East Corinth, Vermont, has turned into a recent unlikely Mecca for devotees of the 1988 classic comedy “Beetlejuice.” This monochromatic documentary amazes audiences with its idiosyncratic plot and bizarre personalities. Tim Burton directs the movie, which follows the recently deceased couple. Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin star as the couple, who attempt to drive a new family from their home in the newly depicted town of Winter River, Connecticut.
The town of East Corinth served as a filming location, and its striking landscapes and architecture have drawn visitors from around the globe. Fans can’t wait to visit the locations that helped tell this iconic film’s complex and bittersweet story. The two main locations that stand out are the iconic 100-year-old building that represented Miss Shannon’s School for Girls and the picturesque red covered bridge where Adam and Barbara Maitland tragically meet their end.
Wade Pierson, a local resident and filmmaker, has taken the initiative to create a walking tour that highlights various filming locations throughout the town.
“It’s only been like a flow, an ongoing torrent,” recalled resident Sarah Polli, who lives next to the bridge that stars in the documentary. “I’ve gotten to meet folks from France, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Great Britain, all around Canada and all around the U.S. It’s just amazing.”
Even so, the bridge itself now stands as a deep and stirring reminder of the film’s events. Fans come out in droves to capture snapshots and revisit the scenes that transformed “Beetlejuice” into a cult classic. Pierson, who lives right across the road from the one-room schoolhouse featured in the movie, has taken full advantage of the local obsession. Combine that with his home being decked out in “Beetlejuice”-themed Halloween decorations and festivities are in full swing.
In addition to showcasing the bridge, Pierson has turned his garage into the Winter River Fire Department for filming purposes during the shoot. The remainder of his house acted as Jane Butterfield’s Real Estate and Travel Agency during the filming.
When people ask, ‘Where’s the house?’ The movie set came down, so there isn’t any house left. That makes it worth the trip, Pierson pointed out, answering the often-asked question from travelers. His work to create a story behind these places allows fans to engage with the film’s legacy in a much deeper way.
Quaint East Corinth, Vermont, where the FOF is located, has fewer than 1,500 residents. In fact, it has turned into one of the most active centers for global tourism advocacy. Visitors come for more than “Beetlejuice” — natural splendor and stunning beauty of Vermont’s countryside cast quite a spell.
Lisa Pinkerton, another local who loves her memories of the film, shared what it means to her. “It was the most or one of the most like one of those coming of age films for me,” she said. It’s wonderful to be able to connect the dots and watch the sort of Hollywood magic occur.
Visitors from as far as Japan are making their way to the spots that inspired “Beetlejuice.” East Corinth is perhaps the best example of how cinema can infuse new life and encourage new dreams into struggling small towns. It’s this intersection between the mainland’s local culture and the islands’ rich cinematic history that has produced such a special experience for both tourists and residents.
