Where was Hope Floats filmed?
1998
City Locations
Smithville and Red Rock, TX
Location Types
House, Church/Temple, Schools/Colleges, Buildings/Offices, Diners/Coffee
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, School, Rustic
About Hope Floats
Hope Floats is a touching American drama film from 1998, skillfully directed by Forest Whitaker. The stellar cast includes Sandra Bullock, Mae Whitman, Harry Connick Jr., and Gena Rowlands. Prepare to be captivated by this heartwarming story that will leave a lasting impression. The story revolves around Birdee Pruitt (played by Bullock), who discovers on a talk show that her husband and best friend are having an affair. Devastated and humiliated, she decides to return to her small hometown of Smithville, Texas, with her young daughter Bernice (Mae Whitman) in tow.
Upon returning to Smithville, Birdee faces the challenges of rebuilding her life and finding her sense of self-worth. As she navigates through her broken marriage, strained relationships with family and friends, and the judgmental eyes of her small-town community, Birdee learns valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and the true meaning of home.
One fun fact about the movie is that it features Sandra Bullock's real-life godson, Zahn McClarnon, in a small role as a Native American musician. This adds a personal touch to the film and showcases the close bond between Bullock and McClarnon.
Hope Floats received mixed reviews from critics but resonated with audiences for its heartfelt portrayal of resilience and second chances. It explores themes of love, redemption, and the importance of finding strength within oneself. The film's emotional performances, particularly Sandra Bullock's portrayal of Birdee's journey from heartbreak to self-discovery, captivate viewers and leave a lasting impact.
Hope Floats is an emotional film that serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable strength of hope and our capacity to overcome life's trials. With its captivating narrative, unforgettable performances, and timeless themes, it remains a cherished favorite for those in search of a heartfelt and uplifting cinematic journey.
Hope Floats Locations
Hope Floats was primarily filmed in Smithville, Texas, with additional scenes shot in Austin, Bastrop, Elgin, and Chicago. The picturesque town of Smithville is home to notable locations including the Calvert House (also known as the McCollum-Chapman-Trousdale House) on East Eighth Street and Snappy Snaps on Main Street.
Smithville, located in the heart of the Lone Star State, offers a charming small-town atmosphere that perfectly complements the themes of hope and resilience depicted in the film. The region is characterized by its quaint streets, historic buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors to the filming locations can immerse themselves in the same settings where Birdee Pruitt's story unfolded.
Exploring the town of Smithville and the surrounding areas can provide an enriching experience for fans of the film. From strolling through the picturesque streets to visiting landmarks featured in the movie, fans can relive the magic of Hope Floats in person. Additionally, Smithville offers other attractions and points of interest, including antique shops, local eateries, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Birdee going to the employment agency scene in Hope Floats
108 NE 2nd St, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
Birdee visits the employment agency when she returns to her hometown of Smithville, Texas. During this scene, Birdee crosses paths with a girl from her high school days, adding an element of nostalgia and familiarity to the encounter. The employment agency scene showcases the challenges Birdee faces as she tries to rebuild her life and find new job opportunities in her small town.
NE 2nd Street in Smithville is an essential thoroughfare for the community, and it’s where this scene was filmed. This street offers various commercial and residential establishments that make it a bustling area. It is home to some of the most popular restaurants in town, which not only serve delicious food but also provide an ambiance that keeps patrons coming back for more.
The best way to reach this address is to head for the center of town. You’ll find this location nearby, just a stone’s throw from the train line.
Austin Filming Locations Exploration
Honey's Diner scene in Hope Floats
Honey's Pizza, 109 NE 2nd St, Smithville, TX 78957, United States
After the employment agency, Birdee decides to have dinner at Honey's Diner. She sits alone at the table. When the waitress brings her order, suddenly she hears Justin Mattise (Harry Connick Jr.), her former classmate, say that it is very brave to have dinner alone.
This scene was filmed at Honey's Pizza in Smithville, Texas, which is a popular restaurant known for its delicious Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas and inviting atmosphere. With a blend of big-city artistic design and small-town warmth, Honey's offers a unique dining experience.
To get to Honey's Pizza at 109 NE 2nd St in Smithville, Texas, it’s just a very short walk from the first location featured above. Smithville itself is located about 120 miles west of Houston.
Austin Video Shoot Locations Directory
Ramona trying to mend the gap scene in Hope Floats
201 NE 8th St, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
In an attempt to bridge the divide between her daughter and granddaughter, Ramona (Gena Rowlands) shares a heartfelt story from her own childhood. Seeking to bring joy to Bernice ahead of her upcoming birthday, Ramona asks her what she desires as a gift. Though Bernice claims to have no specific birthday wish, deep inside she silently yearns for the return of her father.
The location where this scene was filmed is found at NE 8th Street in Smithville, a charming little road that holds its own unique charm and appeal that is hard to find elsewhere. The street is also known for its historic buildings, each with its own fascinating stories to tell and secrets to reveal.
Navigating your way to 201 NE 8th St is easy. It’s just half a mile north of the town center near the Colorado River.
Browse Austin Film Shoot Locations
Snappy Snaps scene in Hope Floats
200 Main St, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
The scene at Snappy Snaps involves Birdee and Mr. Davis (Norman Bennett), who is showing her around the store. It is mentioned in the dialogue that Snappy Snaps occasionally receives pictures of a questionable nature, alluding to the eclectic nature of the store.
This scene was filmed on Main Street in Smithville. With its brick-lined sidewalks, quaint storefronts and cozy cafes, it's a place where small businesses thrive and old-fashioned customer service still reigns supreme. Visitors and locals alike amble down the street, stopping to chat with shopkeepers or just take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant community hub.
If you want to head to 200 Main St in Smithville, just follow your nose to the center of town. As you can guess, with a name like Main St it’s very hard to miss.
Country dance club scene in Hope Floats
Watterson Dance Hall, 1179 Watterson Rd, Red Rock, TX 78662, USA
Justin takes Birdee to a country dance club. As they arrive at the club, they turn on the jukebox, but you can still see the band playing in the background. This scene showcases their connection and serves as a moment of joy and escape for Birdee after her struggles.
Located in the picturesque town of Smithville, Watterson Dance Hall holds a treasured place as a historic venue celebrated for its lively dance events and vibrant atmosphere. With its rustic charm and expansive dance floor, this hall has played host to countless unforgettable nights of music, dancing, and community gatherings.
To reach Watterson Dance Hall at 1179 Watterson Rd, you’ll need to drive about 17 miles west from Smithville. The journey should take a little over 20 minutes.
Discover San Antonio Filming Locations
Conclusion
Hope Floats is an emotional journey following Birdee Pruitt as she rebuilds her life after a public humiliation. Set in the picturesque town of Smithville, the film showcases the resilience of its characters and the beauty of the real-life locations. From charming streets to historic buildings, the diverse locations add depth and authenticity to the storytelling. As viewers join Birdee on her path of self-discovery, they are transported to the warmth and charm of small-town America.
Hope Floats is a heartwarming film that tells the story of Birdee's journey towards love, forgiveness, and second chances. With the movie shot in various locations including Smithville, Austin, Bastrop, Elgin, and Chicago, each place serves as a metaphorical stepping stone in Birdee's quest to find hope and happiness again. The range of locations not only adds visual appeal but also enriches the storytelling, making it a memorable and relatable experience for audiences.