At Close Range was released into theaters on April 18th, 1986. Filming locations include Franklin, Tn. It was directed by James Foley. Foley also directed a number of Madonna music videos in the 80's as well as the 1996 film Fear. Sean Penn played the lead of Brad Whitewood Jr. and Christopher Walken played his father, Brad Whitewood Sr. Sean Penn's real life brother, Chris Penn, also played his brother in the film. Their real life mother, Eileen Ryan, played their grandmother in the film. It's loosely based on the real life story of the Johnston Gang from the 1970's. They operated out of Pennsylvania and committed a number of crimes including burglary and murder. The films score was composed by Patrick Leonard. The films theme, Live to Tell, was written by Leonard and Madonna. An instrumental version plays at various points throughout the film, including the opening scene, and the lyrical version plays during the films end credits. At the time of filming, Madonna and Sean Penn were married. Miss You, by The Rolling Stones can also be heard in the film. The films first DVD release was on December 19th, 2000.
Town square - Main St. and 3rd Ave. Franklin, Tn. 37064
(Franklin Public Square)
The statue in the center of the square, which can be seen in multiple scenes, is Confederate Monument. It was erected out of Italian marble in 1899 and stands over thirty-seven feet tall. The liquor store that Brad Jr. meets his brother and Aggie in front of is located at 302 Public Square Franklin, Tn. 37064.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2021.
Whitewood house - N. Margin St. and 2nd Ave. N. Franklin, Tn. 37064
The house was demolished at some point in the 80's. During my visit of the location in May 2021, it was completely overgrown and inaccessible. The distinctive V shaped tree, visible in the fourth screenshot, is still there.
I'd like to thank PaulH of Halloween Filming Locations for finding this location.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2021.
Money laundering scene - 328 5th Ave. N. Franklin, Tn. 37064
Brad Sr. buys the 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu at 328 5th Ave. N. and sells it across the street at 331 5th Ave. N.
I'd like to thank PaulH of Halloween Filming Locations for finding this location.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2021.
Courthouse - 305 Public Square Franklin, Tn. 37064
(Old Williamson County Courthouse)
The courthouse was built in 1858 and served until 2004, when the Williamson County Judicial Center opened.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2021.
Great work! One more location is the tractor shop. Locke Ave, right off Main st in Spring Hill, Tn.
ReplyDeleteFound a few more after a recent viewing. I live in the area, so it's bugging me the ones I cannot find!
DeleteSchool Scenes: Page High School-Arno Rd. Franklin, Tn.
Brad Sr driving and showing sons properties: 4230 Peytonsville Rd, Franklin, Tn (farmhouse is gone and neighborhood is there, but land is still recognizable). 1190 Lewisburg Pk, Franklin, Tn.
Brad and sons have lunch: 99 E. Main St, Franklin, Tn. Formerly "Dotson's Restaurant".
Brad Jr driving new car: area around 4311 Long Ln. Franklin, Tn. Driving eastbound.
Not 100 % sure but I think the swimming scenes were shot at Graystone Quarry. Near I-65/840 split.
Hopefully will be back with more!
I've been searching endlessly for Walken's house in this. I even reached out to the location manager, and she couldn't remember. The area around Harpeth-Peytonsville Rd feels promising to me based on the little seen in the film. Granted, I840 runs thru the area now, and wasn't there in '85. I've kinda hit a dead end with the locations, so if anyone can help I'd appreciate it. It's driving me nuts because the property is probably right under my nose!
DeleteChristopher Walken Pickup Truck Freakout: Driving South on W. Harpeth Rd. Franklin Tn. 35°50'27.6"N 86°56'21.9"W is the field where he's driving in circles.
Deletei was looking for the locations for a long time , thank you, one of my fav films ever
ReplyDeleteGreat 🎥 movie.
ReplyDeleteThat’s awesome someone found the location used for their house - very cool! What about the house used as Mary Stuart Masterons?
ReplyDelete998 Beechcroft Rd. Spring Hill, Tn. Funny enough, I went to a wedding at this property many years ago before I had ever seen the film. Once I started trying to find the locations, I remembered this house, and sure enough this is it! Wish I had taken some pics at the wedding!!
DeleteThe restaurant scene was filmed at Bell Cove in Hendersonville.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate that! I was looking all around Williamson County for that. Had no idea they filmed up that way too.
DeleteDoesn't show the rock cory scene in Columbia TN
ReplyDeletemotel where terry was raped? =O
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Franklin and purchased a black ‘69 Camaro SS from the exact location where Walken parked to launder his money. During filming I parked it next to the courthouse to watch. Someone approached me stating that Production wanted to buy my car to use as the gift car to Penn. Their offer was much to low so I counter offered to lease it to them. I was told that wouldn’t work because they were going to shoot bullet holes in it. I knew the guy that they eventually bought the green Chevelle from and they did indeed shoot bullet holes in it.
ReplyDeleteThe lunch scene was shot at a small diner on the Harper River, at the time. I, along with curious friends, watched them set up and film those scenes. That restaurant was torn down within a few years of filming.
I also had two friends (that were brothers), and co-workers, whom Sean and Chris Penn lived with for a few days to observe and learn in an effort to sharpen their characters. “Darryl” and “Hog” were very evident to me in Sean’s and Chris’s characters. Interesting trivia!