Angela Lansbury superfans, known as “Fangelas” are preparing to flock to the Mendocino Coast the first weekend in May for the sold-out Second Annual “Murder, She Wrote Festival.” The TV series is one of the most watched shows in syndication, and Mendocino was used as a filming location for nine of the episodes. Many locals have fond memories of the days the production company came to town. Enjoy this reprint of a Mendocino Beacon article from April 20, 1989.
Television Series Crew Return to the Coast
They’re back!
Crews from Universal Studios returned to Mendocino for a week of shooting the television series “Murder, She Wrote.” Many of Mendocino and Fort Bragg’s homes and businesses are transformed into Cabot Cove, Maine – home of mystery writer Jessica Fletcher each spring. This year is no exception.
Filming began last week on the Mendocino Headlands with the Beacon Building, Blair House, The Wharf, Russian Gulch State Park and Hill House also serving as backdrops for the series.
The filming of an episode of Murder, She Wrote in 1988 on the corner of Lansing and Ukiah Streets. Photographer: Bill Wagner.
Since the television series began filming locally several years ago, estimates are that more than $2 million has entered the local economy. More dollars are generated in the area through the hiring of area residents, and through return trips to the area by individuals associated with the production.
First Assistant Director Allen DiGioia said the crews have employed more than 150 local residents during the week, many of those “background artists” or extras. Additionally, actors and crews spent Sunday roaming the streets of Mendocino in search of souvenirs and gifts for those they left in Los Angeles.
“I think the word is out (on Mendocino),” DiGioia said, “And it’s good.” He said the production enjoys their trips to Mendocino not only because it is a welcome relief from being in the studio, but also because of the ease with which they are able to work with the community.
“People here are very cooperative,” he said. “It’s easy to get locations, people…. There will be many more productions here.”
“There are a lot of names given through channels about a location, either good or negative. Mendocino has a good reputation. People only have positive, good reports.”
Director Walter Grauman says at least one more season of “Murder, She Wrote” will be filmed on location in the area and agrees there is no better place to be working on location.
“The exteriors… local talents… local color… It’s all conducive to good film.”
Pat Turner, who is filling in for local casting coordinator Toni Lemos, said one of the benefits reaped from the local filming is continuing to work with the “Murder, She Wrote” production company.
“This crew, the group… there’s a camaraderie a niceness,” she said. “Many of these same people are all working together again and they all work extremely well together.”
Local residents and tourists in town for the weekend followed the crews from location to location to seek autographs, a photograph, or simply a glimpse of one of the cast. In addition to “regulars” Angela Lansbury, William Windom and Ron Masak, other actors including Jean Simmons, Richard Anderson, Shelly Fabares and Ken Howard were on the set at one time or another.
The episode is a two-hour special which will air near the change in television seasons. No specific date has been given yet.
Crews left early this morning to return to Los Angeles and complete taping of the segment.
This excerpt, along with several other stories about the filming of Murder, She Wrote, appears in the book “Mendocino and the Movies” by Bruce Levene, available for sale online or at the Kelley House Museum. The Kelley House Museum is open from 11AM to 3PM Thursday through Monday. The exhibit Don’t Panic * Eat Organic: 50 Years of the Corners Collective is now open through June 2nd. Walking Tours of Mendocino and Murder, She Wrote locations are available; the cost is $25. Visit the Kelley House Event Calendar for a Walking Tour schedule.