Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter

In November and December of 1978, the Mendocino Coast was transformed into a picturesque New England fishing village for the filming of Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter, a made-for-TV movie starring Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Gena Rowlands. The story centered on a woman (Rowlands) who, after discovering she is terminally ill, returns home after 20 years to make peace with her estranged and embittered mother (Davis). The Chris-Rose Production Company brought a wave of excitement to the Mendocino Coast, filming in locations from Noyo Harbor to Little River. In Mendocino, scenes were shot at Mendosa’s Market, a private home on Kelley Street, and along Main Street. Though the plot was set in summer, the Fourth of July scenes at Noyo Harbor were filmed in chilly, damp December weather. Between takes, cast and crew warmed themselves around portable stoves.

The production involved many local residents, both on and off camera. Between 50 and 100 people were hired as extras and stand-ins, earning $30 a day. Betty Barber of Mendocino doubled for Bette Davis, and Judy Frank stood in for Gena Rowlands. Motion Picture Development Coordinator Toni Lemos helped the director hold auditions at local schools. Three local students, Krishan Timberlake, Renee McDonell, and Donnie Salo, played Davis’s neighbors and later traveled to Hollywood to film interior scenes. Others featured in minor roles included Kris Williams, John Zunino, Don Fosse, Grail Dawson, Jill Fosse, and Steve Jordan.

Filming lasted about four weeks, during which time the production company relied heavily on local resources, including those of the Mendocino Fire Department. In appreciation, Chris-Rose Productions donated $500 to the department to help fund the purchase of new fire and rescue equipment. Production manager Ric Rondell spoke highly of the warm reception from the community, expressing gratitude for the kindness and cooperation shown by coast residents.

Strangers marked the first major screenwriting credit for Michael DeGuzman and earned Bette Davis a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for her moving portrayal of Lucy Mason, a proud and lonely widow grappling with the past. The film premiered on CBS on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1979, as the Sunday Night Movie.

Learn more about the filming in “Mendocino and the Movies: Hollywood and TV Motion Pictures Filmed on the Mendocino Coast” by Bruce Levene. More than 50 films from 1904 to 2001 used local scenery and local actors. Each film is documented, with information about the productions and the stars who came to town. Two hundred black and white photographs capture the action. $20.