MovieChat Forums > Violets Are Blue... (1986) Discussion > Ocean City Newspaper

Ocean City Newspaper

posted 16 years ago by BHPD104
9 replies | jump to latest

Yeah the movie certainly wasn't the greatest movie of all time for any of the big-name actors in the film, but I live in Maryland, and have a permanent beach house in Ocean City, and it was cool to watch a movie filmed in a place where I am at a lot.

The funny thing is that the Coast Dispatch newspaper, the one that Kevin Kline works at in the movie, is in fact, the popular "newspaper of record" in Ocean City, and to this day (2008), it's available in every restaurant, convienence store and gas station in the city. Even though it's free, it's considered a "major paper" for Ocean City.

The other funny thing, is that most of the places shown in the movie, still look the same today. Although Ocean City constantly seems to be tearing down and rebuilding hotels and motels, most of the original "beach houses" are still there, and still used on a regular basis by the 12,000 year-round residents, and the over 300,000 seasonal residents.

The movie will always hold a special place in my heart!

[–] mrsecuret 16 years ago

I was an Ocean City cop when they made this movie in 1984. (Yes, they filmed it in '84 but waited a couple of years to release it.) Back then there were only about 7,500 full-time residents and about 250,000 in the summer, although there were often a half million or more in town on busy weekends. I got to work the set security detail a good bit--nothing like a 6-8, 290-pound cop to keep away nefarious individuals! It was quite interesting, and I'd love this movie for that if nothing else. That said . . . I think it's a pretty decent flick, and I'm surprised that it wasn't more successful, especially given the quality of the three big stars. I'd love to have the DVD as well, but I agree that it's not likely.

BTW--The real-life bar was called "The Bearded Clam"--no joke!

[–] linda303 15 years ago

Is the yellow house still there? Couldn't find it last time I went to OC. Love the bumper cars!

[–] jkmcneil 14 years ago

I was curious to know if the house was still there as well and if anyone knew its exact location. And also, the house that the parents lived in. I am happy to hear the places still look the same. Am hoping to make it here one day to see them. Personally, I loved this movie and bought it a few years back on VHS on ebay. Would love it on DVD if they ever released it!

[–] MurderInc2014 13 years ago

I always make a point every year stopping by the little display they have honoring the film and it's opening night release in OC located in Trimper Rides at the end of the OC boardwalk.

[–] WarpedRecord 12 years ago

I'm not surprised Ocean City still holds this film highly because it highlights the area very well. Many "regional" films feel a bit synthetic, but this one seems to provide a true sense of the area and its charm. I'd love to visit the area someday for a "Violets Are Blue" tour.

[–] MurderInc2014 8 years ago

Yes... Ocean City is a magical place when you are young. I remember it was a thrill to find out that a major motion picture had been filmed in the place I vacationed at once a year. We stay in Bethany Beach now up the road a bit but we still take a night out to drive down to the OC boardwalk at least once. Wonder if any other films have been made there? Good memories of summer vacations in OC with my extended family.

"Somebody showed me a picture, and I just laughed
Dignity never been photographed."

[–] WarpedRecord 8 years ago

You were lucky to have visited Ocean City. It is a beautiful place. It might get kind of boring if you lived there, but I'd risk it.

It's too bad this film isn't better known, but as I recall, it didn't have a lot going for it beyond the scenery and the cast.

[–] MurderInc2014 8 years ago

I'm not sure how i'd like living right in OC especially during the summer months. I think the tourists and all the traffic would get on my nerves. I'd like living a little inland though for sure and maybe in areas around OC that aren't as commercialized like Bethany Beach...The whole area of coastline from OC up to Rehoboth is beautiful. I did take my kids to the Sea Witch festival in Rehoboth in late October one year and we stayed a few days after the festival was over. That's pretty much when EVERYTHING except a few places closes down. We took a short drive down through OC and it was like a ghost town. Actually pretty cool, 90% of the businesses seemed closed for the year. It was neat to see. I would have no problem living there under those conditions. LOL. Driving a bus for the city of Pittsburgh for 18 years tends to make you sick of traffic and crowds. If you get a chance I highly recommend a visit to the Delmarva shore.

"Somebody showed me a picture, and I just laughed
Dignity never been photographed."

[–] mikeinwoc 11 years ago

The house was built for the movie at the end of route 707 on Stinky Beach in West Ocean City. It was torn down shortly after filming was finished. The parents house is located on South Division Street next to the bus terminal.