Thank you!
December 17, 2012 11:55 am 11 Comments
Posted by Sandi Russell: We’ll start out the blog conversation with a heart-felt “thank you!” to all who have been a part of the making of The Pardon, as well as all of the viewers. We hope that this new work will engage minds and spark a many-faceted dialogue among all of you: the viewers. As the film begins to circulate, we anxiously look forward to hearing your thoughts and feelings about the film and the story!
Categorized in: Blog
11 Comments
As a kid I heard my dad tell stories about his uncle Cowboy Henry. So I was pretty excited to finally research this and find out how big of a story this really was. Claude “Cowboy” Henry was first married to my dad’s aunt Alice “Belle” Arnold. The couple had one child named Wilbur, and I have some photos of Alice and Wilbur. Wilbur was born in Bexar County, Texas. According to my dad Wilbur Henry was a real bad boy and ended up in prison himself. Alice died shortly after Cowboy Henry, prior to 1949, and she was a real beauty.
That’s pretty amazing. It’s really exciting to be getting this movie into theaters to be seen by the public. It’s really a beautiful and intriguing story. Thanx for commenting.
Sandi (the filmmaker)
I just saw the previews for this movie last weekend. It looks so good. I love Jamie and TJ.
I saw somewhere that it will be screened early in Louisiana. Where can I find out information on that?
If the preview was this good I can’t wait to see the movie!
It will be opening in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Shreveport on March 22nd.
Heard about this story from a radio interview this morning. I’d never heard of Toni Jo Henry before, but I have been researching her story all morning since listening to the interview. It seems fascinating and I can’t wait to see it when it comes out on the 22nd!
Loved the movie and as a Louisiana history teacher in Calcasieu parish I know the story well. My only regret is that the film was not shot here in the place it happened. The outside look of the court house here in Lake Charles was so wrong. You could believe most of the other scenes but the court house was ALL wrong.
Greg,
As the writer of the film, I would have LOVED to film in Lake Charles at the courthouse. We did scout in Lake Charles with the intention of filming there, but given our conservative budget, we were not able to travel outside the 30 mile radius of the production office without adding significantly to the cost of production. I really HATED not being able to film there and agree that the courthouse in Lake Charles would have been a far better choice. Alas…
Sandi Anton
My deceased father, Joe Tritico was one of the assistant prosecutors for the Toni Joe Henry case. I remember him telling me about seeing her being executed and how horrible it was. He used to visit her and shared with me about how pretty she was, as well as about when Cowboy was suppose to help her escape. I will be seeing the movie this week. I heard my fahter was not mentioned in the movie, but I know he was there! I wish the movie writers would of contacted our family for an interview. We may of had information that would of been very interesting. Oh well the movie is out, can’t wait to see it. Joe Tritico was dear friends with Sheriff Reid and Judge Hood for many years after this case! (which they were mentioned in the movie).
As the writer of the film, I could not put every character in the script. I really hope you enjoy the film as we poured over court documents and newspaper articles to be able to tell an accurate story. Of course, there’s always edits and creative license for good story telling within the constraints of a two hour movie. But we loved the project and hope ya’ll loved it too.
Sandi Anton
My friend, Lori, and I have both seen the movie. Her dad had met Toni Jo once and we were excited to see it.
Today we ventured to the cemetery and found her gravesite. (a very touching experience) However, we were both saddened by its condition. It is sinking and the marker is dirty and not level. Do you know of any plans for repairing it? Thank you so much for making the movie. We feel everyone (especially Lake Charles residents) should go see it.
Hi Sandi,
You probably will not remember me. I met you and Tom on location in Shreveport. I was responsible for the police car used in the movie. That was my first experience in the movie business. You folk, the cast and crew, treated me with the utmost respect. My experience on ‘The Pardon’ inspired me to farther my acting talent. I have enjoyed some community theater productions, and was an extra in the movie ‘Year one’.. I know ‘The Pardon’ will jolt more then a few minds. It is a great story, with a good cast, and especially, the writing and directing. Thanks again, hopefully, we will meet again at a movie location.. ray shelley