California Grocery Store Becomes Unlikely Tourist Hotspot Thanks to Viral Movie Scene
Fans of 'One Battle After Another' are flocking to Murphy's Market in Cutten, California, seeking a pay phone featured in a memorable scene, only to find it was a prop.
A small grocery store in Humboldt County, California, has become an unexpected tourist destination due to its appearance in the acclaimed film “One Battle After Another.” Murphy’s Market in the town of Cutten is drawing fans of the movie, who are eager to see the pay phone featured in a particularly viral scene.
The film, which gained significant attention last year, included a memorable sequence where actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Bob Ferguson, uses a pay phone. This scene has led to a steady stream of visitors to Murphy’s Market, with some hoping to recreate the moment or capture a photograph.
However, upon arrival, many fans discover that the pay phone was merely a prop used for filming and is not a permanent fixture at the store. Employees have reported that visitors frequently inquire about the telephone, only to be informed that it is not there. Instead of the iconic prop, visitors are currently greeted by a water refill machine.
Despite the absence of the pay phone, the store has seen an increase in foot traffic. Visitors have also shown interest in other elements, including the public restroom, which reportedly had its seat replaced for the film's production. Some fans have even been observed stopping traffic in the store's parking lot to film the building.
During the film's production in 2024, approximately 80 onlookers gathered across the street to witness DiCaprio filming the scene. Employees recalled the production day as a lively event.
Store employees have noted that the influx of visitors, while sometimes leading to confusion about the prop phone, has also brought positive attention to their local market. There is discussion among staff about potentially installing a mock pay phone to accommodate fans and potentially attract more customers.
Murphy's Market has served the Cutten community for years, and its newfound status as a filming location has provided a unique, albeit unusual, boost to its visibility.