Rambling through central Illinois, happy to see tom turkeys fanning and strutting on camera.
• • •
Hollywood paid a visit to Elmwood’s Palace Theatre last Saturday and the result was interesting, to say the least.
No question if Elmwood had paid for a movie to be filmed in town, it would not have included cursing, a sex scene, nudity and a grisly murder.
But the city did not pay to be the setting for director David Ferino’s first full-length narrative feature “Wardcliffe,” which packed a lot into its 75-minute run time.
And while Saturday’s showing no doubt ruffled some feathers in the crowd of 177 that showed up for the local premiere, I enjoyed the experience. Cursing doesn’t bother me much, as priests can confirm from my confessions. Neither does nudity – especially when I see an R rating ahead of time.
What struck me more about “Wardcliffe” was how much it looked like a real movie. This was a polished, professional presentation. The acting was very good, better than much of the ham-handed awkwardness you often see on streaming these days. Hey, even Elmwood Police Chief Aaron Bean knocked out his lines in one take.
Best of all was seeing the scenes of Elmwood on the big screen: homes, trees, the school, Elmwood Township Cemetery and even people, though many were wearing masks.
Worst of all was seeing those masks and flashing back to bitter memories of COVID, a time most would rather forget. To me, that’s part of the message of “Wardcliffe,” the first pandemic film I’ve seen.
For those who missed the showing, you will likely have another chance.
For starters, The Palace Theatre may show the film again if scheduling works out.
If not, “Wardcliffe’’ producer Roger Mayer – who enjoyed being called a colorful Hollywood lifer in this paper and lived up to the moniker during his impromptu standup act in town – said he is close to signing a streaming agreement with Anchor Bay.
That’s because Mayer and Peoria-native Ferino are combining on another film this year, a fifth installment of the “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” franchise. Apparently Anchor Bay is really excited about that big-budget movie and was interested in streaming both films.
For those of you who aren’t aware, the last Killer Tomatoes movie was the 1992 direct-to-video release “Killer Tomatoes Eat France!” Unfortunately, Mayer squashed any hopes this latest version will be filmed locally.
But during a Q-and-A after “Wardcliffe,” both the producer and director praised Elmwood for its hospitality – all of which stemmed from finding a house that had a certain feel (and was built by Elmwood resident Dick Schrimp).
“We found the house and it was perfect,” Ferino recalled. “Roger said, ‘I think everything here is perfect.’ And he was right.”
Ferino also said filming his first narrative so close to his hometown of Peoria was “incredibly meaningful.”
Added Mayer, “Thank you to Elmwood and its wonderful people.”
Then, to prove they readlly did enjoy their time here, the two of them walked to the Middle Tap, where they spent the rest of the day.
• • •
There is no truth to the rumor that Brimfield is changing its mascot from Indians to White People. … Parting shot: Stop burning your prairies and ditches when the winds are high and the weather folks are calling for a red-flag day.
Contact Jeff Lampe at (309) 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
