EAST CORINTH, Vt. (WCAX) – The sequel to the cult classic “Beetlejuice” is now out in select theaters, and like the original, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was partially filmed in Vermont. Our Adam Sullivan was in East Corinth today getting the reaction from residents who are sharing the spotlight.
East Corinth is a sleepy little town where the hay fields are mowed regularly and the news of the day is shared at the general store. But this small community plays a big role on the silver screen. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was shot in the town of Corinth last summer, as was the original in 1988.
“Tim Burton is legend. That is really cool to be a part of such a huge film,” said local resident Elise Turcketta.
“Beetlejuice” mania consumed the town last summer. The original set’s house on the hill, covered bridge, and store were built specifically for the new film.
Montpelier’s Lisa Samsom was in the original movie. “I love telling people I was in “Beetlejuice.” For me, personally, it’s been great,” she said
The house is now gone, the store has seen better days, and the bridge is no longer covered — you’ll find that structure at the nearby Northeast Slopes. But the town still attracts diehard “Beetlejuice” fans.
“For people who love the movie and people outside of the town, I’m not sure how much the town cares on a daily basis,” Samsom said.
“I was in a couple of the scenes,” said Abby Longto, who along with Braylee Phelps, are standouts on the Oxbow softball team. They were both cast as extras in the new movie. “It was pretty cool seeing Jenna Ortega and Tim Burton and all them.”
“It’s cool being in like something that’s famous,” added Phelps, though she says the movie production was a disruption to the day-to-day life in town. “Lines, traffic, people coming to visit. But other than that, it’s cool seeing our hometown be famous.”
“It was a big change for life for a lot of people for a few months, and I think it will be really cool to see maybe how those small inconveniences played this huge role,” Turcketta said.
The movie is showing in select theaters Thursday and the official premiere is Friday.