Somewhere in Time:
An Interview with INSITE's Jo Addie

Romantic movie lovers are very familiar with Somewhere in Time, starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. Filmed at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel, the movie captures the spirit of endless love. Lovetripper.com recently interviewed Jo Addie, who not only worked on the film but also operates INSITE (International Network of Somewhere In Time Enthusiasts), a fan site and publication dedicated to the movie, and plans October’s Somewhere in Time weekends, a time when movie buffs return to the Grand Hotel, dress in period costume, and share their love of the movie.

What draws romantics to the movie?

Somewhere in Time is about the ultimate true love, a love so powerful it can even transcend the obstacle of time itself. Everyone romantically-inclined believes there is "the one" out there for them. I believe the main reason SIT endures, is because it speaks to that, and gives people hope. For those who have not yet found "the one" it gives them hope they yet will. For those who HAVE found the one, it makes them appreciate how special that is--with the hope it will last forever. And for those who have lost the one they love, it gives them hope they will find them again.

Somewhere in Time movie through Amazon.com

There are so many levels to the fans' devotion to Somewhere in Time, but one of the most wonderful is that it was filmed in a real place--not just sets that were built and destroyed. Grand Hotel really exists, (open May to October) and Mackinac (pronounced Mack in aw)Island is a time-travel destination you can visit, where time has stood still. No motorized vehicles are allowed there, only horse-and-carriage and bicycle, so it's like going back in time when one visits there. You can really LIVE THE MOVIE in your own life!

During our glittering SIT Weekend, people dress in period attire, and it is the CLOSEST thing to actual time travel as one can get! Having worked on SIT myself, I witnessed the love poured into every frame of the film. Though the studio didn't want to make it, the cast and crew were dedicated to getting this film made--sacrificing high salaries to do so, even the crew worked for scale--unheard of on a location shoot.

Though the jaded critics were unmoved by the story, the movie found its own audience, and the fans championed it. It is very satisfying for all of us who worked on the film to see that love still resonating throughout the world among its ardent fans, who understand the message the film presents, and truly 'get it'.

SIT fans are are a special 'breed'. I've met thousands of fans, and I can characterize them in a few key phrases-- though they be of all ages, all ethnic backgrounds and both sexes. They have old-fashioned values, believe in true love and commitment, are romantic at heart, and sometimes feel displaced in our chaotic and violent world, and wish for a better one.

It is my privilege to serve such extraordinary people, as President of our fan society, INSITE (International Network of Somewhere In Time Enthusiasts).

By the way, don't let anyone tell you SIT is a 'chick flick'. Fully 50% of the fans of the movie are MEN. That fact has been proven true in all our INSITE ventures, our membership, our events, and my email through the SIT Website. In fact my foreign email is 85% men. The story is told entirely from the man's point of view, it's Richard's story, so men relate to it.

Every year SIT is among the biggest sellers on video/DVD for the studio, and always a big rental movie. We've had over a quarter of a million visitors to our SIT Website. Here's a little known fact about SIT: It was a blockbuster hit in the Orient! It ran in the Palace Theatre in Hong Kong for 18 months straight, always to long lines. Of the 10 top-grossing films in China, (4 of the 10 movies are Chinese) SIT ranks 6th.

What special events can people expect when they attend a SIT Weekend?

At our SIT Weekends we have a full schedule....including a Walking Tour of Movie Locations, during which key scene re-enactments are filmed, performed by volunteer guests, Celebrity Panel, Autograph Session, Trivia Contest, Slide show of Making of SIT, Costume Promenade and of course, a Big Screen Showing of Somewhere in Time. Most fans have never seen their favorite film on a big screen, so it's a real treat for them.

We also have magnificent meals! Grand Hotel has five course breakfasts, and dinners, served in grand tradition and elegance, and a febulous Saturday buffet luncheon is also included, plus cocktail receptions both evenings.

There are other features too, but these are the highlights. I should also mention that being able to meet and mingle with other SIT fans is a sure way to meet new friends....with what I said above, SIT fans have much in common. It's almost like a family reunion at our events. Dressing up in period clothes is a very fun experience.

Can you share a few fond recollections from your time working on the film?

My personal story of 'falling into' this wonderful experience is on our SIT Website (www.somewhereintime.tv Articles Section, "Barely in Time"). People tell it makes them laugh and cry, but it happened just that way, and I marvel at the unusual circumstances which came together. I just went to watch, and then unexpectedly there I was, being dressed in a beautiful gown, put in a carriage and on my way to the ball--like Cinderella! That was really something! And I got to live this dream for three glorious weeks!

What I cherish the most was witnessing this film being created. The constant feeling on the set was a palpable sense of making something extraordinary, so there was an aura of great joy and adventure, as we absorbed the ambiance of the island. All the crew report feeling "the magic of the island." Three couples from the crew met, fell in love and got married! Of course, I relished being able to wear 5 genuine period costumes, 15 hours a day, like living in 1912, and of course, getting to know Chris and Jane personally, even spending free time with them. But we all loved the story and watching it come to life was marvelous. I've been on sets of other movies, and after the crew finishes all their set-up, they typically read magazines and drink sodas while the filming takes place. But when we were doing the "Is it You?" scene at the lakeshore, ALL eyes were on the action of that scene, and when the director yelled, "Cut", everyone looked at each other with raised eyebrows, and grinned, because we knew then for sure we were making something miraculous....something that would live forever. There was a magic to the place and our purpose which we will never forget.

To have remained friends with Chris and Jane, and looking back on all the film made possible for me, leading to many horizons for me to grow, well...I am very grateful for all SIT did for me, and I am moved to give back to the film, and have become its primary ambassador.

What do you feel are some of the most romantic places on the island and
at the Grand Hotel?

Grand Hotel is like no other place on earth. You can see it from the ferry dock 5 miles away in Mackinaw City, and it looms larger and larger on the ferry ride. Arriving on the dock and seeing the bustle of carriages and bicycles all about in town is a real tickle. When you take a ride carriage up the hill, the hotel, which sits on a 100 foot bluff, is obscured from view by a thick grove of trees until the very last instant, and when it pops into view in all its magnificence it never fails to take your breath away . Built in 1887, it is the World's Largest Summer Resort Hotel. It is almost exactly the same length as the Titanic, within 10 feet. Waking up to the sounds of horse hooves on the pavement is a notable thrill. Strolling the porch, or sitting in one of its wicker rockers with a view of freighters plying the Straits, the seagulls' calls and the peace there, are all priceless features of a stay. (Not to mention the hospitality and amenities, like high tea.)

One must take a carriage tour of the island, or rent a bicycle--or bicycle built for two--and explore. You can also horseback ride on the many forest trails. It's a perfect place to refresh from our hectic present, rekindle romance, and remember what really is important in life.

Do couples occasionally include a Somewhere In Time theme in weddings at
the Grand Hotel?

Somewhere in Time has definitely had an immeasurable impact by sparking the flourishing wedding industry on the island. There are many superb locations for a romantic SIT Themed wedding, including the front lawn of Grand Hotel, by the fountain....complete with carriage ride, of course! They have wedding consultants at the ready to help plan every detail. The Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce even offers an extensive booklet on wedding ideas/possibilities unique to Mackinac Island. I've heard of many weddings that were held there, by SIT fans. We've even written about some in INSITE.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about the SIT Weekends or INSITE?

If you are thinking of partaking in such a once-in-a-lifetime time-travel experience--or can only dream of such a trip--I heartily recommend purchasing at least one of the SIT Event Video Collection, to experience firsthand what our events are like, and they are the BEST way to prepare to get the most out of our events. You'll feel like you were there, and the private interviews with the Celebrity guests are worth the price alone! We have captured all the best moments, with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour having joined us, along with many other Celebrity guests, and you can share in that excitement in your own home, even though you missed those events!

And by all means, join INSITE (International Network of Somewhere In Time Enthusiasts) and receive our elegant quarterly magazine. We've published over 1000 pages on this film, since 1990, making it one of the most documented films of all time!

We're proud to be one of only 3 fan societies for a single motion picture--the other two are Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind, heady company in the trio. We publish the most elaborate publication ever produced by a fan society, and we keep the love alive all year long!

INSITE also funded a permanent monument to the film at the 'Is It You?' location, honored Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour by funding their Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and have raised thousands for spinal cord research. We have given Somewhere in Time a legacy no other film can boast. Of course, we put SIT on a pedestal as The Most Romantic Love Story Ever Filmed, but there is also a subtext to our activity.

We want to send out a clear message that there is indeed an audience for quality films like this one, and we want more of this kind of entertainment made. So join in the fun we have celebrating Somewhere in Time! It's only $19.12 to be a member, anywhere in the world. (Members receive all four quarterly issues, membership card and color commemorative) Back issues are also available. Visit the SIT Website

INSITE
8110 S. Verdev Dr.
Oak Creek, WI 53154

To quote a memorable phrase from SIT,
Excess within control!