New Milford on the Big Screen: Remembering Mr. Deeds

Connecticut has a surprisingly rich film history—more movies have been shot in the Nutmeg State than most people realize.

Did you know that one of the biggest comedy stars of the 2000s filmed scenes for a major Hollywood movie right in New Milford, Connecticut?

It’s true—Adam Sandler’s Mr. Deeds, the 2002 remake of a 1936 Frank Capra classic, features scenes shot in the heart of this Litchfield County town. That charming town square you’ve passed a hundred times? It doubled as the fictional town of Mandrake Falls, New Hampshire, home of the film’s title character.

What is Mr. Deeds About?

Mr. Deeds (2002) is a comedy starring Adam Sandler as Longfellow Deeds, a small-town pizzeria owner and greeting card poet who unexpectedly inherits $40 billion from a distant relative. Whisked away to New York City, Deeds struggles to adjust to life among the ultra-rich while staying true to his simple, kind-hearted nature. He soon becomes the target of a tabloid news reporter (played by Winona Ryder) who pretends to be someone else to get close to him—and predictably, chaos and romance ensue. It’s a modern take on the 1936 original Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, reimagined with classic Sandler humor and a few heartfelt moments.

Wait—Adam Sandler Filmed in New Milford?

He sure did. Parts of Mr. Deeds were filmed in downtown New Milford, which was transformed into Mandrake Falls. The town green, gazebo, and surrounding shops were all featured in the film, with Sandler seen walking around the area in several scenes. Locals might even recognize the iconic Bank Street Theater in the background of one shot. The vibe of New Milford made it an ideal fit for the Deeds’ production.

Why Was New Milford Chosen?

While there isn’t an official quote from director Steven Brill or Adam Sandler about why New Milford was selected, the town’s classic New England look made it a natural stand-in for Mandrake Falls. The truth is, if you've ever walked down Bank Street, you'd wonder why more films are not shot there.

Like So Many Other Locals, I Had My Day on the Set

Back when Mr. Deeds was filming, I was juggling a few roles while trying to grow my radio career. I was on-air at our oldies station, B-105.5, and also helping out behind the scenes with the morning show—Ethan & Omelette. The guys had the idea to broadcast live from Bank Street Coffee House, hoping to catch Adam Sandler’s attention, knowing he’s a big rock music fan. And believe it or not—it worked. Here’s a shot of Adam being interviewed by Ethan and the O-Man.

That’s right—I showed up to the coffee house armed with a disposable Kodak camera. Here’s a shot of me with Sandler. The person who took the photo clearly wasn’t too concerned about lighting. Check out the shell necklace and my fat baby face.

I also snapped a few shots of the set—it was fascinating to watch a full-on Hollywood production in action right here in town.

Other Fun Facts About Mr. Deeds

• The movie is a remake of the 1936 film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, which starred Gary Cooper and was directed by Frank Capra.

• It was a box office success, grossing over $170 million worldwide.

• John McEnroe, the tennis legend, makes a surprise cameo in the film—partying with Deeds!

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