Savannah, GA, has been the backdrop of many famous films, including Forrest Gump, The Lady and the Tramp, and, yes, even Magic Mike XXL. However, no movie filmed in Savannah — or story, for that matter — is quite as iconic as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
This award-winning movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, is based on the book by John Berendt, which tells the true story of a murder in Savannah. The entire movie was filmed in Savannah, making Savannah a must-visit destination for fans of the story. However, true fans can’t miss the experience of staying in a home-turned-vacation-rental featured in the movie, hosted by our team at South Key Management. Keep reading to get the scoop on what this historic property has to offer!
Key Takeaways
- Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a popular book and movie set in Savannah that follows the real-life murder of Danny Hansford by Jim Williams.
- Savannah’s historic charm and allure play a key role in the book and movie, with popular tourist sites such as the Mercer Williams House, Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and Clary’s Cafe serving as filming locations and storytelling elements.
- During your trip to Savannah, you can book a stay in The Lady Chablis’ home, now called Maison Bleue, which was featured several times in the movie.
What Is Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil?
Before we share the details of our historic property (a must-stay for movie fans!), here’s a quick overview of the movie’s plot for those unfamiliar (or those who might need a quick refresher).
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a mystery-drama based on a true story that follows the murder trial of an antiques dealer, Jim Williams (Kevin Spacey), who was accused of killing his lover, Billy Hanson (Jude Law), who goes by Danny Hansford in the book. The movie’s story is narrated by John Kelso (John Cusack), a journalist from New York visiting Savannah who becomes deeply involved in the murder trial and, as a result, in the city’s eccentric culture.
Savannah’s unique charm is more than a setting — it becomes its own character in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and is truly what makes the story iconic! The moss-covered streets, haunted squares, charming homes, and timeless architecture all add to the suspense and intrigue of solving what actually happened during the murder.
Can I Stay in the Mercer Williams House?
If you’ve seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, chances are, you’re well-acquainted with the Mercer Williams House on Monterey Square — the home where the infamous murder took place in 1981. While you can tour the Mercer Williams House Museum during a visit to Savannah (or hear more about its haunted history on a ghost tour!), this historic home does not welcome overnight guests.
However, fans of the movie can stay in Maison Bleue, the on-screen home of The Lady Chablis, featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The Lady Chablis, a prominent transgender entertainer in Savannah, was known for performing at Club One. She played her own character, Chablis Deveau, who acted as a vibrant counterpart to the film’s darker themes.
Notable Features of Maison Bleue: Where Historic Charm Meets Modern Amenities
While we only see the exterior of Chablis Deveau’s home in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, during a stay at Maison Bleue, you’ll have the chance to see the historic elegance and charm of this movie-made-famous home up close and personal. Here are some of the top features of this stunning three-bedroom home in Savannah’s Historic District:
- Fantastic Location — This home, just blocks from Forsyth Park, is within walking distance of Savannah’s scenic squares, southern dining, historic houses and museums, and local shops.
- Historic Charm — This historic home, built in 1883, still has many of its original features, including vintage hardwood floors and an exposed brick fireplace.
- Spacious Design — This home’s 1,900-square-foot layout includes a spacious living room and dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, three comfortable bedrooms, an additional den with a trundle bed, and two full bathrooms, with another half bathroom downstairs.
- Picturesque Outdoor Spaces — The home’s second-floor deck offers spectacular views of Historic Savannah, and the secluded garden courtyards are perfect for al fresco dining or relaxation.
- Modern Conveniences — This historic property has been renovated with modern appliances and amenities, including an in-home washer and dryer, high-speed internet, and smart TVs.
Other Notable Savannah Locations Featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil to Visit During Your Savannah Vacation
In addition to The Lady Chablis’ house, where you can stay during your Savannah vacation, here are some other iconic places featured in the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, that you can explore during your trip to Savannah:
Mercer Williams House
Take a tour of the Mercer Williams House Museum, one of the best museums in Savannah, where Jim Williams shot Danny Hansford. During a tour, you can learn about the home’s fascinating history while seeing the antiques, artwork, and curiosities collected by Williams during his lifetime. You can also shop for souvenirs to bring home in the Carriage House, located behind the home.
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park and its iconic fountain are featured during multiple scenes in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, most notably when John Kelso first arrives in Savannah at the beginning of the movie.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery, located just outside Historic Savannah, is featured during a couple of scenes in the movie, including the funeral for Danny Hansford. It is also the real-life burial place of Johnny Mercer, the legendary musician who was the original owner of the Mercer Williams House.
Clary’s Cafe
Clary’s Cafe is a popular breakfast spot in Savannah that was also a filming location for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. During the film, John Kelso spends considerable time at this cafe, gathering information for his story while observing and learning more about the city’s eccentric locals.
The Bird Girl Statue
The Bird Girl Statue, initially located in Bonaventure Cemetery, was famously featured on the book cover and movie posters for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Now you can see this famous statue on display at the Jepson Center, where it was permanently installed in 2014.
Experience a Piece of Savannah’s Cinematic History During a Stay at Maison Bleue with South Key Management
Whether you’re a movie buff, a history lover, or simply want to experience an iconic piece of cinematic history during your visit to Savannah, don’t miss your chance to stay at The Lady Chablis’ home, featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, during your upcoming Savannah vacation.
Book your stay at Maison Bleue, and prepare to immerse yourself in Savannah’s authentic character and charm. We can’t wait to welcome you to Savannah — but in the meantime, check out our visitor guide to get some inspiration about what to do during your stay in our beautiful city!
