Based on the true story of the 1952 murder trial written by defense attorney John D. Voelker, Anatomy of a Murder put Marquette County in the Hollywood spotlight. Directed by Otto Preminger and starring Jimmy Stewart, Eve Arden, and George C. Scott, this ground-breaking 1959 courtroom drama made history as one of the first major studio films shot entirely on location where the events occurred.
The seven-time Academy Award-nominated classic, featuring an iconic Grammy-winning score by Duke Ellington, left an indelible mark on Big Bay, where many residents served as extras, and the town’s scenic backdrop came alive on the big screen. As the Detroit Free Press cheekily noted, it was "made in black-and-white, but full of local color," and today you can step right into cinematic history by exploring the real-life landmarks featured in the film.
Lumberjack Tavern
The first stop on your film tour is the Lumberjack Tavern, which was filmed in several of the barroom scenes. This casual restaurant and local watering hole is easy to find with a giant Anatomy of a Murder movie poster out front. The Lumberjack Tavern was the scene of the original murder that inspired the book and the film. In 1952, the then Lumberjack Tavern owner Mike Chenoweth was shot by Army lieutenant, Coleman Peterson, who was subsequently charged with murder. Today, the Lumberjack is adorned with memorabilia and newspaper clippings from both the actual murder and the behind-the-scenes making of the iconic film. The film’s logo is painted on the bar room’s floor, marking the real place Chenoweth’s body hit the ground after being shot. Visitors can also see real bullet holes in the wall and ask to see the real (but not functioning!) murder weapon.
Big Bay Jailhouse
Down the street from the Lumberjack Tavern, you will find the Big Bay Jailhouse, which is now Big Bay Outfitters. After the murder, the shooter, Peterson, immediately drove home and turned himself in to a neighbor, who also happened to be a police deputy. Peterson was then taken to the Big Bay Jailhouse, where he was questioned by police until Marquette authorities arrived to pick him up. The jailhouse, which also functioned as a fire department and township hall, is not currently open to the public, but is worth a look from the outside.
Thunder Bay Inn
A few minutes down the road from the jailhouse, you will find the Thunder Bay Inn. This historic hotel was the setting for several scenes in Anatomy of a Murder. Originally constructed as a warehouse and general store in 1911, the structure was purchased by Henry Ford and used as an executive retreat and later reopened as the Big Bay Hotel in 1944.
In 1959, the hotel stood in as the site of the movie’s murder. Scenes with Jimmy Stewart, Eve Arden, and Arthur O’Connell were filmed in the hotel restaurant, which was constructed by the Hollywood film crew. After filming, the Big Bay Hotel was officially renamed the Thunder Bay Inn.
Today, the Thunder Bay Inn has a lively restaurant, quaint gift shop, and thirteen historically-themed bedrooms. You can see memorabilia and images from the film when you stop in for lunch or dinner.
Perkins Park
The real murder suspect and his wife lived down the street from the Thunder Bay Inn and Lumberjack Tavern in Perkins Park. The county-operated park is a popular spot for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping with 75 pull-through, full hook-up, and rustic campsites right on Lake Independence. It was also the backdrop for the closing scenes of Anatomy of a Murder, and you’re bound to hear a spooky story or two around the campfire.
