Exploring the Filming Locations of The Help in Mississippi

The Help, a critically acclaimed film based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, is set in 1960s-era Mississippi and tells the story of Skeeter Phelan, a young white woman who collaborates with Black maids to write a book exposing the racial injustices they face. The film’s captivating plot and strong African-American characters have garnered both praise and criticism. Filming for The Help took place in various locations in Mississippi, including Greenwood, Jackson, Clarksdale, and Greenville.

The Town of Greenwood: Portraying 1960s-era Jackson

Greenwood, a historic Delta town with deep roots in cotton and the blues, served as the primary filming location for The Help. It was chosen to portray 1960s-era Jackson in the film. The filmmakers were drawn to the town’s frozen-in-time look, which included gracious Southern buildings and “modern” 1960s-era homes.

Filming Locations in Greenwood

Several key filming locations for The Help can be found in Greenwood. The following locations were featured in the film:

Skeeter Phelan’s home: The exterior of Skeeter’s farmhouse was filmed at Whittington Farm, located at 7300 County Road 518 (Money Road). The interior scenes were filmed at the Franklin Residence, situated at 613 River Road.
Hilly Holbrook’s house: Hilly’s house, belonging to the character played by Bryce Dallas Howard, was filmed at the Johnson residence, located at 413 Grand Blvd.
The Leefolt Home: Elizabeth Leefolt’s house in the film was filmed at the Perkins residence, situated at 1101 Poplar St.
Aibileen Clark’s House: The home of Aibileen, portrayed by Viola Davis, was filmed at the Tims residence, located at 203 Taft Ave.
Minny Jackson’s House/Bus Stop: Minny’s house and the bus stop scene were filmed in Baptist Town at the corner of Stephens Avenue and McCain Street.
The Jackson Bus Stop: The bus stop scene was also filmed at Little Red Park, situated at East Adams and Poplar streets.
Constantine Jefferson’s Home: The home of Constantine Jefferson, a character in the film, was filmed at 1080 County Road 150.
Celia Foote’s House: Celia Foote’s grand home in the film was filmed at Cotesworth, located on Old Grenada Road in Carroll County.
Baptist Church: The church scene in The Help was filmed at Little Zion M.B. Church, situated at 63530 County Road 518 (Money Road).
Robert E. Lee Hotel: The exterior of the Robert E. Lee Hotel was filmed at Leflore County Courthouse, while the interior scenes were filmed at the Old Greenwood Elks Lodge.
Avent & Clark Booksellers: The scenes at Avent & Clark Booksellers were filmed at A Pocket Full of Posies.
Junior League of Jackson: The scenes featuring the Junior League of Jackson were filmed at the Mississippi Garden Club Headquarters.

Additional Filming Locations in Jackson and Surrounding Areas

While Greenwood served as the main filming location, parts of The Help were also shot in the real-life city of Jackson, as well as nearby Clarksdale and Greenville. Jackson’s historic Bellhaven neighborhood, where the story is set, features several real-life sites mentioned in the novel. The Fondren shopping district and various civil rights sites in Jackson, including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, are worth visiting for fans of the film.

In conclusion, The Help offers a compelling portrayal of racial tensions in 1960s-era Mississippi. Filming locations in Greenwood, Jackson, Clarksdale, and Greenville bring the story to life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the film and appreciate the historical significance of these settings.

FAQs

Where was The Help primarily filmed?

The Help was primarily filmed in the town of Greenwood, Mississippi. It was chosen to portray 1960s-era Jackson in the film.

Were there any other filming locations besides Greenwood?

Yes, in addition to Greenwood, parts of the film were also shot in the real-life city of Jackson, as well as in nearby Clarksdale and Greenville.

Can I visit the filming locations in Greenwood?

Yes, many of the filming locations in Greenwood are accessible for visitors. Some locations, such as Skeeter Phelan’s home and Hilly Holbrook’s house, are privately owned, but there are recognizable city scenes, buildings, exteriors, and landscapes that can be explored.

Where can I find Skeeter Phelan’s home?

Skeeter Phelan’s home in the film was filmed at two locations in Greenwood. The exterior scenes were filmed at Whittington Farm, located at 7300 County Road 518 (Money Road), while the interior scenes were filmed at the Franklin Residence, situated at 613 River Road.

What other notable filming locations are in Greenwood?

In addition to Skeeter Phelan’s home, other notable filming locations in Greenwood include Hilly Holbrook’s house, the Leefolt Home, Aibileen Clark’s House, Minny Jackson’s House/Bus Stop, the Jackson Bus Stop, Constantine Jefferson’s Home, Celia Foote’s House, the Baptist Church scene, the Robert E. Lee Hotel, Avent & Clark Booksellers, and the Junior League of Jackson scenes.

Were there any filming locations in Jackson?

Yes, while Greenwood served as the main filming location, some scenes of The Help were also filmed in the real-life city of Jackson. Locations such as the Mississippi Garden Club Headquarters were used for the Junior League of Jackson scenes.

Are there any other places related to The Help that are worth visiting in Mississippi?

Yes, in addition to the filming locations, fans of The Help may also want to explore other sites in Mississippi. Jackson’s historic Bellhaven neighborhood, the Fondren shopping district, and various civil rights sites, including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, offer a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding the film.

Are there any tours or guides available for visiting The Help filming locations?

Yes, both Greenwood and Jackson are eager to guide visitors to the filming locations from the movie and novel. Greenwood distributes a map and guide to the filming locations, while Jackson offers a detailed guide to sites mentioned in the book, including those related to the Junior League of Jackson.