Montgomery, the historical city in the heartland of Alabama, has been a popular setting for many remarkable films. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse landscapes, it’s no surprise that filmmakers have chosen to bring their stories to life in this captivating city. Let’s explore 10 famous films shot in Montgomery that have left an indelible mark on cinema.
Classic Films Shot in Montgomery
Montgomery’s timeless charm has attracted filmmakers for decades, making it the backdrop for many classic films. Here are some notable examples:
1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) – Directed by Robert Mulligan Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, this film adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel was primarily shot in Hollywood. However, the film’s authentic Southern atmosphere can be attributed to the careful study of Montgomery’s historic neighborhoods by the production designer.
2. “Norma Rae” (1979) – Directed by Martin Ritt This iconic film, starring Sally Field, was filmed in various locations, including the city of Montgomery. The film showcases the city’s working-class neighborhoods and industrial landscapes.
3. “The Long Walk Home” (1990) – Directed by Richard Pearce This film, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Sissy Spacek, recounts the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-56. It was filmed entirely in the city, making use of its historic streets and buildings.
4. “The Rosa Parks Story” (2002) – Directed by Julie Dash This biographical film about civil rights activist Rosa Parks was filmed in several locations in Montgomery, including the actual bus station where Parks took her historic stand.
5. “Big Fish” (2003) – Directed by Tim Burton Although this whimsical film is set in the fictional town of Ashton, many of its scenes were shot in Montgomery and its surrounding areas, capturing the city’s quaint Southern charm.
Contemporary Films Shot in Montgomery
In recent years, Montgomery has continued to inspire filmmakers with its historical significance and picturesque landscapes. Here are some contemporary films shot in the city:
1. “Son of the South” (2020) – Directed by Barry Alexander Brown This film, based on the autobiography of civil rights activist Bob Zellner, was filmed in several locations in Montgomery, including the Alabama State Capitol.
2. “Just Mercy” (2019) – Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton This film, based on the memoir of lawyer Bryan Stevenson, was shot in Montgomery. The city’s courthouse and other public buildings served as key locations in the film.
3. “Get Out” (2017) – Directed by Jordan Peele While most of the film was shot in Fairhope, Alabama, some scenes were filmed in Montgomery, including the haunting opening sequence.
4. “Selma” (2014) – Directed by Ava DuVernay This historical drama about the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches was partially filmed in Montgomery, capturing the city’s historical landmarks.
5. “42” (2013) – Directed by Brian Helgeland The story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American Major League Baseball player, features several scenes filmed in Montgomery’s historic Cramton Bowl stadium.
5 TV Shows Set in Montgomery
Just as Montgomery has been a popular setting for films, it has also been the backdrop for several TV shows. Here are five notable series set in the city:
1. “Any Day Now” (1998-2002) – Created by Nancy Miller This critically acclaimed series, set in Birmingham and Montgomery, used the city’s backgrounds to depict the Civil Rights Movement and the lives of its characters.
2. “City Confidential” (1998-2005) – Created by Paul Bourdett and Andy Thomas This documentary-style series featured an episode titled “Montgomery: The Politics of Death,” which delved into a notorious political scandal in the city.
3. “The Rosa Parks Story” (2002) – Directed by Julie Dash Though technically a TV movie, this biographical film was a notable representation of Montgomery on the small screen, recounting the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
4. “Heat of the Night” (1988-1995) – Developed by James Lee Barrett Although primarily set in the fictional town of Sparta, Mississippi, this series often featured Montgomery as a location due to its proximity to the primary setting.
5. “Find My Past” (2011-2012) – Created by Alex Graham This British genealogy documentary series featured an episode focused on Montgomery’s history and its significance during the Civil Rights Movement.
5 Animated Films Set in Montgomery
While live-action films and TV shows often showcase Montgomery’s charm, the city’s rich history and cultural heritage have also inspired animated stories. Here are five animated films set in Montgomery:
1. “Our Friend, Martin” (1999) – Directed by Robert Brousseau and Vincenzo Trippetti This educational animated film uses actual historical events to tell a story about Martin Luther King Jr., including his role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
2. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham” (2013) – Directed by Kenny Leon Although this is a live-action TV movie, it includes animated sequences set in Montgomery, showcasing the city’s historical significance.
3. “March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World” (2008) – Directed by Robert Brousseau and Vincenzo Trippetti This animated short film tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic march from Selma to Montgomery from the perspective of his older sister.
4. “The Story of Rosa Parks” (1997) – Directed by Stan Woodward This animated documentary tells the story of Rosa Parks’ brave stand against segregation in Montgomery, offering a child-friendly introduction to this important historical event.
5. “Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” (2001) – Directed by Rob Reiner This animated short film uses quotations from Martin Luther King Jr. to tell his life story, including his pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Famous Books Set in Montgomery
From historic novels to contemporary thrillers, Montgomery has served as a setting for many acclaimed books. Here are three classic and three contemporary books set in the city:
Classic Novels
1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, is said to be inspired by Lee’s own childhood in Montgomery.
2. “Stars Fell on Alabama” by Carl Carmer This classic book, published in 1934, offers a fascinating look at Alabama’s history and culture, including a detailed depiction of Montgomery.
3. “The Little Man: Short Straws” by Meyer Liben Set in Montgomery during the Great Depression, this novel follows the life of a young Jewish boy growing up in the city’s working-class neighborhoods.
Contemporary Novels
1. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis This historical-fiction novel for young readers, set in Flint, Michigan, and Birmingham, Alabama, includes significant moments in Montgomery’s Civil Rights history.
2. “March” by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin This graphic novel trilogy, co-authored by Civil Rights icon John Lewis, includes many scenes set in Montgomery, including the historic Selma to Montgomery marches.
3. “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi Although this epic novel spans several continents and centuries, a significant portion of the story is set in Montgomery, depicting the city’s role in the history of slavery and segregation in the U.S.
Exploring Montgomery’s Filming Locations – Where to Go
When it comes to immersing yourself in Montgomery’s film history, several key locations are a must-visit. Start your journey at the historical Dexter Avenue, an iconic site that has served as the backdrop for numerous films and books. From there, explore the Alabama State Capitol, a symbol of the city’s political history and a filming location for several historical dramas.
For a contemporary perspective, here are some must-see places chosen by authors and filmmakers:
1. Rosa Parks Library and Museum This museum, dedicated to Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks, has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, making it a must-visit location for film buffs.
2. Montgomery Bus Station This historic location, where the Montgomery Bus Boycott began, has been depicted in several films and books.
3. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church As the church where Martin Luther King Jr. served as a pastor, this site has been a popular location for films and TV shows depicting the Civil Rights Movement.
4. Alabama State Capitol Featured in films like “Son of the South”, this historic building offers a glimpse into Montgomery’s political history.
5. Cramton Bowl As the filming location for “42”, this historic stadium is a must-visit for sports and film enthusiasts alike.
Where to Sleep in Montgomery
Montgomery offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, here are some suggestions:
Budget Accommodations
1. Staybridge Suites Montgomery EastChase This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable suites with fully equipped kitchens, making it a great option for long-term stays.
2. Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-EastChase This hotel offers affordable rooms and suites, along with complimentary breakfast, making it a cost-effective choice for travelers.
3. Extended Stay America – Montgomery – Eastern Blvd A good option for budget-conscious travelers, this hotel offers spacious rooms with kitchens, allowing guests to save money by cooking their own meals.
Luxury Accommodations
1. The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms with city views, a rooftop pool, and a full-service spa, ensuring a lavish stay in Montgomery.
2. Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery Hotel & Conference Center Located in downtown Montgomery, this hotel offers luxurious suites and a complimentary breakfast, providing a high-end travel experience.
3. The Lattice Inn This luxury bed and breakfast in Montgomery’s historic Garden District offers beautifully decorated rooms and a peaceful garden, providing a tranquil retreat from the city.
Where to Eat in Montgomery
Montgomery’s culinary scene offers a delightful mix of traditional Southern cuisine and international flavors. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly eatery or a luxurious dining experience, here are some top picks:
Budget Eateries
1. Chris’ Hotdogs Known for their delicious hotdogs, this restaurant is a local favorite offering hearty meals at budget-friendly prices.
2. Cahawba House This popular eatery offers a variety of traditional Southern dishes at affordable prices, making it a great choice for budget travelers.
3. Martin’s Restaurant Serving up classic Southern comfort food, this restaurant is a hit with locals and tourists alike, offering quality meals without breaking the bank.
Luxury Dining
1. Central Located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, this restaurant offers a high-end dining experience with a menu featuring locally sourced Southern and French cuisine.
2. Vintage Year Known for its upscale menu and wine list, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience in Montgomery’s historic Cloverdale district.
3. The House at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa Offering a fine-dining experience with panoramic city views, this restaurant serves a range of international dishes in a sophisticated setting.
Detailed Itinerary Day by Day
To make the most of your film-themed trip to Montgomery, here’s a three-day itinerary covering the city’s most iconic filming locations:
Day 1: Historical Montgomery
Begin your day at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, where you can learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott and its depiction in films. From there, head to the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, another key location in Civil Rights-themed films. After lunch, visit the Alabama State Capitol, featured in films like “Son of the South”. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant, such as Cahawba House.
Day 2: Contemporary Montgomery
Start your day at the Cramton Bowl, where scenes from “42” were filmed. Then, head to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, a filming location for several local productions. After lunch, explore the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, which has been featured in a number of documentaries. For dinner, consider dining at Central for a taste of high-end Southern cuisine.
Day 3: Exploring the Outskirts of Montgomery
Begin your day with a visit to the historic town of Selma, a key filming location for the movie “Selma”. After lunch, explore the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, featured in the film “Red Tails”. End your day with a relaxing dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Cryptid Legends and Curiosities about Montgomery’s Film Industry
Montgomery’s film industry is filled with intriguing legends and curiosities. One such legend revolves around the “Witch of Hinds Road”, a local tale that inspired a short film of the same name. According to the legend, a witch haunts a particular road in Montgomery, and those who dare to drive on it at night encounter strange phenomena.
Another curiosity is the city’s connection to horror films. Montgomery native Lucas Black starred in “The X-Files: I Want to Believe”, and the city has been the shooting location for several horror films, including “Body Snatchers” and “White Zombie”.
Hidden Gems in Montgomery
While Montgomery’s popular landmarks often steal the show, the city is also home to several hidden gems that have been featured in films and books:
1. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum The only museum dedicated to the famous literary couple, this site was featured in the biographical film “Z: The Beginning of Everything”.
2. Hank Williams Museum This museum dedicated to the country music legend has been a filming location for several documentaries.
3. Old Alabama Town This historic area in downtown Montgomery has been used as a filming location for several period films.
4. W.A. Gayle Planetarium Featured in the film “Big Fish”, this planetarium is one of Montgomery’s lesser-known attractions.
5. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice While relatively new, this memorial has already been featured in several documentaries, making it a must-visit location in Montgomery.
What to Pack for a Trip to Montgomery
When packing for your trip to Montgomery, consider the city’s subtropical climate, which includes mild winters and hot, humid summers. Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the city’s filming locations. For summer, pack lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For winter, bring a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. Additionally, a reusable water bottle, portable charger, and camera are essential items for any film-themed trip.
Transportation Tips for Getting Around Montgomery’s Filming Locations
Montgomery offers several transportation options for getting around the city. The Montgomery Area Transit System provides bus service throughout the city, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. For exploring downtown, the Lightning Route Trolley offers a convenient way to travel between Montgomery’s historical landmarks. For longer distances, consider renting a car to have the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Conclusion
From classic films to contemporary novels, Montgomery’s rich history has been brought to life through countless stories. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a history buff, or a casual traveler, a trip to Montgomery offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and experience the city’s cinematic charm firsthand. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the filming locations of Montgomery. Lights, camera, action!
