From the camp horror classic The Creature from the Black Lagoon to Scarface, many films have indelible connections to Florida. This guide to Florida cinema and locations reveals that the Sunshine State has been an integral part not only of America’s film history but also of its cultural history.
Doll and Morrow group more than 80 films shot in Florida by theme, covering each movie with a plot synopsis, cast and credits list, and a discussion of the film’s importance. They feature behind-the-scenes views of the making of each film, analyze each film’s connection with its Florida locale, and offer an abundance of details and revelations about the filmmakers and stars. Each chapter concludes with a Movie Tourist's Guide to sites connected to the films that can be visited by the public. Movie fans will learn how the makers of True Lies brought stunning realism to the famed bridge sequence. Cinema scholars will appreciate the authors’ attention to forgotten films and little-known pioneers from the silent era. Movie tourists will want to venture to famous locations, such as those in South Beach, where scenes from Scarface and The Birdcage were filmed. And Florida natives will enjoy the book’s references to the state’s history and unique attractions, including Weeki Wachee Springs, Cypress Gardens, and Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute.
Florida on Film is the essential guide for anyone interested in the history of filmmaking in the Sunshine State.