MACKINAC ISLAND — For the last 35 years, the Grand Hotel has transported guests back in time to celebrate the classic film “Somewhere in Time,” drawing fans from around the world for a weekend filled with nostalgia, period dress and cinematic history.
This year’s celebration marked several milestones — the 45th anniversary of the film’s 1980 release, the 35th anniversary of the Grand Hotel’s “Somewhere in Time” Weekend, and 50 years since the publication of the novel that inspired it. 9&10 News’ Megan Huiskens and Josh Monroe got to tag along for all of the festivities.
Actress Jane Seymour, who portrayed Elise McKenna in the film, returned to Mackinac Island to attend the event and meet fans.
“I think there’s something magical about these reunions, about these ‘Somewhere in Time’ weekends,” Seymour said. “I knew this one would be a particularly special one, and it has been. I’ve met so many people, and I meet them not just here, but all over the world.”
Grand Hotel President David Jurcak said the event continues to attract visitors drawn by the film’s romantic legacy.
“It’s a special year this year, but every year when people come back, it’s not just this weekend,” Jurcak said. “Probably 30 to 40% of the people I talk to every day are here because of ‘Somewhere in Time.’ They make the pilgrimage to see the same place they love in the movie. They see all the memorabilia, and it’s just a special place for them to come.”
Event Coordinator Steve Ellis, who watched the film’s production at the hotel in 1979, said the movie’s enduring appeal has only grown with time.
“I was here the summer of ’79 when they were filming ‘Somewhere in Time’ and got to watch a couple scenes,” Ellis said. “When it opened, everybody hated it. It got terrible reviews. And now it’s one of Universal Studios’ biggest-selling Blu-rays. The soundtrack was one of the top-selling albums of all time. It sounds cliché to say it’s magical, but it’s magical.”
Guests attending the event said the tradition has become a cherished part of their lives.
“It’s home,” guest Bruce Rideout said. “We get to dress up like this and just enjoy the atmosphere. It’s so beautiful up here. The staff, everything is just wonderful.”
His wife, Daniela Rideout, said the weekend has built lasting friendships.
“We’ve also met some incredibly wonderful people who have taken us on and taught us a little bit about the period,” she said. “We’ve become family now, and we just look forward to getting together with everybody.”
For some attendees, the film’s influence spans generations.
Scott Hewitt said his family’s connection to the movie even inspired his daughter’s name.
“My oldest daughter is McKenna Elise,” Hewitt said. “My introduction to the film came about 33 years ago on a date night. I rented ‘Somewhere in Time,’ which happened to be my date’s favorite movie. A year later, we were married, and six years later, McKenna Elise came along. It’s always been a family affair for the movie, so why wouldn’t the event be a family affair as well?”
“We’re kind of the youngest people in the ‘Somewhere in Time’ crowd,” McKenna Kelley said. “It’s a blessing to be able to continue it and show it to our friends.”
The weekend also included a tribute to the late Christopher Reeve with a screening of the documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.”
“I think he was a pretty unique man,” Seymour said. “He actually played Superman and then basically became a Superman. He’s an inspiration to everyone because he never asked, ‘Why me?’ He was the epitome of, ‘Okay, it happened. Now what am I going to do?’”
Seymour said meeting fans each year remains a highlight, but sharing the experience with her family made this year especially meaningful.
“Meeting fans and having my grandchildren here and my son Johnny, who was playing in the Cupola Bar last night — that’s exciting for me,” Seymour said. “It’s one thing to say, ‘You can watch this movie I did,’ but to actually meet the people who were impacted by it on a personal level — there’s no greater gift."