With so many delightful towns and natural landscapes, Arkansas is an appealing location for movie sets. And over the years, there have been a few notable movies that were filmed right here in the state. Movies like Biloxi Blues, Elizabethtown, Mud, End of the Line, and A Soldier’s Story have highlighted small towns in Arkansas. But did you know the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Painted House was filmed in the tiny town of Lepanto, Arkansas? This movie is a depiction of Arkansas native John Grisham's childhood. And best of all, the house used in the movie can be toured by you. If you saw the movie and wondered "Where was A Painted House filmed?" then you are in the right place! This Arkansas movie cast got to enjoy the lovely town of Lepanto.
Located in northeast Arkansas about 40 miles south of Jonesboro is the sleepy town of Lepanto. Perhaps, you’ve never heard of the town, but this tiny town has a claim to fame.
It was featured in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “A Painted House,” which was based on a novel sharing the same name by best-selling author John Grisham.
Making its debut in 2003, the made-for-TV movie featured main character Luke Chandler, a young boy who lived on a cotton farm with his family. His character was based loosely on Grisham’s childhood growing up in 1950s Arkansas.
Most of the town scenes in the movie were shot in Lepanto, which was transformed into a 1950s community.
However, the farm scenes were filmed in the nearby town of Clarkedale Arkansas. And that is where the 5-room house was originally constructed.
For promotional reasons, it was later moved to Kansas City Missouri, and then it was returned to Lepanto, where it resides today.
Tucked along Arkansas Highway 135 on the southern end of town, the house was transformed into a museum used for tours as well as for different events.
Visitors enjoy how well-preserved the house is, and movie buffs are impressed by all the authentic furnishing as well as memorabilia from the movie set.
If you saw the movie that was filmed in the tiny town of Lepanto, Arkansas, you’ll love visiting the quaint little farmhouse where all the movie magic happened.
So, did you know that the A Painted House movie was filmed in Lepanto? If so, have you visited the movie set? Tell us about it in the comments section. For more information about this movie set, be sure to visit A Painted House Facebook page or call (870) 475-2500. If you'd like to find a place to stay nearby so you can experience this set for yourself, take a look at the great options on Vrbo.
Want more movie fun? Check out our previous article about these movies that were filmed in Arkansas.
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