One of the most anticipated dramas of the season is Sofia Coppola’s version of “The Beguiled”, which will be released on June 30. Set during the Civil War, it follows the story of a wounded soldier who takes shelter in a girls’ school in Virginia. The cast includes Nicole Kidman, Kate Dunst, Elle Fanning, and Colin Farrell.
The film was actually shot on location in and around New Orleans. The girls’ school is, in fact, Madewood Plantation House, in Napoleonville, Louisiana.
Dated from the 19th century, it was originally designed by New Orleans architect Henry Howard at the request of Thomas Pugh, one of the three brothers of the prominent Pugh family, who made vast profits with the agriculture in the state.
The mansion was not completely built when Thomas died in 1852. His widow, Eliza Foley, was the one responsible for finishing the construction. Madewood passed through several families over the years until it was sold in 1964 to Mrs. Marshall, mother of the current owner Keith Marshall. It wasn’t until the mid-1980s, when the utilities bill were too high, that it became a bed-and-breakfast. You can read more about Madewood’s history here.
Special rates are available when Madewood hosts special food, art, and lifestyle weekend packages.
See below the trailer of “The Beguiled”:
Contributor Carolina Malhado also has a blog reviewing movies, TV shows and theater in New York. You can follow it on Twitter and Instagram as well.