Where was Murder, She Wrote filmed?
1984
City Locations
California (USA)
Location Types
Mansion, Film Studio, Church, House, Hotel
Location Styles
Victorian, Georgian, Colonial, Shipping Yard/Dock, Dated
About Murder, She Wrote
Imagine a TV show that dominated prime time for 12 years, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline and intriguing characters. The talented actress at its helm earned a remarkable record, receiving the most Golden Globe nominations. With a staggering 25 million viewers tuning in weekly, it's no wonder that Murder, She Wrote became a sensation. It was directed by Peter S. Fischer and stars Angela Lansbury as the main character, Jessica Fletcher. The show follows the life of a retired English teacher who turns into a successful mystery novelist and amateur detective. The show's plot revolves around Jessica Fletcher's insight and intuition being used to solve mysteries and crimes in the small town of Cabot Cove, Maine. Her investigations often take her to other parts of the world, including London, Africa, Asia, and across North America, typically leading to her solving cases in which she finds herself or someone she knows is being accused of murders they didn't commit. Throughout its twelve-year tenure, Murder, She Wrote was recognized with seven Golden Globe nominations and 12 Primetime Emmy Award nods. Angela Lansbury clinched two wins in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category in 1986 and 1987. The series was lauded, receiving three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series and six Golden Globe nominations in the same category, culminating in two significant victories.
Murder, She Wrote Locations
The production of the classic television show Murder, She Wrote took viewers on a journey around the United States to various locations. Most scenes were filmed on sound stages at Universal Studios in Universal City, California, and exterior shots were captured in the Northern California town of Mendocino. Fans of the show may also recognize the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, Fort Point National Historic Site, and First Congregational Church as iconic settings from memorable episodes. Visiting these regions today would be a worthwhile endeavor for fans of Murder, She Wrote, as each setting offers its unique attractions. For instance, Mendocino is a stunning coastal community with plenty of beaches to explore and a historic downtown area full of art galleries and charming restaurants. In Universal City, visitors can tour Universal Studios Hollywood to get an inside look at where much of the show was filmed or go on an adventure at nearby amusement parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain and Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier. Meanwhile, Los Angeles offers a plethora of intriguing sights, such as the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, known for its grandeur architecture, and the First Congregational Church, which boasts beautiful stained glass windows. Overall, taking a trip to explore the various locations used for Murder She Wrote (1984-1996) is worth it. These places provide more insight into how this beloved series was made and offer plenty of exciting activities to enjoy along the way.
Fun Fact
While it aired, the series achieved impressive viewership, solidifying its place in CBS's Sunday night television schedule for about a decade. It stood out as one of the most successful and long-lasting TV shows of its time.
Evelyn Kerry's funeral scene in Murder, She Wrote
First Congregational Church, 540 S Commonwealth Ave, Los Angeles, CA
In season 5, "The Search for Peter Kerry," Jessica (Angela Lansbury) finds herself in St Louis, Missouri, attending the funeral of her friend Evelyn Kerry. The mystery deepens as they discuss the unexplained disappearance of Evelyn's son Peter (Marc Singer), who vanished 20 years earlier. The solemn scenes at the church and the funeral were filmed at the striking First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. This English Gothic Revival-style building, built in 1932 by architects Allison & Allison, is a remarkable steel-reinforced concrete structure crowned with a towering 157-foot spire. Notably, the church also houses the second-largest church organ globally. The site's unchanged beauty over the years makes it a must-visit for fans. Those wishing to visit this iconic location can easily reach it by car or public transportation. Several parking options exist for those arriving by car, including street parking and lots operated by local businesses. Alternatively, visitors can use public transportation via Metro buses or trains serving MacArthur Park station, which is only a few blocks from the church.
The voyage on the Queen Mary scenes in Murder, She Wrote
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA
In the episode "The Grand Old Lady" (season 6), a portion of the storyline unfolds on the iconic ship, "The Queen Mary." This episode is triggered by the death of a renowned mystery writer, which prompts Jessica (Angela Lansbury) to reminisce about a 1947 case in which the writer played a personal role. The plot thickens aboard the Queen Mary when Lady Abigail (June Havoc) allies with a police inspector. Their mission is to solve the enigmatic murder of an ex-Gestapo officer present on the ship. The scene was filmed at The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. Located in the Port of Long Beach, this historic British ocean liner was first launched in 1936 and sailed regular routes between Southampton and New York until 1952. In 1967, it retired from service and became permanently moored in Long Beach, now serving as a hotel, museum, and event space. The Queen Mary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains one of Southern California's most recognizable landmarks. To visit The Queen Mary, you can take I-405 or I-710 southbound to reach Long Beach. From there, exit toward Long Beach and drive directly to the port area where The Queen Mary is located. Once there, you can take advantage of all The Queen Mary offers, including its hotel rooms, restaurants, events, and activities.
Browse Long Beach Filming Locations
Jessica meets Preston at the hotel scene in Murder, She Wrote
Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
In the episode "The Return of Preston Giles" from season 7, Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) returns to her hotel, weary from a day filled with interviews and shopping. Unexpectedly, she is met by Preston Giles (Arthur Hill). To Jessica's astonishment, Preston describes his recent parole and wish to reconnect with her. He further reveals that he was tasked with extending an invitation to Jessica for a dinner party hosted by Ross (Michael McKean) and Linette (Brynn Thayer). This scene was filmed at the iconic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California, which opened its doors in 1923. From its glorious entrance hall to its awe-inspiring murals painted by Giovanni Smeraldi, this luxurious hotel has become known for being one of the most spectacular hotels in America. The hotel’s history is equally impressive; it has been home to several Academy Award ceremonies. It is also renowned for hosting celebrities and politicians as guests throughout its lifetime. If you want to visit this iconic location, you can quickly get there anywhere in Los Angeles by car or public transport. You can use the city's metro system and get off at Pershing Square station, just across from the hotel.
The British mansion scene in Murder, She Wrote
380 S San Rafael Ave, Pasadena, CA
In the episode "Tinker, Tailor, Liar, Thief" from season 8, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) embarks on a journey to London. Her itinerary includes meetings with her publishing team, a shopping spree at the renowned Harrods, and a lunch date with her long-time friend John Thurston (Lloyd Bochner), an embassy employee. Viewers of the episode might also remember a memorable scene where Jessica steps foot in a grand British mansion. The mansion stands as a testament to the elegant style of the period, with beautiful stained glass windows, grand staircases, and intricate details on every part of the building from top to bottom. The scenes featuring the British mansion were filmed at 380 S San Rafael Ave, Pasadena. This 16,600 square-foot architectural masterpiece, built in 1928, is a beautiful representation of the Tudor/Gothic Revival style, designed by the renowned architect Paul Revere Williams. Please note that the property is privately owned, so visitors should respect the residents' privacy. To get to this location, you can take advantage of a variety of different methods of transportation, such as car services or public transit services like Metro buses or trains. You can also walk or bike if you're close to this location. It's essential to check your current local restrictions before visiting, as you may need a permit or face fines due to specific regulations that are currently in place.
Jessica Fletcher's house scene in Murder, She Wrote
Blair House Inn, 45110 Little Lake St, Mendocino, CA
Jessica Fletcher's (Angela Lansbury) charming bewilderment with technology is a memorable aspect of her character. Her humorous threat to her new computer - "We Come To An Understanding, Or One Of Us Doesn't Leave Here Alive!” - is a line fondly remembered by fans. We see this scene as Jessica sits in her kitchen in season 8, "Lines Of Excellence." While the interior shots of this scene were captured in the studio, the exterior still stands, waiting to be explored. The exterior of Jessica Fletcher's picturesque home was shot at Blair House Inn, located in Mendocino Village in Northern California. Built in 1888, Blair House Inn boasts Douglas Fir and Redwood architecture. The property is surrounded by a quaint picket fence and a lush garden filled with lavender, daffodils, and daisies. For fans wanting to experience a piece of the show's history, Blair House Inn offers accommodation options, including three suites, one named Angela's Suite. To reach Blair House Inn from San Francisco, you can take US-101 N and CA-128 W to Mendocino. The drive should take approximately 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you could opt for public transportation, such as buses or trains that connect San Francisco to Mendocino.
Discover Filming Locations
Grimaldi Vineyards scenes in Murder, She Wrote
Newhall Mansion, 829 Park St, Piru, CA
In Season 11's episode "Crimson Harvest" of "Murder, She Wrote," the Grimaldi family vineyard is rife with financial issues, and Lars Anderson (Gregg Henry) is keen on purchasing it. The intrigue deepens as fans learn that Edgar (Robert Pine), who has harbored a profound love for Anna (Lainie Kazan) for years, turns to embezzlement from his clients to fund a second mortgage. This clandestine act is uncovered by Paul (Steve Morrison), adding another layer of complexity to the story. To keep his actions under wraps, Edgar kills both Paul and Lars. The scenes at the Grimaldi Vineyards were filmed at the Newhall Mansion, located at 829 Park St, Piru. The mansion, built in 1890, stands as a symbol of Victorian elegance and has been maintained as such for over a century. It perfectly combines historical authenticity with contemporary appeal, making it an ideal location for various events. For those intrigued by history and considering visiting the Newhall Mansion, it's important to remember that the mansion does not operate on regular hours. Nonetheless, appointments can be arranged for potential clients interested in tours. If you're traveling from Los Angeles, embark on Interstate 5 heading north, and after an estimated drive of about an hour, you'll reach the Newhall Mansion.
Conclusion
Murder, She Wrote was an instant classic that significantly impacted the television world from 1984-1996. Angela Lansbury gave a stellar performance as the titular character Jessica Fletcher, her charm and wit made her a wonderfully endearing central figure. The script was also well-written, with witty dialogue and intriguing murder mysteries at the heart of each episode. It was an interesting concept for a show that caught on quickly with audiences. The captivating landscapes of the United States served as the backdrop for the timeless Murder, She Wrote. From the charming streets of Mendocino, California, to the historic appeal of Boston, Massachusetts, each location added depth to the show's intricate mysteries. With its idyllic coastal scenery, the picturesque California became synonymous with Jessica Fletcher's crime-solving endeavors. The show's skillful use of natural settings enhanced the storytelling, enveloping viewers in intrigue. Through these diverse locations, Murder, She Wrote not only entertained but also showcased the beauty of American locales, making it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.