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