Turlock is known for its agricultural heritage, and being the home of Stanislaus State and the Carnegie Arts Center. However, 12 years ago a movie was filmed in Turlock that made the Central Valley town also look like the perfect place to find romance.
The Corbin Bernsen led project “Christian Mingle” was filmed in part in Turlock, and includes plenty of shots from locales around town. Along with the Turlock businesses that are showcased in the movie, dozens of locals were also used as extras in the film.
The movie revolves around Gwyneth (played by Lacey Chabert of “Means Girls” and Hallmark movie fame), a 30-something woman who has found her stride in life in all things but love. Worried she will never meet “the one” Gwyneth turns to dating site Christian Mingle and signs herself up. She meets Paul (Jonathan Patrick Moore) and feels an instant connection. But Gwyneth’s budding romance is put in jeopardy because of her embellished claims of faith.
Turlock’s Main Street is featured in numerous scenes and Gwyneth’s apartment is located on the second story of the Mercantile Building, above Joe’s Clock & Watch Shop, which was located at that site in 2013. The Haircutters barber shop is prominently displayed in one scene, as well as Ritzy Ragz & Thingz (which is no longer on Main Street). At one point, Gwyneth goes into the Lightly Used Book store at 141 N. Center St. to purchase a copy of “Christianity for Dummies” and a Bible.
Gwyneth and Paul’s first date was at Lisa’s Cookie Jar, 115 S. Broadway.
Lisa Fernandes of Lisa’s Cookie Jar said the bakery wasn’t originally supposed to be in the film.
“When they were scouting around town, they popped in to have a cup of coffee and thought it would be a cute location. They ended up doing quite a bit of filming here,” she said.
Even when not filming inside the bakery, the main characters at different times hold to-go cups with the Lisa’s Cookie Jar logo prominently displayed. Fernandes said the feedback she received after the movie came out in October 2014 was positive.
“Just last week somebody came in and asked again about it,” said Fernandes.
In Gwyneth and Paul’s second date, the couple dined at Sushi Cuisine, located at 3208 W. Monte Vista Ave. For their third date, they dined on hotdogs at Main Street Footers. Lisa Wilson of Main Street Footers said when the movie first came out they didn’t get much of a response, but once it was released to streaming services, they occasionally get people in who said they saw the restaurant in the film.
When asked what is Footers’ most romantic item on the menu, Wilson said “the avocado Footer.”
Turlock was also honored when the town hosted the movie’s world premiere in 2014.
Celebrities, producers, city representatives, and numerous Turlock residents strolled down the red carpet at Turlock’s Regal Cinemas for the premiere of “Christian Mingle.” The film’s writer and director Bernsen and star Chabert were on hand for the premiere and drew in an excited crowd of fans.
“This isn’t just the premiere in Turlock,” Bernsen told the opening night movie-goers. “This is the world premiere. It really was an amazing time here and we had such a fantastic response from the community. To be able to premiere it here means a lot.”
Perhaps the real star of the movie, at least for locals, was the city of Turlock itself.
“I’m just ecstatic with the response we are getting,” said the film’s executive producer and Turlock resident Matt Swanson, who also has a cameo in the film. “This is like a coming out party for Turlock.”
“Christian Mingle” can be view on Tubi, The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video.
