4 Kansas Towns Where Famous Movies Were Filmed
Even before Dorothy embarked on her journey down the Yellow Brick Road, Kansas has been a captivating setting for storytelling. Its vast prairies and quaint towns have provided the perfect backdrop for a myriad of narratives, from romantic tales to gripping murder mysteries. These locations don't just appeal to writers and filmmakers; they also attract curious travelers and movie enthusiasts, drawn by the very charm that made these towns the stars of the screen.
Let's explore four Kansas towns that have left their mark on cinema, each with its own unique story and allure.
Holcomb and Garden City: The Crime Scene
The small farming community of Holcomb is forever intertwined with a dark chapter in American crime history. On November 15, 1959, the Clutter family's home became the scene of a brutal murder, shocking the nation. This tragic event was immortalized in Truman Capote's chilling book, 'In Cold Blood,' and later adapted for the big screen in 1967.
The film's documentary-style realism, shot at the actual locations, earned it four Academy Award nominations and a place in cinematic history. The cast and crew spent four weeks at the Clutter farmhouse, with original family photos and other authentic items included in the final cut. Additional filming took place in Edgerton and Emporia, with the Finney County Courthouse in Garden City serving as the trial location, mirroring the 1960 proceedings.
For travelers and film enthusiasts, Garden City offers a unique experience. The Finney County Historical Museum showcases a 'True Crime' exhibit, featuring evidence, artifacts, and information about the Clutter case and other crime gangs operating in the area during the 1920s.
Halstead: A Small Town's Big Role
When William Inge's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 'Picnic,' was adapted for the screen in 1955, the small towns of Nickerson and Halstead became the stars of the show. The film, starring William Holden and Kim Novak, captured the essence of the area, with iconic landmarks like the high school, Riverside Park, and the town's cable suspension footbridge spanning the Little Arkansas River.
For those interested in Inge's life, the small town of Independence is a must-visit. Here, you'll find the William Inge Center for the Arts, home to a vast collection of his works and memorabilia. The center also hosts the William Inge Theatre Festival, making April an ideal time to explore the town's rich cultural heritage.
Wilson: Black and White in the Heartland
The 1973 road comedy 'Paper Moon' was a unique choice for black-and-white filming, adding to its Depression-era atmosphere. The decision to shoot extensively in small towns across western Kansas was crucial, as period-appropriate buildings required minimal alteration to portray 1936 America convincingly.
Starring real-life father and daughter Ryan O'Neal and Tatum O'Neal, the film earned Tatum an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, an incredible achievement for a 10-year-old. The town of Hays served as the production's base, with filming taking place in various Kansas communities, including Wilson, McCracken, Gorham, White Cloud, and Dorrance.
In Wilson, several locations from the movie remain intact. The historic Midland Railroad Hotel, featured in the film and as a resting place for the cast and crew, is now a must-visit for film enthusiasts. The hotel's parlor displays framed photos from the shoot and an original movie poster.
Fort Scott: When Hollywood Met the Midwest
When Gordon Parks returned to his hometown of Fort Scott in 1968 to direct 'The Learning Tree,' he was not just filming a movie; he was making history. As the first major Hollywood studio production directed by an African American, Parks also wrote, produced, and composed the score for the film, based on his semi-autobiographical novel.
With Warner Bros.' support, Fort Scott was the obvious choice, with hundreds of locals cast as extras, some with speaking roles. The impact on the community was profound, with the local Elks Club admitting African Americans for the first time during a party for the cast and crew. Gordon Parks has since become a local legend, given a key to the city and even having 'Gordon Parks Day' declared in 1968.
The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College is a must-visit for film buffs and history enthusiasts. The museum showcases a collection of photos, awards, medals, and honorary degrees presented to Parks, as well as the 'The Learning Tree Film Scene and Sign Trail,' which highlights filming locations in and around Fort Scott.
