4 Influential Movies Filmed Around Southern Louisiana

You never know where influential movies were filmed until you take a close look at their histories. It turns out that several important movies were made in the Lafayette area. If you want to watch a film with scenes recorded near your home, check out these four flicks. You may spot a few places you recognize.

Tarzan of the Apes (1918)

Directors have made more than 40 versions of the Tarzan story. The first Tarzan film was shot in 1918. Technological limitations at the time meant that director Scott Sidney could only make a silent film. Unfortunately, audiences never got to hear Tarzan’s signature yell.

Sidney filmed much of his “Tarzan of the Apes” in Morgan City, which he felt had a similar look and feel as the African jungle where Tarzan lives. The swamp may not look exactly like a jungle, but it’s a close approximation for an early movie that didn’t have much funding.

The Blob (1988)

Chuck Russell’s remake of “The Blob” is supposedly set in a town called Arborville, California. In reality, Russell made most of the movie in Abbeville, Louisiana, which is only about 20 miles from Lafayette.

“The Blob” didn’t do well in movie theaters, but it gained a cult following after its release on VHS. Some fans claim that it is one of the best films of all time. The movie does have extraordinary special effects, especially considering the year and budget constraints.

The Buccaneer (1958)

Anthony Quinn’s “The Buccaneer” tells the story of Louisiana’s involvement in the War of 1812 by focusing on the work of Jean Lafitte, a buccaneer (some may call him a pirate) who eventually decides to help the Americans win the war.

Quinn filmed most of “The Buccaneer” in New Orleans. Historically, that’s where most of the story took place. Quinn also shot several scenes on-set in Hollywood. When it came time to film a scene set at the Louisiana governor’s home, the producers wanted to find an authentic building. As soon as they discovered Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia, they knew they had the perfect location.

Belizaire, The Cajun (1986)

“Belizaire, The Cajun” takes place in 1859, a time when French-speaking Louisiana residents were facing conflicts with English-speaking settlers moving into the area. Belizaire Breaux, the main character after whom the movie takes its name, wants to keep his village together despite the invading anglophones.

“Belizaire, The Cajun” is set in Acadiana, so it made sense for the director to shoot scenes in towns like Lafayette, Cecilia, and Henderson. Glen Pitre, who directed the movie, knew exactly where to find the right settings because he grew up in Cut Off, Louisiana and had familiarity with the Acadiana region.

Every resident of Lafayette should watch these four movies. Each one played an important role in influencing the way that directors and movie buffs view films. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to enjoy a bowl of popcorn with friends while you try to decide where each scene was filmed.

Image “Tarzan of the Apes 1918” via Wikipedia Commons

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