It’s no surprise that the Cape and Islands are a desirable destination not just for summer tourists 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 ourselves to see what drew writers, producers, directors, and actors to this seaside area. Here’s a list of our favorite movies filmed on Cape Cod!
- “Jaws”, Martha’s Vineyard
Steven Spielberg’s 1975 smash-hit “Jaws” is usually what comes to mind when thinking of movies filmed on the Cape and Islands. 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. You can take a Jaws tour on the island and you will have access to many of the film’s locations. You will hear many non-published stories about the filming, and the actors as well as being able to stop to take photos. 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” which is one of the top 5 attractions on the island.
- “The Finest Hours”, Chatham
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. Chatham’s Hollywood fame/Judy can add something here about the town transformation or anything she would like/
- “That’s My Boy”, Harwich
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. Wedding scenes were filmed at the Wychmere Harbor Club in Harwich Port, and a replica of Fenway Park was built in Harwich.
- “American Horror Story”, Provincetown
“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.
- “A Cape Cod Christmas”, Falmouth
“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. 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.
6. “The Golden Boys”, Chatham
“The Golden Boys” originally was called “Chatham” but that name didn’t have a broader appeal so it was changed. The movie is based on an adaptation of the Joseph Lincoln novel Cap’N Eri was written in 1909. Retired sea captains Zeb (David Carradine), Jerry (Rip Torn), and Perez (Bruce Dern) live together in 1905 Cape Cod. Deciding that they need a woman’s touch around the place but don’t want to pay for a maid, the men decide to place an ad for a mail-order bride. Jerry, the loser of a coin toss, is the one designated to marry whoever answers the ad, but all plans go by the wayside when the very appealing Martha Snow (Mariel Hemingway) is the one who steps off the train and into the men’s lives. Many scenes are done in Chatham as well as West Barnstable, Provincetown, Yarmouthport, Orleans, and Hyannis, Massachusetts.
The best part about all of these movies is that you can see them on the big screen at the Chatham Orpheum Theatre just a short 5-minute walk from the Inn. Look out for a special showing on their website. The Old Harbor Inn is ideally located in downtown Chatham and it’s the perfect hub to explore all of these Hollywood movies locations.
