerto Rican coffee to dancing to the rhythms of Bomba y Plena, the people of Old San Juan welcomed their guests with warmth and hospitality, forging bonds that transcended cultural barriers.

In the sun-drenched streets of Old San Juan, where history and culture intertwine, the filming of "The Rum Diary" not only captured the essence of Puerto Rico's charm but also paid homage to the indomitable spirit of its literary inspiration, Hunter S. Thompson.

"The Rum Diary" by Hunter S. Thompson follows Paul Kemp, a young journalist who escapes New York City for a job at a struggling newspaper in San Juan, Puerto Rico during the late 1950s. It is a book of a young Hunter S. Thompson trying to find a voice a s writer while falling in moral ambiguity, commitment, and addiction. Throughtout the book, Hunter S. Thompson paints a very vivid picture of a 1950's Old San Juan, and it is this image that the film "The Rum Diary" brings back to life.

In this sense, "The Rum Diary" became more than just a movie—it became a celebration of Thompson's legacy and a reaffirmation of his enduring relevance in today's world. Through its vivid portrayal of life in Old San Juan, the film captured the essence of Thompson's gonzo journalism ethos, challenging audiences to question authority, defy convention, and embrace the inherent chaos of the human experience.

As the final credits rolled and the cameras ceased to roll, the legacy of "The Rum Diary" lived on in the hearts and minds of those who experienced its magic firsthand. For Downtown Records and the people of Old San Juan, the film was more than just a Hollywood production—it was a beautiful reminder of the legacy of one of the best writers that the twentieth century produced.

A History of Cinema In Puerto Rico: The Filming of Bad Boys 2 Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

Behind the Scenes: Exploring the Props of the 2003 film Bad Boys 2

Welcome to another exciting glimpse behind the scenes of a Hollywood blockbuster! We here at Frankie Vintage love to reminisce of all the fun times we had taking part in the production of movies which were all filmed in the beautiful island of Puerto rico, where we call home.

Today, we're diving into the world of the 2003 film Bad Boys 2 and exploring the array of props provided by Frankie Vintage that brought this action-packed movie to life.

In this article, we'll be delving into the world of props that added depth and authenticity to the adrenaline-fueled action of this Hollywood blockbuster.

From intricate details to exotic set pieces, every prop played a crucial role in bringing the film to life.

From high-speed car chases to explosive shootouts, every detail on screen was meticulously crafted to immerse audiences using our props in the adrenaline-fueled world of detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett.

1. Interior Design Delights:

From chic penthouse apartments to gritty underworld hideouts, Bad Boys 2 features a diverse range of interior settings.

The props team scoured all our merchandise to source the perfect pieces for each scene.

Plush sofas, sleek coffee tables, statues, and stylish dining sets set the stage for intense conversations, emotional moments, and unexpected twists in this movie.No prop was spare.

2. Character Expression through Décor:

Furniture isn't just functional - it's also a powerful tool for character expression. In Bad Boys 2, each piece of furniture reflects the personality and lifestyle of its owner.

From the minimalist furnishings of a tech-savvy hacker's lair to the opulent decor of a drug lord's mansion, every detail adds depth to the characters and enriches the storytelling.

3. Atmospheric Accents:

In addition to larger furniture pieces, the props department paid attention to smaller details that enhance the atmosphere of each scene.

These subtle touches contribute to the immersive experience of watching Bad Boys 2, drawing viewers deeper into the world of the film.

4. Set Design Success:

Downtown Records played a crucial role in bringing the film's adrenaline-fueled world to life. Every detail was carefully crafted to immerse audiences in the heart-pounding action of this Hollywood blockbuster. So the next time you watch Bad Boys 2, try to guess which prop came from our store!

You can check us out here in our new home, Frankie Vintage in Bayamon, where the magic of filming and videography in Puerto Rico is still very much active.

Puerto Rico's Thrift Shop: Exploring Frankie Vintage - The Newest Addition to Bayamon's Vintage Community

Puerto Rico's Thrift Shop: Exploring Frankie Vintage

Let's explore the vibrant city of Bayamon -a municipality located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. It is part of the San Juan Metropolitan Area and is situated approximately to the west of San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico.

Nestled in the heart of this city, at the busy intersections of Calle Betances and Carr. 167, a new thrift shop with an old history was recently opened to the public.

It's called FRANKIE VINTAGE and now the city of Bayamon in sunny Puerto Rico is the newest location of this beloved thrift store, which once was located in the corner of Plaza Colon in Old San Juan and known as Downtown Records.

Frankie Vintage brings with it the promise of adventure, discovery, and sustainable shopping to the local community of Bayamon.

Stepping into Frankie Vintage feels like embarking on a treasure hunt.

The shelves are lined with an array of preloved items just waiting to be discovered, everything from vintage clothing to quirky home decor pieces, books, electronics, old records, and so much more.

Each item tells a story, carrying with it a piece of history and a promise of new beginnings.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Frankie Vintage is its immense amount of merchandise. This provides an opportunity for local film and theatre groups to acquire props for rent to be used in their productions. By giving a second life to this increible selection of items, the store promotes filming and thrifting.

You'll never know what you will find in this store.

Moreover, Frankie Vintage is more than just a place to shop; it's a community hub. Whether you're a longtime resident or a curious visitor, stepping through its doors feels like entering a welcoming space filled with friendly faces and shared experiences.

Frankie and his staff members are passionate about what they do, offering personalized assistance and sharing their knowledge about the unique finds awaiting discovery.

As Frankie Vintage continues to settle into its new home, it promises to become an integral part of the local community fabric of Bayamon.

Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind fashion statement, a vintage treasure, or simply looking to shop with a conscience, this thriving thrift shop invites you to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

So why not pay a visit to Frankie Vintage today? Who knows what hidden treasures you might find?

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A History of Cinema In Puerto Rico: The Story of How the 1995 Film "Assassins" Was Filmed In a Record Shop In Old San Juan

Behind the Scenes: The Filming of "Assassins" in a Record Store in Old San Juan

In the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, amidst the historic charm and bustling energy of old colonial buildings, on the busy intersection of Calle O'Donnell and Calle San Francisco, an unexpected setting served as the backdrop for the 1995 filming of the movie "Assassins".

A bustling record store in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico was transformed into a gritty Cuban hideout for a Hollywood assassin. That's the incredible story of Frankie Vintage, formerly known as Downtown Records, and its unexpected role in the 1995 film "Assassins."

Breaking away from traditional filming locations, the production team of Director Richard Donner chose what was then a record shop called Downtown Records, as the setting for an ending scene in this movie.

The scene would infuse the narrative of Old Colonial Spanish with a unique atmosphere; transforming the building, and the space within it, into a cinematic marvel.

Director Richard Donner dared to be different. Instead of the usual filming locations, he chose Downtown Records for the movie's final scene. This wasn't just any record store; it's history in the New York City music scene extended for decades and it was now in the very heart of Old San Juan.

Though "Assassins" was filmed primarily in Washington State, Puerto Rico's historic charm offered the perfect stand-in for Cuba.

Fight Scene Inside Frankie Vintage from 1995 Movie

As the production team descended upon the thrift store, the process of transformation began. Transforming Downtown Records into a cinematic marvel was no small feat. Crew members began the enormous task of emptying the top two floors of the building. No easy task considering the amount of records, vintage items and antiques which filled up the space.

The crew meticulously emptied the store, floor by floor, removing mountains of records and vintage treasures. The inside of the store was completely changed to resemble that of an old empty building in Cuba, where one of the assassins, played by Antonio Banderas, would take refuge with his sniper rifle.

Even the exterior received a makeover, taking on a more weathered, colonial look.

You can see a view of this transformation by taking a look at this scene from the movie in Youtube.

This carefully crafted set became the stage for iconic actors like Antonio Banderas, Sylvester Stallone, and Julianne Moore.

"Having these famous iconic movie stars perform their roles inside Downtown Records during that time was something truly magical", according to owner Frankie Ramos.

Frankie Ramos, the store's owner, recalls the magic of having these stars under his roof. He and his cousin Hector Fort, who co-owned the store, played a vital role in achieving the film's vision. Their expertise and charisma were instrumental in creating an atmosphere that transcended the ordinary.

As the cameras rolled, the line between reality and fiction blurred.

The hustle and bustle of Old San Juan faded into the background, replaced by the focused intensity of filmmaking.

With each take, the actors became one with their roles, drawing viewers into a web of suspense and intrigue.

Downtown Records itself transcended its role as a mere set, becoming a character woven into the fabric of the film. Every creaking floorboard, every detail, contributed to the story.

As the sun set over Old San Juan and the final scene wrapped, the legacy of "Assassins" in Old San Juan remained etched in the memories of all who were involved.

For Frankie Vintage, it was a testament to the power of imagination and the transformative magic of cinema.

Frankie Vintage is proud to say that, within the walls of that building in Old San Juan, a cinematic masterpiece was born.

Though Downtown Records is no longer at its original location, you can check us out here in our new home, Frankie Vintage in Bayamon, where the magic of filming and videography in Puerto Rico continues to thrive.

You can see more about the movie Assassins here on IMDB

Stay tuned for our second post on these series, Cinema In Puerto Rico: The Filming of Bad Boys 2 starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

Welcome back!

Hello Everyone! Welcome back!

Coronavirus has changed the world but we here at Frankie Vintage Downtown have been weathering the storm. Lots of changes have happened. The most important thing you should know is that:

• We continue selling antiques and collectibles in Puerto Rico!
• We have moved our store from Old San Juan to Bayamon!

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A Stroll Thru a Vintage Shop

Many people come and go through Downtown Vintage, amazed at the quantity of items found here on a daily basis. Folks from all over the world catch something from the corner of their eyes, and upon grabbing the object, reminisce about their childhood. They find toys that haven't been in their hands for decades or something that used to belong to a family member—old pictures from the past. Others share stories of when they first saw certain items or recount tales of the past, like when their grandmothers wouldn't let them touch their fragile and cherished china out of curiosity.

People from all over the world come to the store, so you can find anything here. Every country in the world is represented, so take a look around and see what you can find.

Treasure Finds of The Week!

These Three Kings wood figurines were made in the last 60 years. This is a wonderful find from Old Puerto Rico since these kinds of figurines are very hard to find and are highly collectible items here in the island.

This is a dress from the 1950s. It is in very delicate condition due to its age, and we have it in the store!

This is an engraving from the 1960s made out of wood and tin which displays an image of Mary with her newborn son Jesus.

This is a Copus de Monte Italian Lamp from the late 1950s!