Exploring the Filming Locations of The Help in Mississippi
The film adaptation of the best-selling novel “The Help” takes viewers back to 1960s-era Mississippi, showcasing the struggles and resilience of Black maids working for white families. Filming locations play a crucial role in bringing the story to life, and Mississippi provides the backdrop for many key scenes. Let’s delve into the filming locations of “The Help” and discover the places that captured the essence of this powerful story.
Greenwood: Portraying 1960s-Era Jackson
The town of Greenwood, Mississippi, was selected to portray the city of Jackson during the 1960s in the film. Greenwood, located about 90 miles northwest of Jackson, offers a historic Delta setting with deep roots in cotton and the blues. The town exudes an authentic atmosphere that perfectly suited the film’s narrative.
Skeeter Phelan’s home, a central location in the story, was filmed at two different places in Greenwood. The exterior shots were captured at Whittington Farm, situated at 7300 County Road 518 (Money Road). The interior scenes took place at the Franklin Residence, located at 613 River Road.
Other notable filming locations in Greenwood include Hilly Holbrook’s house, which was filmed at the Johnson residence on 413 Grand Blvd. The Leefolt Home, where pivotal moments unfold, is portrayed by the Perkins residence at 1101 Poplar St. Aibileen Clark’s House is represented by the Tims residence at 203 Taft Ave. Minny Jackson’s House and the Bus Stop are situated in Baptist Town, at the corner of Stephens Avenue and McCain Street. The Jackson Bus Stop scenes were filmed at Little Red Park, at the intersection of East Adams and Poplar Streets. Constantine Jefferson’s Home, a significant location in the story, can be found at 1080 County Road 150, Greenwood. Celia Foote’s grand house, an important setting in the film, is depicted by Cotesworth, located on Old Grenada Road north of Carrollton in Carroll County. The Baptist Church scenes were shot at Little Zion M.B. Church, found at 63530 County Road 518 (Money Road), Greenwood. Lastly, the Robert E. Lee Hotel was represented by the Leflore County Courthouse for the exterior shots, situated at 306 W. Market St., and the interior shots were filmed at the Old Greenwood Elks Lodge on 102 W. Washington St. Avent & Clark Booksellers, another location in the story, was portrayed by A Pocket Full of Posies, located at 309 Howard St. Lastly, the Junior League of Jackson scenes were filmed at the Mississippi Garden Club Headquarters, situated at 401 E. Market St.
Jackson: Capturing the Essence of the Story
While Greenwood served as the main filming location, parts of “The Help” were also shot in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson offers several filming locations mentioned in both the book and the film. The historic Bellhaven neighborhood in Jackson serves as the setting for many of the sites mentioned in the book, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story’s world.
Moreover, Jackson is home to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, a must-visit destination for those interested in the Civil Rights Movement. The museum provides a comprehensive and stirring experience, featuring interactive exhibits and films narrated by Oprah Winfrey. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the movement, which form the backdrop of “The Help.”
Another significant civil rights location in Jackson is the site of Medgar Evers’ assassination. Medgar Evers, a prominent civil rights activist, was tragically shot in his driveway in 1963. This event, mentioned in “The Help,” holds great historical significance and highlights the racial climate of the time.
In Conclusion
“The Help” showcases the power of storytelling and sheds light on the challenges faced by Black maids in 1960s Mississippi. The filming locations in Greenwood and Jackson, Mississippi, play a crucial role in bringing this story to life. From Skeeter Phelan’s home in Greenwood to the historic sites in Jackson, each location adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Exploring these filming locations provides a unique opportunity to connect with the story and gain a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.
Sources:
- “The Help (film).” Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Help_(film)
- “The Help | Film Locations.” Civil Rights Travel. Retrieved from: https://civilrightstravel.com/the-help-filming-locations/
- “The Help (2011).” Movie-Locations.com. Retrieved from: https://movie-locations.com/movies/h/Help-2011.php
FAQs
Where were the filming locations for “The Help” in Mississippi?
The filming locations for “The Help” in Mississippi primarily include the towns of Greenwood and Jackson. Greenwood was chosen to portray 1960s-era Jackson, while Jackson itself also served as a filming location. Other scenes were shot in Clarksdale and Greenville, which are located nearby.
Which locations in Greenwood were featured in the film?
In Greenwood, several locations were featured in “The Help.” Skeeter Phelan’s home, both the exterior and interior, was filmed at Whittington Farm and the Franklin Residence, respectively. Other notable locations in Greenwood include Hilly Holbrook’s house, the Leefolt Home, Aibileen Clark’s House, Minny Jackson’s House/Bus Stop, Jackson Bus Stop, Constantine Jefferson’s Home, Celia Foote’s House, Baptist Church, Robert E. Lee Hotel, Avent & Clark Booksellers, and Junior League of Jackson.
What are some filming locations in Jackson?
Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi, also has a few filming locations mentioned in the book and film. The historic Bellhaven neighborhood in Jackson serves as the setting for many sites mentioned in the book. Additionally, Jackson is home to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which provides a comprehensive and stirring experience related to the Civil Rights Movement. The site of Medgar Evers’ assassination in Jackson is also mentioned in “The Help” and holds historical significance.
Can visitors explore the filming locations in Greenwood and Jackson?
Yes, visitors can explore the filming locations in Greenwood and Jackson. While some locations may be on private property, many of the featured sites are accessible and can be visited. Greenwood, in particular, offers a map and guide to the filming locations for visitors to follow.
Are there any other notable filming locations in Mississippi related to “The Help”?
In addition to Greenwood and Jackson, “The Help” also had some scenes filmed in Clarksdale and Greenville, which are located near Greenwood. However, the main focus of the filming was on Greenwood and Jackson.
How do I plan a visit to the filming locations of “The Help” in Mississippi?
To plan a visit to the filming locations of “The Help” in Mississippi, it is recommended to start by researching the specific addresses and details of each location. Visitors can use resources such as maps, guides, or online platforms to navigate the filming sites. Additionally, reaching out to local tourism offices or visitor centers in Greenwood and Jackson can provide further assistance and information.