<Li> Eugene Daniels as Cort . </Li> <P> Escape to Witch Mountain is based on the novel by Alexander Key . Significant differences from the book include its tone and plot elements . For example, in the book, the children are befriended by Father O'Day, an athletic, young Catholic priest, rather than crusty widower Jason O'Day . The children's ship is shot down, rather than crashed, and the children are olive - skinned, though with light - colored hair, rather than fair - skinned and blond . In the book, Deranian is the main antagonist, and he is working for a shadowy European cabal who are trying to capture the children for their special powers, instead of for Aristotle Bolt . The novel is set along or near the Atlantic coast of the United States, whereas the film was shot along the Pacific coast in California . </P> <Ul> <Li> Carmel, Monterey </Li> <Li> Felton, Santa Cruz County </Li> <Li> Menlo Park, Peninsula School (formerly the Coleman Mansion) </Li> <Li> Pebble Beach, California </Li> <Li> Palo Alto, California Avenue </Li> </Ul> <Li> Carmel, Monterey </Li>

Where was the original escape to witch mountain filmed