The historic Robey Theater in Spencer will be the setting for the world premiere
of a locally made movie "The Captives," about the courage and perseverance of
frontier heroine Mary Draper Ingles.
The first local showing will be at 2 p.m. Saturday for an invitation-only crowd that will include cast, crew and supporters of the project. Over 400 individuals participated in the production.
A reception for the premiere will be held at the McIntosh Mansion following the 2 p.m. screening, which is by reservation
The public is invited to the 4 p.m. showing, which will be open at a cost of $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Painting of Ingles and Indian by Andrew Knez, Jr.
The 240-year-old story about what Mary Draper Ingles did following her escape
from her Shawnee captors has been the subject of Alexander Thom's
best-selling novel "Follow the River" and Earl Hobson Smith's outdoor drama
"The Long Way Home," which is still produced each summer in Radford,
Virginia.
Miller enlisted the help of dozens of regional actors, crafts people and citizens in
making the film, including Calhoun fiddle player Jake Krack, who also makes a
brief appearance in the film.
Ingles 800 mile on-foot journey to find her way back home over a six-week period in
1755, is a legendary tale. She traveled from western Ohio across the hills of West
Virginia - naked, skeletal and white-haired, despite her age of just 23 years.
Following her journey and recovery, Ingles lived to be 83, passing in 1815.
"The Captives" was written and produced by Miller in collaboration with Digital
Vision Works, LCC of Dunbar. The film was shot at several locations in Roane
County, Prickett's Fort and the New River Gorge.
Traditional mountain music for the film was performed by Calhoun musician
Jake Krack and a song performed by the Appalachian Children's Chorus with original
music by Jon Sheltmire of California and Scott Schmitt of Pennsylvania, who
provided the sound track.
Beginning in June, VHS and DVD versions of the movie will be sold in selected
shops throughout the region, in addition to the sale of t-shirts, prints and note
cards featuring original art by Andrew Knez, Jr. Info call Miller at 304-927-4793.
More on Mary Draper Ingles www.blueridgecountry.com
Filming began last year at local sites including Camp Sheppard, Charles Fork Lake and Spring Heights. Final filming at the McIntosh Mansion wrapped up on May 22. Prickett's Fort near Fairmont and the New River Gorge also served as backdrops for part of the production.
Several local people appear in the movie along with professional talent including former Spencer residents Elliot Miller, Judy's daughter, and Sarah "Sadie" Jones. Both are actresses who live in New York City.
Miller said the movie has cost approximately $57,000.
Home versions will also be available soon for $19.95 (VHS) and $24.95 (DVD). Prints, note cards and T-shirts featuring original art by Andrew Knez Jr. of Pennsylvania will also be offered. Those interested may contact Miller's JTB Productions by calling 927-4793 or by e-mail at flapjack@wvadventures.net.
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