By Jennifer Brett, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Emily Inman, meet Katniss Everdeen.
Katniss Everdeen, character from the novel
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” which hits theaters on Nov. 22, was filmed largely in Atlanta, and no location looks more splendid on screen than the Swan House, built for prominent Atlantans Emily and Edward Inman in 1928.
The Philip T. Shutze-designed masterpiece located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center served as the site for spectacular party scenes showcasing the exterior of the house, whose original residents were active in social clubs here and in New York and Palm Beach. You’ll also be able to spot details such as the iconic swans in the dining room in scenes featuring the nefarious President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and scheming Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman).
Atlanta’s Swan House, built for prominent Atlantans Emily and Edward Inman in 1928, has a starring role in the new Hunger Games movie. Jim Bowen / Flickr
“This house was designed for entertaining,” said Swan House manager Jessica VanLanduyt. “The dining room is the largest room in the house. I think they would be thrilled that people wanted to come here and party.”
Emily Inman, who survived her husband and lived in the home until her death in 1965, would have taken a shine to the bold and brave Everdeen, VanLanduyt said.
“Katniss and Mrs. Inman would have gotten along great,” she said. “Mrs. Inman was a very strong woman. Her mother was a major suffragist.”
She had great flair, too. The Atlanta Journal wrote in 1967 that “if every house had its own personality, Swan House derives its character today from two very striking sources. The first is the sheer exhilaration of Mr. Shutze’s architectural design. The second is thoughtful taste and attention which Mrs. Inman devoted to the home.”
Eager to tap into fans’ appetite for all things “Hunger Games,” the Swan House has announced special “Capitol Tours,” which will highlight areas featured in the movie.
“We love the house and we want everyone to feel part of the experience,” VanLanduyt said.
Before, during and immediately after the filming last year, History Center staff members were bound by studio confidentiality agreements not to discuss the blockbuster. Word promptly leaked out, of course. During the summer’s Dragon Con science-fiction, fantasy and comic event, the center found itself hosting costumed conventioneers eager to walk in Jennifer Lawrence’s footsteps. A few devotees have even sent fan letters to her there.
Read the full article by Jennifer Brett from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
