Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil or “The Book” as locals refer to it was released into theaters in November of 1997. This panoramic tale of Savannah’s eccentricities focuses on a murder and the subsequent trial of Jim Williams: self made man, art collector, antiques dealer, bon vivant and semi-closeted homosexual. John Kelso a magazine reporter finds himself in Savannah amid the beautiful architecture and odd doings to write a feature on one of William’s famous Christmas parties. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film stars John Cusack, Kevin Spacey and Jack Thompson.
Want to experience a little of the Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil history when you visit Savannah? Here are some ways:
Savannah Movie Tours
The famous 90-minute narrated tour, includes numerous film clips and passes by many of the most recognizable film locations in Savannah. This is a ‘must do’ tour for moviegoers of all ages.
Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil Book Tour
Are the locals really as eccentric as he makes them out to be? Are the mansions and daily lives of the local gentry as opulent as all that? How much of the Clint Eastwood movie of the same name was “movie magic” and how much of Savannah really looks like that? Fans of the book, as well as folks who want a taste of downtown history and a chance to visit Bonaventure Cemetery, love the Book tour.
Mercer Williams House
The Mercer House was designed by New York architect John S. Norris for General Hugh W. Mercer, great grandfather of Johnny Mercer. Construction of the house began in 1860, was interrupted by the Civil War and was later completed, circa 1868, by the new owner, John Wilder.
In 1969, Jim Williams, one of Savannah’s earliest and most dedicated private restorationists, bought the then vacant house and began a two-year restoration. This house is one of the more than 50 houses Mr. Williams saved during his thirty-year career in historic restoration in Savannah and the Lowcountry.
Throughout the house you will see furniture and art from Mr. Williams’ private collection including 18th and 19th century furniture, 18th century English and American portraits, drawings from the 17th century and a wide collection of Chinese export porcelain.
The Bird Girl Statue
Bird Girl is a sculpture made in 1936 by Sylvia Shaw Judson in Lake Forest, Illinois. It achieved fame when it was featured on the cover of the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It is now housed at the Jepson Center for the Arts, part of the Telfair Museums.
Clary’s Cafe
Clary’s is a place full of nostalgia and intriguing characters. It is a colorful mosaic of times and people and the bonds that have formed throughout the years. The feelings of home and family are evident when you walk through the door. As you look around at all of the knickknacks, paintings, family pictures and memorabilia that form its décor, you may wonder how a drugstore could have evolved into what you see now! Delicious breakfast and lunch specialties.
The Lady Chablis
“Savannah’s Doll” performed monthly at Club One Savannah until her passing on September 8, 2016. The Lady Chablis, also known as Brenda Dale Knox became notable in the early 1990s when she was featured as one of Savannah’s colorful characters in John Berendt’s book “Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil”. Chablis and her larger-than-life adventures provided a counterbalance to the darker narrative of murder that was central to the book.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery is a public cemetery located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River. The cemetery became famous when it was featured in the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It is the largest of the city’s municipal cemeteries, containing nearly 160 acres. It is open daily for tours and after hours with local tour companies.
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My name is Don Callahan and I am an experienced and top producing Realtor in Savannah, Georgia. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any Real Estate needs and questions. My telephone number is 912-441-4416 or you can email me at [email protected].
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