Christine (1983 film) young actress" at the time, but brought a "great quality" about the character of Leigh. According to Paul, she had not read any of King's books or seen Carpenter's films, and read the novel in preparation. "Christine" was shot largely in Los Angeles, California, while the location for Darnell's garage was located in Santa Clarita. Filming began in April 1983, merely days after the King novel had been published. The film's stunts were primarily completed by stunt coordinator Terry Leonard, who was behind the wheel of the car during the high-speed chase scenes, as well as the scene in which
Christine (1983 film) repaired. State police detective Rudolph Junkins becomes suspicious of Arnie, having discovered paint from Christine at the scenes of two gang members' deaths. However, he has no direct evidence to implicate Arnie, who has an alibi. Junkins either does not know or cannot believe that Christine can drive itself. Dennis and Leigh, drawn together by their affection for Arnie, begin a relationship of their own and decide that the only way to save Arnie is to destroy Christine. They set a trap for it at Darnell's garage; Dennis waits at the controls of a bulldozer, while Leigh stands ready to