East Corinth, Vt. – A Hub for “Beetlejuice” Fans

For nearly four decades, East Corinth, Vermont, has attracted numerous fans of the cult classic “Beetlejuice,” who are eager to explore the filming locations of this quirky horror film.

With just about 1,500 residents, the town has become a notable destination among cinema enthusiasts and those on themed road trips.

Lisa Pinkerton, a fan visiting from England with her family, shared her thoughts: “It felt like a coming-of-age film for me. It really brings back memories of watching it with friends. It’s amazing to see everything come together and witness that Hollywood magic.”

The original “Beetlejuice,” released in 1988, is set in the fictional town of Winter River, Connecticut. The plot follows a recently deceased couple, played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, as they attempt to drive their family away from their home, enlisting the help of the chaotic bioexorcist, Beetlejuice, portrayed by Michael Keaton. However, they soon reconsider this decision.

Interestingly, director Tim Burton opted to film many iconic scenes in East Corinth, close to the New Hampshire border. These include the historic building known as Miss Shannon School for Girls, where Winona Ryder’s character, Lydia Deetz, is enrolled, and the red bridge where the main characters drive off to their demise.

Local resident Sarah Poli lives near the film’s bridge. She transformed her garage into the Winter River Fire Station, with the rest of her home serving as a real estate and travel agency. Her uncle, Maurice Page, even landed a role in the film.

Poli shared a fun tidbit: “He was supposed to be a barber, but he kept improvising, which annoyed Tim Burton. They eventually gave him a non-speaking part as Ernie, dusting the statue in front of the library.” In the film, he’s seen greeting Maitland while driving a yellow Volvo.

“It was a fun experience for everyone, but I think some older locals expected a wholesome countryside story. There was some surprise when the movie was released,” Poli noted.

Burton returned to East Corinth to film the sequel, which further increased tourist interest in the town. Residents, affectionately calling visitors “juicers,” have welcomed fans from around the globe.

Wade Pearson, who grew up in East Corinth, created a walking tour to guide fans like Pinkerton to various filming locations. This approximately 10-minute self-guided tour helps visitors visualize the movie’s memorable sets by featuring large billboards with screenshots.

“People often ask, ‘Where is my house?’ But it was a movie set that is no longer there,” Pearson explained. “There’s a photo on a pole, and if you stand at just the right angle and squat down, you can align it with the hills across the river to get an authentic photo of what it looked like during filming.”

The former school building has been purchased by a “Beetlejuice” enthusiast who aims to restore it and create a community center, complete with a museum and theater dedicated to the film.

Pearson’s home, adorned with “Beetlejuice”-themed decorations, is right across from the school, giving him a front-row view of the filming for both movies. “I’m privileged to live literally across the street from Miss Shannon’s house, which is like having a living movie set,” he expressed. “The more people who enjoy it, the better.”