It’s been 30 years since director Steven Spielberg and a cast of stars descended upon Anson and Union counties to film the acclaimed movie adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Color Purple.”
From June 24 through Aug. 18, 1985, various locations in both counties were taken back in time as film crews recreated a small rural town in the early 1900s. Although many scenes were shot in Marshville, Anson County is home to the house that Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg, and her husband, played by Danny Glover, lived in. Anson also had the iconic field of purple flowers and the church that plays a huge role in the film.
Realtor Don Scarborough remembered being an extra in the movie, and getting to sit across from director Spielberg’s then-wife, Amy Irving, during a lunch break.
Horne also recalled that the filmmakers didn’t think the purple flowers grown in an Anson field were “purple enough.”
“They came and asked me if I could dye the flowers the right shade of purple,” he said.
It turned out that Spielberg ended up seeing the field of flowers, and saying it was the most beautiful field he’d ever seen, and that was that.
Wanda Maness had a small role in the film, and remembers that it was July the day she filmed, but she had to wear a full suit, wool socks and a bonnet. She also remembers that the producers gave her real 1909 money to keep in her purse in order to make the scene truly authentic. “They didn’t want anything to be left to chance,” she said.
She also recalls that the ground was sprayed with flour to give the look that there was snow on the ground for wintertime scenes.
Maness said she is sure that Anson County has a special place in Steven Spielberg’s heart since his first son was born during the filming, and producer Quincy Jones celebrated a birthday during filming as well. Speilberg was even made an honorary deputy on June 29, 1985, and proudly wore his deputy hat every day after that, Maness said.
Although “The Color Purple” was shunned at the Academy Awards that year, Maness said Anson citizens joined together and held their own “Academy Awards ceremony” at Twin Valley Country Club, during which the movie won every Oscar it was nominated for.
“They truly did win everything in our book,” she said.
Manes will hold a “Color Purple Paint Party” on July 9 at 6 p.m. Now a certified art instructor, she will be instructing would-be artists how to paint purple flowers. The cost is $35, which includes supplies and snacks. For more information, call Maness at 704-690-2810.
Other events planned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the filming of “The Color Purple” include:
July 13, 7-9 p.m. — “Meet and Greet” reception at the Marshville Community Center.
July 14, 7-9 p.m. — Gospel Singing on the Square, Wadesboro.
July 15, noon to 1 p.m. — Bach’s Lunch, First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Wadesboro. Cost is $10.
July 16, 11 a.m. — Color Purple Lunch, Kate-Clyde Catering Creations, Marshville. Tickets are $7.
July 16, 6-9 p.m. — “Meet and Greet” Color Purple Party, HOLLA! Center, Morven.
July 17, 7 p.m. — “The Color Purple” screening at Ansonia Theatre. Free. The mailbox featured in the movie will be onsite for citizens to take photos with, and share their own memories.
July 18, 6-11 p.m. — Grand Finale Celebration, downtown Marshville with Juke Joint, band and street vendors.