Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter poster 🕑 58m

Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter Filming Locations

1979 Movie

Starring Dan O Herlihy as Mark Twain, this PBS special was created by renowned Twain scholars.

Filming Locations Map 4 locations

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The Crossing Hannibal, South 5th Street, Hannibal, Marion County, Missouri, 63401, United States of America
State Capitol, Little Rock, Big Rock Township, Pulaski County, Arkansas, 72201, United States of America
Scene: (State Capitol, Old State House)
The Promenade North, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, 90802, United States of America
📍 Long Beach filming locations

The biographical drama exploring the darker side of the great American writer was filmed in Missouri, in and around Twain’s own hometown of Hannibal.

Where was Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter filmed?

Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter was filmed in Missouri.

Every Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter location, explained

1

Twain’s hometown – Hannibal

The film used Hannibal, Missouri, Twain’s boyhood home.

2

The river town – Missouri

The Mississippi River scenes used the country around Missouri.

3

The wider region – the Midwest

Further scenes used locations across the American Midwest.

4

The writer’s life

The story explores the private struggles of Mark Twain.

Planning a visit

Hannibal in Missouri – the film’s real setting – is a historic, accessible river town.

Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter Fun Facts

1
Filmed in Missouri The film used Twain’s hometown of Hannibal.
2
A biographical drama It explores the darker side of the writer.
3
Twain's hometown Hannibal inspired Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
4
A television film The drama was made for TV.
5
A literary subject It portrays one of America’s greatest authors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter filmed?
In Missouri.
Is it set in Missouri?
Partly – it uses Twain’s hometown of Hannibal.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Hannibal is a popular Twain destination.
Who is it about?
The writer Mark Twain.
When was it released?
1979.