On location: Visit the spots movies, TV shows were filmed on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard
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It’s no surprise the Cape and Islands are a desirable destination not just for summer tourists and retirees, but for filmmakers of all genres as well.
The region has provided the backdrop for many popular movies and TV shows over the years, leaving a trail of places we can visit to see for ourselves what drew writers, producers, directors and actors to this seaside area.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of six films or TV shows filmed on the Cape and Islands:
"Jaws," 1975
Steven Spielberg’s 1975 smash-hit “Jaws” is usually what comes to mind when thinking of movies filmed on the Cape and Islands — or more generally, the summer blockbuster.
Based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, the movie was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard but is set in the fictional New England town of Amity.
Calamity strikes when a great white shark attacks and kills a young woman, and townsfolk fear the impact this will have on their tourist-reliant economy. Police chief Martin Brody, played by Murray Hamilton, ichthyologist Matt Hooper, played by Richard Dreyfuss, and ship captain Quint, played by Robert Shaw, set out to take down the killer shark.
CapeCast:Jumping off the 'Jaws' bridge on Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard locales such as South Beach in Edgartown, Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Oak Bluffs and Main Street in Edgartown can be seen throughout the movie. Arguably the most iconic location in the movie is the American Legion Memorial Bridge located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, better known as the “Jaws Bridge.”
"The Finest Hours," 2016
Directed by Craig Gillespie, “The Finest Hours” depicts the true story of a 1952 nor’easter that split the ship SS Pendleton in half, trapping sailors inside and prompting the Chatham Coast Guard to launch a dangerous rescue operation.
The movie was based on the book “The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue” written by Michael Tougias and Barnstable native Casey Sherman. It features major A-listers such as Chris Pine, Casey Affleck and Holliday Grainger.
Movie set: Chatham returns to 1952 for filming of 'The Finest Hours'
Although parts of the movie were filmed in Duxbury, Marshfield and Cohasset, Gillespie wanted to include the town of Chatham in the movie, which strived for period-accurate authenticity. If you watch “The Finest Hours,” keep an eye out for Chatham Lighthouse and Champlain Road.
"That’s My Boy," 2012
Up until “The Finest Hours,” “That’s My Boy” was the biggest-budget film ever made on the Cape, clocking in at about $70 million. Directed by Sean Anders, the movie follows the story of Donny, played by Adam Sandler, who attempts to reconnect with his son Todd, played by Andy Samberg, on the eve of Todd’s wedding.
Despite its less-than-stellar performance in theaters and in the eyes of movie critics, it was a big deal when “That’s My Boy” was filmed on the Cape.
Critics be damned: Cape angle lures moviegoers to Sandler's box-office bomb
Youngsters from the time may remember auditioning for a scene filmed in the Performing Arts Center at Barnstable High School, where crowd-panning shots undoubtedly show a familiar face or two. Wedding scenes were filmed at the Wychmere Harbor Club in Harwich Port, and a replica of Fenway Park was built in Dennis.
The Bourne Bridge was briefly closed for filming and a former home center in Hyannis was transformed into Classy Rick's Bacon and Leggs strip club for the movie.
“Hightown,” 2020
“Hightown,” a crime drama series on the Starz’ network, takes place in Provincetown and tells the story of Jackie Quiñones, a National Marine Fisheries Service agent who is tasked with solving a murder.
Generally well-received by critics and audiences, the show was filmed across the Cape. The opening sequence features well-known landmarks such as the Sagamore Bridge and Commercial Street in Provincetown. Provincetown's famous pride month Carnival parade was recreated for the pilot episode. Hyannis, Bourne and even New Bedford are name-dropped throughout the series.
Provincetown drama: Creators, cast share thoughts on 'Hightown'
Despite its general positive acceptance, some Cape Codders may feel conflicted with how it depicted the Cape and the opioid epidemic, with the murder that kicks off the show’s plot apparently caused by a powerful drug dealer. On the other hand, a less-than picture-perfect story about Cape Cod that clashes with the sand dunes and salty air idyllic image could have been a much-needed breath of fresh air for viewers and locals alike.
“American Horror Story,” 2021
Maybe the minds behind the wildly successful FX series “American Horror Story” watched “Hightown” and saw Provincetown’s gritty potential.
“American Horror Story: Double Feature” is the 10th season in the series, with the first half of the season, “Red Tide,” taking place in off-season Provincetown.
The series follows screenwriter Harry Gardner, played by Finn Wittrock, who moves to the small seaside town with his pregnant wife, Doris, played by Lily Rabe, and their daughter, Alma.
Inquiring minds: What does Provincetown think of 'American Horror Story' as 'Red Tide' finale airs?
Gardner’s attempts to finish his overdue screenplay are foiled by, as an Aug. 31, 2021 Wicked Local article said, “Eccentric locals, writers, artists, strange pale creatures, chewed up mammals. Drugs, and creative obsession. And blood, lots of blood.”
“A Cape Cod Christmas,” 2021
Moving on from the murder and mayhem of “Hightown” and “American Horror Story,” in 2021, Falmouth was featured in “A Cape Cod Christmas,” a cable holiday-and-romance movie.
“A Cape Cod Christmas” tells the story of a children’s author, played by Katie LeClerc, who gathers her family for one last holiday celebration in their vacation home. She reconnects with an old flame, played by Brent Bailey, a local artist.
Love story: Romantic 'Cape Cod Christmas' TV movie premieres as stars ride in Falmouth's holiday parade
Falmouth can be seen throughout the film, from favorite spots such as Eight Cousins Books and the Pickle Jar Kitchen to Falmouth Village Green and Main Street.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Where were movies, TV shows filmed on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard?