agreed, and then cast Rick Moranis as Coopersmith, who had originally been considered for the role, but was unavailable. Filming Principal photography began in October 1989. It took place primarily in the California cities of San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Paso Robles, and the surrounding area, though the nominal setting is a fictional suburb of San Diego. Some scenes were shot in San Diego. The film's title comes from the famous song performed by Fats Domino, which appears on the soundtrack. Music The film's score was composed by Ira Newborn. "My Blue Heaven" (Music: Walter Donaldson, Lyrics: George A. Whiting) – Fats Domino "Surfin' U.S.A." (Chuck Berry and Brian Wilson) – The Beach Boys "Stranger in Paradise" (Robert Wright and George Forrest) – Tony Bennett "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland) – Billy Hill "The Boy from New York City" (John Taylor and George Davis) – The Ad Libs "New York, New York" (John Kander and Fred Ebb) "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" (Albert von Tilzer and Jerry Northworth) "The Star-Spangled Banner" – United States Marine Band Reception Box office My Blue Heaven opened in 1,859 venues on August 17, 1990 and earned $6.2 million in its debut, ranking fourth in the North American box office and second among the week's new releases. It closed with a domestic gross of $23.6 million. Critical response Metacritic reports a weighted average score of 35 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale. David J. Fox of The New York Times said the film was "a truly funny concept and a disappointment on the screen." See also List of media set in San Diego References External links 1990 films 1990s English-language films 1990s black comedy films American black comedy films Films about the American Mafia Films scored by Ira Newborn Films directed by Herbert Ross Films set in San Diego Films shot in San Diego Mafia comedy films Films with screenplays by Nora Ephron Films about witness protection Warner Bros. films 1990 comedy films 1990s American films