Clown Circus Liquor Neon Sign

North Hollywood, California

A two-sided cutout sign of a disturbing, giant clown entices travelers to pull over for Circus Liquors. The figure is 32-ft. tall and outlined in detailed neon, kept in working order by this long-lived business. It was installed in the 1960s to advertise Circus Liquor at the corner of Burbank Boulevard and Vineland Avenue.

He's a gleeful maniac clown, with X's for eyes, ruffled collar, polka dot suit and curly shoes. He holds a drum labeled "Circus Liquors."

The clown looks good in the daytime, and even better at night. The location appeared in the 1995 comedy "Clueless" as the after-hours spot where Cher (Alicia Silverstone) was mugged. The store advertises its rental availability as a filming location.

The Circus Liquor store sells merchandise -- t-shirts, etc. -- marked with their cheery mascot.

A portable electrically-lit replica of the clown (named "Valley") has appeared at Burning Man in 2014, though as an art project, not a commercial promotion.

As demented as this clown appears, he has an evil relative in New Jersey also finding his way into movie backdrops.

(Update 5/5/15: our advice to avoid loitering after the sun sets may be misguided. @paulstoriale writes: "It's not bad after dark. Sandwiched between a gay bar and gay club... How scary can that be? :)")