On this Fourth of July, Arrow Rock, Missouri will host a spectacular three-day 50th anniversary celebration of an American literary and film musical classic, Tom Sawyer.

In the Summer of 1972, Arrow Rock was chosen as a “stand-in” for 1840s Hannibal for the musical production of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. The village and its historic  buildings were used as “sets” (the feature was filmed entirely in Missouri, other locations included Blackwater, Lamine, Lupus and  at Meramec Caverns in Stanton)—and dozens of local and regional residents appeared as the Hannibal  townsfolk. 

The 50th Anniversary of the filming of this notable motion picture is being celebrated over Fourth of July Weekend with an array of events, activities, and VIP visitors. Highlights include:

July 2-4

Tom Sawyer Movie 50th Anniversary Celebration

An unforgettable weekend celebrating Arrow Rock’s own classic movie musical! July 4th weekend is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the filming of Tom Sawyer with events, special visitors, and a whole-town celebration of this motion picture and one of its greatest stars, the village of Arrow Rock

June 27-September 4
Starring Arrow Rock: The Making of “Tom Sawyer”

An all-new walk-through exhibit at Arrow Rock State Historic Site tells the story of the musical adaptation of Tom Sawyer, and how the award-winning film brought Hollywood to Mid-Missouri, with Arrow Rock and its historic sites as “movie sets”—and the participation of dozens of local and regional residents behind and in front of the camera!

July 2, 10:00 AM
First Saturdays: “Adapting Twain”—A Panel Discussion

Author and Film Historian Jeff Kurtti moderates a panel discussing the various adaptations of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, including significant stage and screen adaptations, and focusing on the 1973 musical version by the Sherman brothers. Twain Authority Dr. Mary Barile, Producer-Director-Actor Darryl Reuben Hall, and Jeffrey Sherman, son of Robert B. Sherman, offer unique expertise and anecdote. Arrow Rock State Historic Site AV room.

July 2, 5:00 PM
“the boys: the 

Sherman brothers story” Screening and Q&A

Part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration of Tom Sawyer, the boys: the Sherman brothers story is an intimate story of the songwriting team behind classic film scores such as Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and (of course) Tom Sawyer. Directed by cousins Gregg and Jeffrey Sherman, the film examines the often-difficult relationship behind the creative team, described succinctly as “Brothers. Partners. Strangers.” After the screening, co-producer and film historian Jeff Kurtti will moderate a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring filmmaker Jeff Sherman and Tom Sawyer stars John Whitaker (“Tom Sawyer”) and Joshua Hill Lewis (“Cousin Sidney”). Arrow Rock State Historic Site AV room.

July 3, 1:00 PM
Tom Sawyer: An Arrow Rock Family Reunion

Enhancing the visual authenticity of Tom Sawyer was the filmmakers’ use of dozens of real people as the “Hannibal” townsfolk. Local resident Donna Huston recalls, “It was more like a summer picnic or a family reunion.” In this freestyle gathering and panel discussion, we’ll peek into the scrapbooks and hear the anecdotes of Arrow Rock’s own “movie stars,” along with John Whitaker (“Tom Sawyer”) and Joshua Hill Lewis (“Cousin Sidney”). Location to be announced.

July 4, 3:00 PM
Arrow Rock Impromptu    Parade

Almost anything goes in this fun annual Independence Day tradition, this year with a “Tom Sawyer” twist—and all are welcome to join the parade. Bring your bikes, trikes, choppers, tractors, golf carts, horses, vintage autos, or your own fabulous self, or join our beloved kazoo band (no experience required!). Spectators are also needed and appreciated. Beginning at the Old Schoolhouse, 3:00 pm (West end of Main Street).

July 4, 9:00 PM
Tom Sawyer Outdoor Screening

A one-of-a-kind experience for fans of “Tom Sawyer” and those who love Arrow Rock—a Fourth of July outdoor screening of “Tom Sawyer,” on the very site where the Fourth of July picnic sequence for the production was filmed. Show starts at dusk. Arrow Rock State Historic Site.

This special event is presented by the Friends of Arrow Rock, Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Village of Arrow Rock, Experience Arrow Rock, Missouri River Bird Observatory, and the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

The National Historic Landmark village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, is located 14 miles north of Interstate 70 at exits 89 or 98 on U.S. Highway 41, and features dining at Catalpa and the J. Huston Tavern, unique shopping, trails for walking and hiking, and many historic locations.