On October 3, 1980, the romantic fantasy film Somewhere in Time opened in theaters nationwide. Though the critics may not have loved it, moviegoers and Mackinac Island fans certainly did. Over the years, this movie has transformed from a modest box office release into a beloved cult classic—with Mackinac Island at the heart of its story.
Filming took place at the iconic Grand Hotel and the Mission Point Fine Arts building, once part of Mackinac College and now the Mission Point Resort. A few scenes were also shot in Chicago, but Mackinac Island truly steals the show, with its timeless charm perfectly suited for a film about love, longing, and traveling back in time.
Mackinac Island Victorian Set
Directed by Jeannot Szwarc and based on Richard Matheson’s novel Bid Time Return, the film stars Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer. Reeve plays Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes captivated by a photograph of Elise McKenna (Seymour) at the Grand Hotel. Using self-hypnosis, he transports himself back to 1912 to meet her—only to run up against Elise’s protective manager (Plummer). It’s a sweeping tale of passion and destiny, set against Mackinac Island’s grand Victorian backdrop.
The film’s emotional weight is heightened by John Barry’s haunting score, which includes Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The music alone has been credited with bringing audiences to tears, making the movie even more enduring.
Off-screen, the story was just as captivating. Jane Seymour later revealed that she and Christopher Reeve fell in love while filming, though life circumstances ended their romance. They remained close friends until Reeve’s passing.
Cult Following
Though critics dismissed the movie upon its release—calling it “superficial” and even “horrible”—fans thought otherwise. In 1990, the International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts (I.N.S.I.T.E.) was founded. To this day the group gathers on Mackinac Island to celebrate the film. The Grand Hotel even hosts an annual Somewhere in Time Weekend each October. Of course it wouldn’t be complete without a big-screen showing of the movie, panel discussions, and a lavish Edwardian costume ball.
What started as a box office disappointment has become a time-traveling treasure. It firmly links Hollywood romance to one of Michigan’s most iconic destinations.
So today, raise a toast to Richard and Elise, to timeless love, and to Mackinac Island, which will forever be remembered as the heart of Somewhere in Time.
