Madison in the Movies Walking Tour Preview

1

Home of Irene Dunne

916 West Second St. Irene Dunn was born on December 20, 1898 in Kentucky. After the death of her father, she moved to Madison at age 14. Here, she graduated from Madison High School in 1916. A star dedicated to Irene Dunne is located in front of the Ohio Theater, #5 on the map.In her lifetime, she starred in 42 films. She was nominated five times for the Academy Award for Best Actress for performances in 5 films in the 1930s & 1940s. In 1985, she was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors, Lifetime Achievement for a career that spanned three decades.

2

Main Street

Take a stroll down Main Street and see the original historical buildings. These same buildings can be seen throughout the film, The Town.The Town was a short propaganda documentary was filmed in 1943, but was not released until 1945. It was produced by the United States Office of War Information. This film was created to show elements of other cultures from around the world that have come together in a small town in the Midwest. Throughout the film, recognizable elements of Madison can be seen. Much of what is shown can still be found today.Broadway Fountain is an icon of Madison. A copy of the original fountain was presented to Madison in 1886 and is featured in the film.

3

Crystal Beach Aquatic Park

400 W. Vaughn Drive It was built in 1938 by the WPA. A full renovation of the pool and area from 2021- 2024 brings activities for everyone to enjoy.

4

The Jewelry Store

110 East Main St. This was where crew members constructed the Hirsh family jewelry store. In the Some Came Running movie set in 1948, Sinatra’s character Dave Hirsh, returns home from World War II and visits his brother at the jewelry store. Now it is the Village Lights Bookstore.

5

Carnival Scene

105 E Main St. The scene in Some Came Running involving the carnival shows much of Main Street filled with rides and lights. A clear shot of the Ohio Theater shows the sign lit up in all its glory.

6

Smitty's Bar

302 Jefferson St., On Corner Much of the action in Some Came Running takes place at Smitty’s Bar. The poorly staged fight scene takes place on the southern side.

7

Ohio Riverfront

Vaughn Drive Much of the movie, Madison, takes place along the riverfront of the Ohio River. It gives a perfect view of the Milton-Madison Bridge with plenty of benches and places to relax. In 2023, the judges stand for the hydroplane races was revitalized.

8

McCormick House

527 W. 3rd St., On Corner Jim and Mary McCormick along with their son, Mike, are depicted living here. During the movie, Madison, the house is shown as under construction, but the addition has since been finished on the south side of the house.

9

The Boat Garage

126 Mulberry St. In the movie, Madison, the Miss Madison Racing team worked on the boat and engine here.