Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "American Graffiti" in English language version.
Happy Days began airing only a few months after Graffiti came out, and much of the plotline revolved around Howard's character, Richie Cunningham, who was almost an exact clone of Steve in the film.
Although "American Graffiti" is set in Modesto, in California's Central Valley, the film was shot in Petaluma...
Although the story is set in Modesto, the majority of filming actually took place in Petaluma, California.... Filming also took place in San Rafael (the city council withdrew permits after one day)...
Happy Days began airing only a few months after Graffiti came out, and much of the plotline revolved around Howard's character, Richie Cunningham, who was almost an exact clone of Steve in the film.