Merrimack Valley is an incredible area, and Hollywood agrees. While some movies rely on sets to create a scene, others choose to film on-location. These two movies use the incredible towns and landmarks of the Lowell, Concord, and other local towns for their backdrops. Whether it’s because the story takes place here or because the director feels it fits their vision, if you pay close attention to these movies, you’ll recognize key places in Merrimack Valley.
The Fighter
The Fighter is a biographical sports drama that came out in 2010. Directed by David O. Russell and starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo, it showcases the lives and early careers of professional boxer “Irish” Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale). The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, with Bale and Leo taking home Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.
As Ward was born and raised in Lowell, it only makes sense that principle photography would take place on location. Frequent visitors might notice several landmarks and local favorites as they watch the film.
Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
Many of the boxing matches shown in The Fighter were filmed at Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. These matches were carefully choreographed to replicate Ward’s actual fights. If you’re still looking to see live fights and other entertainment, the Tsongas Center is home to various sports events and live performances throughout the year.
Little Women
Little Women is one of the most famous stories written and set in Concord. The book was originally written by Louisa May Alcott in 1868 and is a beloved classic. This has resulted in it getting adapted for the silver screen several times. The most recent adaptation was released in 2019, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Meryl Streep, and Bob Odenkirk, among others. The story covers the lives of the March Family, centering around Jo March and her three sisters – Amy, Beth, and Meg – and the joys and sorrows they encountered growing up.
The 2019 adaptation of Little Women is especially notable for filming primarily in Massachusetts, including in several key locations in Merrimack Valley.
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House
Home to the author herself, the story of Little Women is primarily set at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord. Despite the house’s prominence, only a little of the movie was actually filmed here. The crew did not wish to disturb the historic and carefully-maintained property. However, it’s still a worthwhile place for any fan to visit. You can take guided tours of the house and feel like you’ve stepped right into the story.
Fruitlands Museum
Over in Harvard, the Shaker Museum building at the Fruitlands Museum was used as the home of Meg March and her husband, John Brooke. The property also once belonged to the Alcotts, so it has historical significance to the story while also making a stunning backdrop. While you’re there, you can visit the various museums scattered throughout the 210 acres of land and enjoy the picturesque views.
There are many more movies that have been made in Merrimack, but The Fighter and Little Women are held near and dear to the Valley due to their subjects’ close connections to the area. Come visit the locations these great movies were filmed at and experience the movie magic that still lingers.
