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Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Movie History

Next time you’re at the movies, keep an eye out for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! Our facilities and equipment have been in numerous movies, music videos, and documentary films throughout the years. See our list of film and music video credits below ↓

In the business? TVRM has extensive experience working with film production professionals. Our railroad coordinator will act as an arm of your crew, serving not only as the “train hostler”, but also as an extra location manager and production supervisor. They’ll provide coordination between the train and production crews, ensuring absolute safety during filming. TVRM works well with all departments including art, design, and decoration. We have a “can do” work ethic- we understand it’s our job to help get your job done safely and efficiently. Our track record speaks for itself. Let us know if we can be of assistance using the contact button below.

MOVIES


The Lost Valentine

A Tale of Enduring Love

“The Lost Valentine,” a 2011 Hallmark drama, stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Betty White, and Sean Faris, based on James Michael Pratt’s novel. The film features TV journalist Susan Allison (Hewitt) profiling Caroline Thomas (White), whose husband, a naval aviator, went missing in action during World War II. Susan, initially skeptical about true love, clashes with Caroline’s grandson Lucas (Faris) but gradually forms a bond with them. Caroline’s story of unwavering love and hope, waiting for her husband at the train station each Valentine’s Day for 66 years, profoundly impacts Susan, challenging her own perceptions of love and commitment.

Our Country

America's 20th Century Story

“Country Music: The Spirit of America,” a 2003 IMAX documentary, co-written and produced by Tom Neff, weaves a rich tapestry of American history through the lens of country music. Co-directed by Neff, Steven Goldmann, and Keith Melton, with a score by Randy Scruggs, the film delves into the United States’ 20th Century narrative, using country music as a vibrant storytelling medium. Also known as “Our Country,” this cinematic journey celebrates the genre’s deep roots and profound impact on American culture, encapsulating pivotal moments and the evolving spirit of the nation.

Mama Flora’s Family

A Tale of Love & Struggle

“Mama Flora’s Family,” a novel by Alex Haley and David Stevens, is a poignant saga spanning from the 1920s to the 1970s. It traces the life of Flora, a black woman from Mississippi, and her descendants. After a young Flora becomes pregnant by Lincoln Flemming, a wealthy man, she faces eviction and the loss of her son. Moving to Stockton, she finds love with Booker Palmer but faces further tragedy. As the story unfolds, it portrays Flora’s resilience in raising her family amidst racial and social turmoil. The narrative follows her son Willie’s struggles in Chicago, her pursuit to reconnect with her estranged son Luke, and her niece Ruthana’s journey. Through wars, societal changes, and personal challenges, Flora’s enduring spirit anchors her family’s story.

Cobb

The Complex Life of a Baseball Legend

42

Breaking Barriers: Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson

Chadwick Boseman Stars in '42': Jackie Robinson's Historic MLB Journey

“42” is a 2013 biographical film about Jackie Robinson, the first African American in MLB. Starring Chadwick Boseman, it details Robinson’s challenges and triumphs in breaking baseball’s color barrier. The film, praised for its performances and historical significance, highlights key moments of Robinson’s career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, including overcoming racism and winning the National League pennant. The title refers to Robinson’s jersey number, retired across MLB.

Leatherheads

Clooney's 1920s Football Comedy

George Clooney's Leatherheads: A Tale of 1920s Football and Romance

“Leatherheads” is a 2008 sports comedy directed by George Clooney, who also stars alongside Renée Zellweger and John Krasinski. Set in the 1920s, it follows the story of a professional American football team captain trying to save his team and the sport. The film involves a love triangle, a war hero’s false heroism, and the evolution of football rules. Despite its charming setting and star-studded cast, the film had mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office.

Water for Elephants

A Tale of Love and Struggle in 'Water for Elephants

Love and Drama in the Circus: 'Water for Elephants' Story

“Water for Elephants” is a 2011 romantic drama directed by Francis Lawrence, starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz. Based on Sara Gruen’s novel, it tells the story of Jacob, a young man who joins a circus during the Great Depression and falls in love with Marlena, the ringmaster’s wife. The film blends romance, drama, and the harsh realities of circus life, culminating in a climactic showdown and a peaceful later life for Jacob and Marlena.

October Sky: A Dreamer's Journey

Jake Gyllenhaal in Homer Hickam's Inspiring Story

Homer Hickam's Rise from Coalwood to NASA in October Sky

“October Sky,” a 1999 film directed by Joe Johnston and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, depicts Homer Hickam Jr.’s journey from a coal miner’s son in West Virginia to a NASA engineer, inspired by Sputnik 1. The film, based on Hickam’s memoir ‘Rocket Boys,’ was well-received and filmed in East Tennessee, highlighting the pursuit of dreams against all odds. The title, an anagram for ‘Rocket Boys,’ was chosen for its wider appeal.

Christy (TV series)

a person standing in front of a wall

“Christy,” an American period drama based on Catherine Marshall’s novel, aired on CBS from 1994 to 1995. Starring Kellie Martin as Christy Huddleston, the series is set in 1912 in the Appalachian village of Cutter Gap, Tennessee. It explores the culture clash between Christy, a young teacher, and the villagers’ old-fashioned Scottish-influenced customs and folk medicine beliefs. Featuring Tyne Daly as Quaker missionary Alice Henderson, the show balances romance with cultural exploration. The final cliffhanger episode left viewers speculating about Christy’s romantic decisions, later resolved in subsequent TV movies.

The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James

Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson in an Outlaw's Tale

Cash & Kristofferson as the James Brothers in Their Twilight

The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James” depicts the final years of the infamous outlaw brothers. Starring Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, it shows Frank as a family man and book lover, and Jesse as a greedy womanizer, following their 15-year criminal legacy.

Eleanor and Franklin

Edward Herrmann & Jane Alexander in 'Eleanor and Franklin'

Historic Miniseries: The Life of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt

1976’s “Eleanor and Franklin” miniseries, starring Herrmann and Alexander, chronicles the Roosevelts’ lives from childhood to FDR’s presidency, including his polio battle and Eleanor’s support. Winning 11 Emmys and a Golden Globe, it’s known for historical accuracy.

Fools' Parade

James Stewart in a Redemption Tale from 1935 West Virginia

Movie poster for “Fool’s Parade”

Fools’ Parade” (1971), set in 1935 West Virginia, follows three ex-convicts aiming to start a business, hindered by corruption. Starring James Stewart and Anne Baxter, it explores redemption and societal reintegration, facing distribution challenges due to Baxter’s performance concerns.

Some Like It Hot

Monroe, Curtis, Lemmon in '59 Comedy with Car 97

MUSIC VIDEOS


You Can't Blame the Train

The Hollanders

In 1991, American Nashville music group The Hollanders covered “You Can’t Blame the Train,” releasing it as a single from their album ‘Family Ties’ on VCA Records. Produced by Dave Burgess, similar to McLean’s original version, this rendition achieved notable success, reaching number 36 on the Cash Box Country Singles chart. The song’s promotion was bolstered by a People’s Choice Award-winning music video featuring the band at a train station and performing on stage. Critically acclaimed, Cash Box highlighted it as an indie feature pick, praising its “electrifying contemporary country flavor,” dynamic sibling harmony, and lyrics that offer a fresh perspective on relationship break-ups.

TVRM IN THE MOVIES: PARTIAL PRODUCTION HISTORY

1959 – “Some Like It Hot” with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon featuring Car 97 / Clover Colony

1971 – “Fools Parade” with Jimmy Stewart

1976 – “Franklin& Eleanor” with McKenzie Phillips, Jane Alexander, David Huffman and Edward Herrmann

  • 1986 – “The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James” with Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson
  • 1994 – “Christy” with Kellie Martin and Tyne Daly
  • 1994 – “COBB” with Tommy Lee Jones
  • 1995 – Levis Strauss commercial (European release)
  • 1996 – “FLED” with Laurence Fishburne and Stephen Baldwin
  • 1998 – “Mama Flora’s Family” with Cecily Tyson and Blair Underwood
  • 1999 – “October Sky” with Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper & Laura Dern
  • 2003 – “Our Country” IMAX with Marty Stuart, Earl Sruggs, Dolly Parton, etc.
  • 2003 – “The Adventures of Ociee Nash” with Keith Carradine & Mare Winningham
  • 2005 – “Warm Springs” (HBO) with Kenneth Branagh, Cynthia Nixon, David Paymer, Tim Blake Nelson, Jane Alexander & Kathy Bates
  • 2006 – “Heavens Fall” with Timothy Hutton, Bill Smitrovich & Leelee Sobieski
  • 2008 – “Leatherheads” with George Clooney, Renée Zellweger & John Krasinski
  • 2010 – Veggietales “A Meaningful Life” – DVD extra feature
  • 2011 – “The Lost Valentine” (CBS/Hallmark) with Betty White & Jennifer Love Hewitt
  • 2011 – “Only In America with Larry the Cable Guy” (History Channel)
  • 2011 – “Water For Elephants” with Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon & Christoph Waltz
  • 2013 – “42” with Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford & Christopher Meloni
  • MUSIC VIDEOS INCLUDING:

    EXPLORE THE SECRETS OF RAILROADING

    Locomotive Restoration Updates

    Reviving History: Locomotive Restorations at TVRM

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    Upcoming Events at TVRM

    TVRM Events: Seasonal Rides & Celebrations Ahead

    Stay updated with our exciting calendar of events – from seasonal train rides to special celebrations, there’s always something happening at TVRM.

    Railroad History and Heritage

    Tracing Railroads: From Origins to Modern Impact

    Dive into the rich history of the railroad industry and the essential role it played in shaping our nation, from early development to modern times.

    Historic Preservation

    TVRM: Reviving Railroad Legacy for Future Generations

    Explore living history at TVRM: restored locomotives and railcars narrate the story of rail’s impact, keeping the past alive for future generations.

    Featured Exhibits

    Discover TVRM's Exhibits: A Journey Through Rail History

    Explore the fascinating exhibits at TVRM, each one offering unique insights into different aspects of railway technology, history, and culture.

    Behind-the-Scenes at TVRM

    Inside TVRM: Unveiling Railroading's Hidden World

    Explore railroading at TVRM with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Discover updates, staff insights, and the preservation of railway history.