As fans celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved adventure film The Goonies, another Oregon-shot movie with a darker, more complex narrative is also commemorating a major milestone in 2025. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the 1975 classic adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
Set in a mental institution, the film explores the tense relationship between rebellious patient Randle McMurphy, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, and the authoritarian Nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher. The film was shot in various Oregon locations, including the Oregon State Hospital in Salem and the coastal town of Depoe Bay.
Upon its release, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest received critical acclaim and swept the 1976 Academy Awards. It won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Milos Forman, and acting honors for Nicholson and Fletcher. It also earned Best Adapted Screenplay for Laurence Hauben and Bo Goldman.
To mark this historic anniversary, the Hollywood Theatre in Portland will host a special screening of the film at 7:30 p.m. on March 20. The event will also serve as a benefit for the Museum of Mental Health, located on the Oregon State Hospital campus in Salem. Tickets are available for $10-$12.
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