The summer of 1967 was an exciting time in South Berkshire County. A Hollywood cast and crew descended upon Great Barrington and North Egremont to film a movie later entitled “Pretty Poison.”
At the time, the working title was “She Let Him Continue,” based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Geller. The story centered around a mentally disturbed man, played by Anthony Perkins, and a high school marching band majorette who was even more mentally messed up, played by Tuesday Weld. It was the first movie Perkins made in the United States since starring in the Hitchcock thriller “Psycho.” Weld later described “Pretty Poison” as her least favorite film, because of issues she had with director Noel Black.
Released in 1968, “Pretty Poison” was panned by several critics, but praised by others. It has since become a cult classic.
Described by reviewers as a “black comedy” the movie also featured Beverly Garland, John Randolph, Ken Kercheval, and many local residents. Behind the scenes, Great Barrington businessman and marching band leader George Ryan was also involved. Crowds of locals and tourists gathered to watch the filming, especially at the hillside park in Great Barrington next to present-day Domaney’s Liquors.
View the original trailer for “Pretty Poison” below:
