Where was The Green Mile filmed?
1999
City Locations
Nashville, TN
Location Types
Film Studio, Church/Temple
Location Styles
Dilapidated/Neglected, Federal Building
About The Green Mile
The movie The Green Mile, a fantasy drama, was released in 1999. Frank Darabont wrote and directed the movie titled the same as Stephen King's novel, published in 1996. The lead role is played by Tom Hanks, who portrays a death row prison guard during the Great Depression era. After the arrival of a mysterious convict (played by Michael Clarke Duncan), he witnesses a series of supernatural events that unfold at the facility. Additionally, supporting roles are played by Sam Rockwell, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, and James Cromwell.
On December 10, 1999, the film premiered in the United States and received positive feedback from critics. The critics praised Frank Darabont's direction and writing skills and the actors' performances, specifically Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. However, the film was criticized for its length.
The movie has become known as one of the most emotionally powerful films ever made as time has passed. Despite having a budget of $60 million, it was a commercial success and generated $286 million at the box office. Additionally, it received four Academy Award nominations in categories including Best Supporting Actor for Duncan, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Sound.
In 1994, Tom Hanks and Frank Darabont met for the first time at an Academy Award luncheon. Stephen King had imagined Hanks for the lead role and was pleased when Darabont agreed with his choice. Initially, Hanks was supposed to play both the younger and older versions of Paul Edgecomb's character. However, during makeup tests, it became clear that he didn't look convincing enough to play the elderly version. As a result, Dabbs Greer was cast to portray the older Edgecomb, which also became his final acting role. Paul Edgecomb's role was offered to John Travolta but he declined.
The Green Mile Locations
The Green Mile is an iconic movie that showcases some of the United States' most memorable regions. Most scenes were shot in various locations including Warner Hollywood Studios, Shelbyville, and the old Tennessee State Prison as well as Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The production design was handled by Terence Marsh, who created custom sets for interior settings.
The backdrop for these locations offers viewers a unique glimpse into each region's beauty and landmark features. Shelbyville is home to a variety of historical sites such as the Fayetteville Federal Building and Shelbyville Historic District, as well as the picturesque Cumberland Mountains which provide stunning scenery for some shots. Blowing Rock is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is famous for a natural formation that jets air from beneath it. Finally, the Tennessee State Prison provided an eerie atmosphere, with its tall walls and barbed wire fence giving a sense of confinement while also highlighting its historic value.
Visiting any one of these locations would indeed be worthwhile for fans of The Green Mile who are looking to experience some of the breathtaking backdrops used in this classic film. From exploring old prison buildings to admiring lush mountain views, travelers can discover all that this special movie has to offer when they visit these diverse regions used in The Green Mile's production.
Paul telling his story scene in The Green Mile
Flat Top Manor, Moses Cone National Park, 6570 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States
In 1999, Paul Edgecomb (Dabbs Greer), a retired resident of an assisted-living home in Louisiana, watches the movie Top Hat and becomes overwhelmed with emotion. His companion Elaine (Eve Brent) grows worried and asks him about it. Paul then divulges that the film brought back memories of his time as an officer at Cold Mountain Penitentiary's death row, famously known as The Green Mile.
Moses Cone Memorial Park, located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is a stunning recreational area that covers over 3,500 acres of beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains landscape. The park is named after Moses H. Cone, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most popular attractions in the park is the beautifully restored Flat Top Manor, which was once the home of Moses Cone and his wife Bertha. Today, the historic mansion houses a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the Cone family and their contributions to the local community.
If you're planning a visit, getting to the park is easy. It’s roughly a two-hour drive northwest of Charlotte.
Paul starting work in the prison scene in The Green Mile
7475 Cockrill Bend Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, United States
The year is 1935 and Paul is in charge of overseeing Corrections Officers Dean Stanton (Barry Pepper), Harry Terwilliger (Jeffrey DeMunn), Brutus "Brutal" Howell (David Morse), and Percy Wetmore (Doug Hutchison). These officers answer to Warden Hal Moores. While Percy boasts about his family's connections to the state governor's wife, he also exhibits sadistic behavior and avoids taking responsibility for his actions. His main target is a prisoner named Eduard "Del" Delacroix (Michael Jeter), whom he abuses by killing his pet mouse Mr. Jingles.
The prison that is portrayed as being in Louisiana is actually the old Tennessee State Penitentiary, located on Cockrill Bend Boulevard in West Nashville. This prison was closed in 1992. In the early 20th century, the prison was known for its brutal conditions and harsh treatment of inmates. Prisoners were subjected to hard labor and often suffered from disease and malnutrition. The prison housed some of the most notorious criminals in Tennessee's history, including serial killer Billy Ray Irick and James Earl Ray, who assassinated civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The prison's iconic castle-like structure, with its imposing stone walls and guard towers, has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
If you're looking to get to this location in Nashville, it is conveniently located off of Interstate 40 and Briley Parkway. It’s found about 10 miles west of downtown Nashville.
Execution scene in The Green Mile
7200 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, United States
As John is led to his execution, the crowd in attendance jeers at him, still doubting his innocence. Despite this, John bravely requests that he not be blindfolded with a hood as he is afraid of the dark. The officers who have come to know John and appreciate his gentle nature look on with sadness and tears in their eyes as he is ultimately put to death.
Samuel Goldwyn Studios, located in West Hollywood, California, is one of the most historic movie studios in the entertainment industry. During the Golden Age of Hollywood, Samuel Goldwyn founded the studio and played a crucial role in the development of the film industry.
Samuel Goldwyn Studios was known for its excellent production facilities and sound stages when it was at its peak. Many of the greatest films of the era were shot there, including Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and Some Like It Hot. Over the years, the studio changed hands several times and underwent numerous renovations and expansions. In 1980, the facility was sold to Warner Bros., which continued to use it as a production site for films and television shows.
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, 7200 Santa Monica Blvd is a highly sought-after destination. Whether you are a local or visiting from out of town, navigating the streets of LA can be a daunting task. Fortunately, getting to our location is simple. If you are traveling by car, this location is seven miles from downtown LA.
Funeral scene in The Green Mile
College Grove United Methodist Church, 8568 Horton Hwy, College Grove, TN 37046, United States
Elaine views Paul's longevity as another one of John's miracles, but Paul himself wonders if his extended life is divine retribution for his role in John's execution. Later, we see Paul attending Elaine's funeral and contemplating how much longer he has left to live.
The funeral was filmed at College Grove United Methodist Church, a historic church located in College Grove, Tennessee. The church was established in 1832 and has been an important part of the local community for almost two centuries. The current church building was constructed in 1910 and features a beautiful, Gothic-inspired design. The building's stained glass windows and detailed woodwork are just some of the many features that make it a beloved local landmark.
United Methodist Church is located in the heart of the peaceful community of College Grove, which is about 40 minutes south of Nashville, TN. If you are traveling by car, you can reach the church by taking I-65 South.
Graveyard scene in The Green Mile
Round Hill Cemetery, Round Hill Road, Lewisburg, TN 37091, United States
As a priest says a prayer, Elaine's friends and relatives gather around her coffin in the graveyard. Paul continues to discuss that he will have a long life. Of course, death will come for him in the end, but he is already ready to meet it.
This scene was filmed at Round Hill Cemetery, a historic cemetery located in Lewisburg. The cemetery is found a little over an hour’s drive south from Nashville. Head south on I-65 S and then follow GPS directions to get to your destination.
Conclusion
The Green Mile is an award-winning movie that was filmed in multiple locations to capture the full impact of the story. It follows the lives of guards on Death Row, who are impacted by a mysterious man accused of child murder and rape. The movie was shot at various locations in Tennessee and North Carolina, while production designer Terence Marsh created custom interiors for these settings to complement the outdoor scenes. This, combined with brilliant cinematography and a memorable score, make for a truly emotional experience.
The result is an intense drama that captures the delicate balance between guilt and innocence, faith and despair, life and death. With its stellar cast, captivating storyline, harrowing atmosphere and breathtaking visuals, The Green Mile stands out as one of the defining movies of our time. So why not check out some of its iconic filming locations in person?