New Hampshire, a state often overlooked as a film location, has quietly played host to some iconic movie moments. Its rich colonial architecture and quaint New England towns provide an authentic backdrop for filmmakers. From the chaos of Jumanji to the serene On Golden Pond, these movies have left an indelible mark on the state's film history.
Keene: Where Reality Meets Fantasy in Jumanji
In 1995, Keene became the fictional Brantford, a town under siege by jungle creatures unleashed from a board game. The film's location manager stumbled upon Central Square while grabbing a coffee, and the rest is history. Production crews transformed the area, adding dead shrubbery, peeling paint, and graffiti to create a sense of decay. Residents even joined in, portraying homeless people and panicked citizens amidst the chaos. The Parrish Shoes mural, a remnant from the film, still stands near Central Square, a reminder of Keene's cinematic past.
Holderness: On Golden Pond's Serene Setting
The 1981 drama, On Golden Pond, brought Hollywood royalty to Squam Lake. Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda graced this quiet lake, chosen for its loon population and wooded shoreline. The film's director, Mark Rydell, believed it perfectly captured the fictional Golden Pond, a place where an aging couple spends their final summer. Squam Lake, the second-largest lake in New Hampshire, was extensively used for filming, with scenes shot both on the water and along its edges. While the cottage used in the film remains a private residence, visitors can still catch a glimpse of it from the lake.
Exeter: A Separate Peace's Real-Life Inspiration
Author John Knowles drew inspiration from his time at Phillips Exeter Academy for his coming-of-age story, A Separate Peace. The 1972 film adaptation used the academy as its primary location, adding an air of authenticity to the production. Most of the young actors were students or recent graduates, further enhancing the realism. The academy's campus has largely remained unchanged since filming, allowing visitors to step back into the world of the film.
North Conway: The Good Son's Chilling Setting
The psychological thriller, The Good Son, released in 1993, utilized the harsh winter landscape and rugged terrain of the White Mountains region. North Conway, Conway, and the surrounding areas provided the isolated tone needed for the story. A Nor'easter even added to the film's dark mood, causing production delays. Local landmarks made appearances, including an overpass near Greenland where a dummy was tossed onto a highway. Beyond its film history, North Conway remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking and skiing in the White Mountains.
These New Hampshire towns have left their mark on film history, providing unique and authentic settings for classic movies. Visitors can still explore these locations, reliving the magic of these iconic films.
