An Overview of Where the Movie Taps Was Filmed
Taps is a 1981 drama movie starring Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. The movie tells the story of a group of military school cadets who take a stand against the government when their school is threatened with closure. It is one of the first major Hollywood films to be shot entirely on location, using real-life military sites as a backdrop for the action.
The movie was filmed at three primary locations: the Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA) in Wayne, Pennsylvania; West Point Military Academy in New York; and Camp Smith in Peekskill, New York. In addition, several other real-life places were used, such as Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennypack Park, and Fort Washington State Park.
Exploring the Locations Used to Film Taps
The Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA) served as the main filming location for Taps. VFMA is a private college preparatory boarding school located in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The campus was used to portray the fictional Bunker Hill Military Academy in the movie. The exterior scenes were shot at the school’s parade ground, while the interior scenes were filmed in the chapel, classrooms, and dormitories.
West Point Military Academy also played a key role in the movie. This prestigious military academy is located in New York and is one of the oldest military academies in the United States. The exterior shots of the academy were filmed at Trophy Point, which is one of the most iconic spots on the campus. In addition, the movie featured some of the grounds of the academy, including the parade ground and the cemetery where General Douglas MacArthur is buried.
Camp Smith was another important filming location for Taps. This military base is located in Peekskill, New York, and is home to the New York National Guard. The movie was filmed at various locations on the base, including the parade ground and military barracks. The camp was also used to film the final battle scene in the movie.
A Look at the Real-Life Places Behind Taps
In addition to the three main filming locations, several other real-life places were used to create the world of Taps. Valley Forge National Historical Park was used to portray the fictional Bunker Hill Military Academy in the movie. The park is located just outside of Philadelphia and is home to many historic buildings and monuments.
Pennypack Park was used to film the scenes set in the woods around the military academy. This park is located in northeast Philadelphia and features wooded trails, streams, and ponds. The park was also used to shoot the scene where the cadets are running through the woods.
Fort Washington State Park was the last of the filming locations used in the movie. This park is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and is home to many historic buildings, monuments, and trails. The park was used to film the scene where the cadets are marching up the hill.
How the Filming Locations in Taps Came Together
Finding the perfect locations for Taps was a lengthy process that involved scouting and research. The filmmakers scouted numerous locations before settling on the three primary filming sites. They worked closely with the military academies to ensure that everything was accurate and realistic.
Securing permits and access to the parks was also a challenge. The filmmakers had to work with the local authorities to make sure they had permission to film in these locations. They also had to hire local crew members to help them with the logistics of filming in these areas.
The Fascinating Story Behind the Making of Taps
The story behind the making of Taps is just as interesting as the movie itself. The movie was written by director Harold Becker and producer Stanley Jaffe and was inspired by the real-life events of the 1971 student protest at Valley Forge Military Academy. The script went through numerous revisions before it was finally approved.
The casting of the movie was also a long process. Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn were chosen for the lead roles, and the supporting cast included a number of young actors and actresses. All of the actors had to undergo rigorous rehearsals and training in order to prepare for the movie.
The movie was shot on location over a period of four weeks. The filmmakers had to cope with the weather conditions and other unexpected challenges while shooting on location. Despite the difficulties, they managed to capture the essence of the story and create an iconic movie.
What It Was Like to Film Taps on Location
Filming Taps on location was a unique experience for everyone involved. The filmmakers worked closely with the military advisors to ensure that everything was accurate and realistic. They also interacted with the local community and received a great deal of support from the people living in the area.
The weather conditions were often unpredictable, and the filmmakers had to be prepared to change plans quickly. Despite the challenges, the filmmakers managed to capture the atmosphere and emotion of the story and create a timeless movie.
A Tour of the Taps Filming Sites
Visiting the places where Taps was filmed is a great way to get a deeper understanding of the movie. The Valley Forge Military Academy is open to visitors and offers guided tours of the campus. West Point Military Academy also has various tours available, and Camp Smith offers guided tours of the base.
Valley Forge National Historical Park is open year-round and is a great place to explore the history of the area. Pennypack Park is also open to visitors and offers scenic trails and picnic spots. Finally, Fort Washington State Park is open to visitors and has many historic buildings and monuments to explore.
For those who want to take a deeper dive into the movie, there are now guided tours of the Taps filming sites. These tours will take you to all of the locations used in the movie and give you an insight into the making of the movie and the stories behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Taps is an iconic movie that was filmed entirely on location. The movie was filmed at three primary locations: Valley Forge Military Academy, West Point Military Academy, and Camp Smith. Several other real-life places were also used, such as Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennypack Park, and Fort Washington State Park.
The story behind the making of Taps is just as fascinating as the movie itself. The filmmakers had to work closely with the military advisors and the local community in order to create this timeless classic. Today, fans of the movie can visit the filming locations and take a guided tour of the sites.
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