For nearly four decades, the tiny town of East Corinth, Vermont, with a population of just around 1,500, has transformed from a sleepy rural outpost to a pop culture pilgrimage site, all due to its starring role in Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film, Beetlejuice. The town’s picturesque landscape, charming old buildings, and hauntingly whimsical atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s most memorable scenes, set in the fictional Winter River, Connecticut.
Since Beetlejuice’s release, East Corinth has been a magnet for fans seeking to relive Hollywood magic. Its quirky fame has only increased as the franchise expanded, with Tim Burton returning to film Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel, on location, sparking renewed curiosity and tourism. Locals affectionately refer to these travellers as ‘juicers,’ a nod to the movie’s mischievous spirit.
The Movie That Made a Town Famous
Beetlejuice, a gothic dark fantasy comedy-horror, features Michael Keaton as the titular bio-exorcist, along with Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as a recently deceased couple desperate to rid their home of its new living occupants. The film’s blend of macabre humour and imaginative set design won it both critical and commercial success, grossing $84 million and later spawning an entire franchise, including a stage musical, animated series, video games, and sequels.
Key locations in East Corinth played central roles in Beetlejuice, with its rolling hills, historic schoolhouse, and classic American architecture serving as visual touchstones for fans. The actual “Maitland House”, where much of the action unfolds, was a movie set, now dismantled, though fans can still trace its footprint thanks to local guides and clever photo props.
A Global Phenomenon: Tourism and Local Hospitality
East Corinth embraces its Beetlejuice legacy, welcoming fans from across the world. “I’ve met people from France, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Great Britain, all over Canada and the United States. It’s just amazing,” says local resident Polli. Visitors are treated to a continuous influx of Beetlejuice-themed Halloween decorations, as well as guided and self-guided walking tours, all accompanied by local hospitality.
Longtime resident Wade Pierson offers a walking tour that highlights the town’s filming locations, enhanced by roadside signs displaying film screenshots, allowing fans to align their own photos with movie vistas. Film enthusiasts frequently ask about the iconic house; Pierson employs a clever photo-on-a-pole trick, allowing visitors to recreate the famous shot with the local scenery.
Beetlejuice’s Impact on East Corinth
The impact of Beetlejuice on East Corinth is more than skin deep. Tourism spikes, especially during Halloween, bring fresh life and economic benefits to the town’s modest population. During the sequel filming in 2023, the town experienced a surge of visitors, sometimes numbering over a thousand per day, an extraordinary figure for such a small community.
In addition to the economic benefits, plans are underway to establish permanent landmarks featuring Beetlejuice. The historic schoolhouse, featured in memorable scenes, has been purchased by a devoted fan aiming to restore it as a community centre, museum, and theatre dedicated to the film’s legacy.
The Local Perspective: Embracing Beetlejuice Mania
For many residents, Beetlejuice is a point of pride. The movie has introduced East Corinth to millions who would otherwise never have heard of it, blending Hollywood magic with rural tradition. Houses are decked with themed decorations every October, and the town continues to celebrate its accidental fame.
Some locals, like Pierson, live directly across from well-known filming spots and have front-row seats to ongoing Beetlejuice fervour. “The more people that enjoy it, the better,” Pierson told reporters, echoing a sentiment of community engagement and hospitality.
What Keeps Fans Coming Back?
Beetlejuice fans are motivated by nostalgia, curiosity, and a love of Tim Burton’s singular aesthetic. Many describe their visit as a ‘coming of age’ experience, reconnecting with childhood memories and the enduring appeal of oddball Americana. Popular culture has cemented Beetlejuice as more than just a film; it’s a genre-defying legend resulting in global fandom that floods East Corinth every year, particularly at Halloween.
The town’s open-armed welcome to its ‘juicers’ is part of what keeps the mania alive. Whether joining organised tours, snapping photos at iconic locales, or simply soaking up the spooky atmosphere, fans can immerse themselves in Beetlejuice magic in ways that few movie backdrops offer.
