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GRAFTON, Mass. — Grafton's Hollywood history can be traced to one of its most beloved landmarks: the Grafton Common bandstand, built in 1935 for the movie "Ah, Wilderness."
Grafton Common may make its second movie appearance, in the film "Orchard House," now shooting at a historic home in town. Scenes will likely include the bandstand, bringing it back to its origins as a movie prop.
In August 1935, a crew shot on South Street and Grafton Common for the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production of Eugene O'Neill's "Ah, Wilderness." Director Clarence Brown had been visiting a friend in Grafton when he was charmed by the Common's setting.
The bandstand, donated to the town at the conclusion of filming, was included in a Fourth of July scene. Extras were paid $3 a day, or $5 if they were used with a horse and carriage.
The film starred Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery, Aline McMahon, Cecelia Parker and Eric Linden.
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