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The Flying Deer Diner Indiana: A Cinematic Gem

 

If you were ever a fan of the 2014 drama The Judge, you have probably wondered about the charming Flying Deer Diner Carlinville Indiana, the charming eatery that was featured prominently in the series. It has captured the hearts of movie buffs and small-town enthusiasts alike. But here’s the twist – the Flying Deer Diner isn’t quite what it seems!

The Heart of Carlinville, Indiana

Photos: Shelburne Falls transformed into Robert Downey Jr. movie set -  masslive.com

In The Judge, the Flying Deer Diner serves as a central location in the fictional town of Carlinville, Indiana. The diner becomes a symbol of small-town America, where everyone knows your name and your coffee order.

In this drama, Hank Palmer, a successful big-city lawyer, returns to his hometown after 20 years for his mother’s funeral. The Flying Deer Diner Carlinville Indiana becomes a pivotal location in his journey It forces him to confront the life he left behind. Here, he begins to reconsider his choices and reconnect with the community he once abandoned.

The Flying Deer Diner Indiana

Surprise! The Flying Deer Diner Carlinville Indiana doesn’t actually exist. Hollywood brought this location to life using two real-world locations in Shelburne Falls. Such is the magic of the film industry!

Exterior Shots: A Gallery in Disguise

For the exterior of the Flying Deer Diner, filmmakers chose the Salmon Falls Artisans Showroom in Shelburne Falls. It was completely transformed into the diner’s facade. Imagine the surprise of regular gallery visitors when they saw their favorite art spot sporting a “Flying Deer Diner” sign!

The Salmon Falls Artisans Showroom is owned by Josh Simpson, a renowned glass artist. In real life, it exhibits works from over 90 independent artists from western Massachusetts and the surrounding areas. The gallery’s picturesque exterior, with its classic New England charm, made it the perfect choice for the fictional diner’s facade.

Interior Magic: From Candles to Coffee

The former Mole Hollow Candle Co. retail store, also in Shelburne Falls, became the inside of the Flying Deer Diner. This building was chosen for its stunning views of Salmon Falls. It provided a picturesque backdrop for the diner scenes.

Mole Hollow Candle Co., founded in 1969 in western Massachusetts, is known nationwide for its high-quality candles. The company has since moved its operations to Sturbridge, Massachusetts. However, its former retail space in Shelburne Falls played a crucial role in bringing the Flying Deer Diner to life on screen.

Transforming Shelburne Falls into Carlinville

Things to Do in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts - Adventures in New England

The production team went all out to turn Shelburne Falls into the fictional Carlinville, Indiana. They changed signage throughout the town and even created a fictional “Blueberry Festival” for added small-town charm. For a few weeks, Massachusetts residents could say they lived in Indiana!

The transformation wasn’t without its challenges. The filming caused temporary traffic disruptions in Shelburne Falls. Parts of the town had to be closed off or had restricted access during shooting. However, the local community embraced the excitement of Hollywood coming to their small town.

The Flying Deer Diner’s Impact

Filming Locations of The Judge | Flying Deer Dinner | MovieLoci.com

Despite being a fictional place, the Flying Deer Diner in Carlinville, Indiana has left a lasting impression. It represents the heart of small-town America, where community ties run deep. Here, old relationships can be rekindled over a cup of coffee.

In the movie, the diner serves as more than just a setting. It’s a character in its own right, witnessing the unfolding drama of Hank Palmer’s return. It unfolds the complex relationship with his father, the town’s judge, played by Robert Duvall. 

The diner becomes a neutral ground where tensions ease and truths are revealed. The flying deer diner Indiana showcases the power of cinema to create memorable locations that resonate with audiences. 

While you can’t actually grab a meal at the diner, you can always visit the Salmon Falls Artisans Showroom. Imagine Robert Downey Jr. breaking in through the drainpipe!

A Cinematic Legacy

The Judge (2014)

Whether you’re a fan of  The Judge or just love exploring movie locations, the story of the Flying Deer Diner in Carlinville, Indiana is a fascinating peek behind the Hollywood curtain.

The creation of the Flying Deer Diner Indiana also highlights the importance of location scouting in filmmaking. The choice to film in Shelburne Falls rather than an actual location in Indiana allowed the filmmakers to create exactly the atmosphere they wanted.

Moreover, the diner serves as a metaphor for Hank Palmer’s journey in the film. The exterior and interior of the diner are actually two separate locations seamlessly blended by movie magic. Similarly, Hank must reconcile his polished big-city exterior with his small-town roots.

The Flying Deer Diner, though fictional, has become a part of cinematic lore. It reminds us that sometimes, the most memorable places are those that exist only in our imagination – and on the silver screen.

 

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