Columbia Pictures filmed “Violets Are Blue” in Ocean City during the summer of 1985. It was the first Hollywood movie ever made in Worcester County and starred Sissy Spacek, Kevin Kline and Bonnie Bedelia. The film was directed by Spacek’s husband, Jack Fisk, and many scenes were shot on location including the Boardwalk, Trimper’s Rides, Assateague and the downtown Ocean City offices of the Maryland Coast Dispatch.
The world premiere of “Violets Are Blue” took place on April 11, 1986 at the Sun and Surf Theatre. Attended by Spacek, Fisk and Bedelia (Kline was appearing on Broadway at the time and couldn’t make it), the premiere was emceed by local radio personality Wayne Cannon and reviewed by national film critic Roger Ebert (he liked it). As spotlights pierced the sky and movie-goers walked the red carpet, it was a festive night in Ocean City.
Pictured here at the Ocean City premiere were actress Sissy Spacek and her husband, Jack Fisk, and daughter, Schuyler.
Photo courtesy of Wayne Cannon