Where was Carousel filmed?
1956
City Locations
Maine, California (USA)
Location Types
Storefront, Unusual
Location Styles
Beachfront, '50s, Boat Style, Dated, Dock, Old Hollywood
About Carousel
Carousel is hailed as one of the brightest musicals to grace the cinema. Henry King directed the drama fantasy, featuring a star-studded cast including Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Cameron Mitchell, Gene Lockhart, Susan Luckey, and William LeManessa.
King, who started his career on stage, is lauded for successfully transitioning the material from its Broadway roots despite the substantial modifications made to the original Rodgers & Hammerstein play's structure. The 1945 Broadway production of the same name by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II served as the basis for the film.
The story follows Billy Bigelow (Gordon MacRae), a carnival barker who falls in love with Maine factory girl Julie Jordan (Shirley Jones). Despite his efforts to provide for her, Billy's poverty and lack of work opportunities lead him to make a desperate decision, joining forces with his unsavory pal Jigger to make some quick money.
However, the scheme goes awry, and Billy dies. He is, subsequently, bestowed with a chance from the heavens to return to Earth. His mission for redemption involves bringing joy to his distressed 15-year-old daughter, Louise (Susan Luckey). When Louise backs off in fear from his attempt to offer her a star, he is taken from the sky and slaps her accidentally. However, he attends her school graduation ceremony, where she remembers him fondly.
Carousel received nominations from the Writers Guild of America for Best Written American Musical and the DGA for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures. One of the film's stars, Gordon MacRae, was awarded the 1956 Laurel Award for Top Male Musical Performance. Moreover, during the era when television was everyone's primary source of entertainment, Carousel secured the 41st spot on Channel 4's list of the 100 greatest musicals.
Carousel Locations
Carousel came to our screens thanks to locations from the Maine coast to the beaches of Malibu. Most scenes were filmed in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, about 30 miles south of Augusta.
The picturesque port town offers stunning views with its rocky coasts and rolling hills. Visitors can explore the Carousel Music Theater and Paradise Cove Beach Café. These locations have become iconic landmarks associated with the film.
A trip to Boothbay Harbor is a must for anyone interested in traversing an area with breathtaking scenery and charming seafront, making it an ideal destination for those who want to experience the movie's atmosphere first-hand.
In fact, at Paradise Cove, visitors can even see the exact spot where the movie's most dramatic Soliloquy number and ballet sequence came alive. There are also plenty of other attractions in Boothbay Harbor, such as restaurants, galleries, and boutiques for people to enjoy throughout their stay.
In addition to Boothbay Harbor and Paradise Cove in Malibu, a trip to locations from Carousel would also be worthwhile because it allows visitors to connect with a classic piece of American cinema history.
Billy falls in love with Julie scene in Carousel
Carousel Marina, 125 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, USA
Billy Bigelow (Gordon MacRae), a charismatic carousel barker with a tough exterior, and Julie Jordan (Shirley Jones), a naive mill worker, reside in the quaint town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Despite facing unemployment due to their budding romance, which sparked jealousy in Mrs. Mullin (Audrey Christie), the carousel owner who had taken a liking to Billy, the two fall deeply in love.
Memorable scenes were recorded outside Nettie's Spa and within the marina, featuring musical numbers such as "June Is Bustin' Out All Over" and "When The Children Are Asleep."
The beautiful coastal location in Boothbay Harbor was perfect for capturing the feelings of romance and adventure. The vibrant ocean and sky colors, rolling hills, and stunning cliffs enhanced the special moment between two star-crossed lovers.
The Carousel Marina has since hosted a significant number of the film productions. If you plan on visiting during summer, mainly when June is in full bloom, consider stopping by the Carousel Music Theater. While the dinner theatre, which opened its doors in the ‘80s, doesn't have a solid connection to the movie, it does pay tribute to classic show tunes through its singing waitstaff.
Those interested in visiting this spot today can get there via I-1 by heading towards Augusta from Portland or Bangor before exiting onto ME-27 S. Once you reach Boothbay Harbor, turn right onto Atlantic Avenue until you arrive at Carousel Marina just before entering the town center.
Mrs. Mullin chases after Julie scene in Carousel
Camden, Maine, USA
The scene follows Mrs. Mullin (Audrey Christie) chasing Julie (Shirley Jones) and Carrie (Barbara Ruick), Julie's best friend, out of the area. Mrs. Mullin scolds Julie for letting Billy (Gordon MacRae) 'fool around' on the carousel ride and threatens to kick her out of the park if she ever returns. The altercation between Mrs. Mullin and Julie has become an iconic cinematic moment in the film, highlighted by its beautiful scenery and captivating music that transports viewers to another time and place. Filming took place in and around Camden, a charming town in the mid-coast of Maine.
The beautiful locale, nestled at the base of Camden Hills and overlooking Penobscot Bay, offers visitors a wealth of sights and activities. Among these, Camden Hills State Park is an absolute treat for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Additionally, the Camden Harbor Park and Camden Amphitheater are must-visit locations, particularly for tourists fond of historical landmarks.
Traveling to Camden from Portland is simple: whether by car or bus, you can find yourself there in under two hours! The bus journey may involve a few transfers.
Billy sings "Soliloquy" on the beach scene in Carousel
Paradise Cove Beach, 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA, USA
The news of Julie's (Shirley Jones) pregnancy has just reached Billy (Gordon MacRae) and sparks a readiness in him to confront decisions that could risk his life but change it forever. We, as spectators, are drawn into a moment where Billy finds solace in singing "Soliloquy" on the beach.
The raw beauty of the scene is ethereal; Billy, alone, walking along the shoreline, the rhythmic crashing of the waves and the distant cries of seagulls being the only sounds punctuating the stillness.
Paradise Cove in Malibu, California, provided the setting for the scene. This location has hosted diverse films and television crews, including American Pie II, Beach Blanket Bingo, and Indecent Proposal. The cove is a stunningly beautiful stretch of coastline that boasts pristine white sand beaches with crashing waves that make for perfect surf breaks.
Visitors can also explore the rock formations along the shoreline or stroll along the famous pier, which overlooks the Paradise Cove. Located off Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, free parking lots are nearby.
Conclusion
Carousel is a timeless adaptation of the original stage musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and embarking on a film locations tour inspired by the fantasy drama will prove worthwhile. Charles Clarke's cinematography contributed to the ambiance.
The performances, delivered by the cast, are excellent, with MacRae displaying great range as his character transitions from hard-edged carnival barker to redeemed soul seeking redemption. His chemistry with Ruick and Rounseville is particularly noteworthy in their tender rendition of 'When The Children Are Asleep.
The script follows the original musical closely, maintaining many of its most beloved songs while still finding ways to integrate them into the story. By bringing one of Broadway's greatest musicals to the silver screen, Carousel was a significant contribution to the movie industry.
This classic adaptation offered audiences a blend of Hollywood actors, opera stars, and Broadway dancers - something rarely seen before or since its release. Its innovative use of color cinematography also set it apart from other 1950s films, using widescreen framing techniques that genuinely capture the emotionality of each scene.
For fans of classic cinema or Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals alike, Carousel is well worth watching, if only for the performances alone! A heartfelt tale about redemption that has remained relevant over six decades later, this film is sure to leave viewers feeling thoroughly moved by its powerful story and music.