Film Fest Penfolds Reception & Dinner at The Riviera

Film Festival events are well underway, adding some glamor and fun to the impressive line up of films being screened over the next two weeks. Last night I attended the Penfolds reception held at the legendary Riviera Resort. I arrived early, along with the team making sure everything was ready-set-go for the evening. The special red carpet was in place and ready to greet celebrities and filmmakers like. Penfolds featured several of their terrific wines, so naturally I felt compelled to conduct a tasting of them all. They certainly offer a nice variety of reds- their Cabernet Sauvignon Shirz was my favorite, although I do not recall the vintage. Penfolds added to the status and class of the evening, I think it was a great fit. 

Anyway, I attended the cast dinner party for an upcoming Independent film called "A Thousand Cuts", which was filmed here in Palm Springs. A Thousand Cuts is a psychological thriller about a vengeful father who hunts down the Hollywood director whom he believes made a film that inspired the murder of his daughter. Executive Producers are Palm Springs' own Wonderstar Productions and J&J Productions, and was produced by Audrey Loggia (photo below). 'Cuts' was directed by Charles Evered, written by Eric Barr and Marty James, it stars Michael O'Keefe, Oleysia Rulin, Michael A Newcomer, Jimmy Van Patten and Charleen Closshey who were at the dinner party at the Riviera.

Producer Audrey Loggia and actor Robert Loggia on the red carpet

 

Enjoying my usual martini during all the madness.

Its always interesting watching the photographers going wild with their cameras, all vying for "THE PHOTO" of the night. I stood back and observed the frenzy and snapped a few photos of my own. In this photo here are: Executive Producer Kim Waltrip, actor Michael A. Newcomer, actor/writer/producer Jimmy Van Patten, actor David Naughton, Executive Producer Jim Casey, all from their latest project "A Thousand Cuts" 

A legend in her own right, the enchanting Miss Diahann Carroll, singer, actress and trailblazer in Hollywood. I had a lovely chat over dinner with Miss Carroll, she is to be inducted into the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame on January 20th. I'll be at that event in Hollywood so I hope to write about that evening here on my blog. Diahann Carroll is a class act, one whom other modern day performers would do well to emulate. Alas, there are few true entertainers today who can compare to the generation of Miss Carroll. 
It was a fun evening, but just a warm up to the big star-studded Film Festival Awards Gala Saturday night...so stay tuned for more.
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Film Festival Opening Film Night: 'Potiche'

Last night was the opening film for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It runs for the next twelve days screening primarily Independent films from the US and around the world. Over the past 22 years, we have distinguished ourselves from other film film festivals through the broad variety of films from new filmmakers. In fact, one third of the films being screened this year are by filmmakers whose entry was their first feature film. The festival screening board watches 3,000 films over the course of a year and selects roughly 200 that make it to the festival, so it isn't an easy task to select the very best from so many submissions.

The opening film last night was a French feature film called 'Potiche' (for plot description, see yesterday's post). If you are not accustomed to reading subtexts in foreign films, it can be challenging; however in the case of Potiche, I didn't mind at all. I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn't wait to read the next line of English text to keep up. I tried to listen in, but my French vocabulary is a bit weak. In my opinion, this film is marvelous! Catherine Deneuve is clearly the star of this picture, commanding attention from the very start. She plays Suzanne Bujol, a potiche, or trophy wife who suddenly finds her voice and becomes a modern business woman. It's a delightful comedy, directed by François Ozon, and based on a 1980 stage play by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy. Based in the late 70's it has a zany, screwball comedy style that has direct ties to modern French politics. For the observer of French life, the film has numerous "inside" jokes to delight the French, and astute foreign viewers as well. Among other things, the story reflects the casual French attitude toward mistresses and affairs, so be prepared for the winks and not-so-subtle mentions of extramarital relations. Despite being a comedy, the film has an excellent storyline, with messages built in to inspire and delight. Well cast and directed with precision, Potiche is well worth your time.

The venerable Catherine Deneuve is masterful at comedy yet graceful too.

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Palm Springs International Film Fest Kicks Off

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a huge supporter of Independent film making. On my radio show The Palm Springs Savant & Co, I regularly feature directors, writers, actors and producers to raise awareness of Indie films and inspire future generations of filmmakers.

So, I'm thrilled its that time of year when the sparkle of Hollywood shines a little brighter here in the Coachella Valley. The Palm Springs International Film Festival kicks off today with the opening night screening of a French comedy entitled 'Potiche'. 

Each year I try to cover various events of the film fest, along with a few reviews of Independent Films screened here. The Palm Springs Film Festival has an outstanding reputation world wide for its diversity, range of topics and broad international representation. In fact this year we boast 196 films, from 69 different countries around the world! I was reading in Variety magazine that they plan to honor Mark Wahlberg and the “10 Directors to Watch" at our upcoming Black Tie Gala event this Saturday, January 8th. As usual I'll be at that event, and hope to have plenty to share about the celebrity speeches and more. To see my post from last year's gala, click here.

The film festival runs through January 17th; its easy to buy advance tickets or day of "rush" tickets just before screening. This is a perfect time to come to Palm Springs to relax, enjoy the festival and experience life in the desert. Visit the festival website for full details.

  

The Palm Springs International Film Festival has the following information on its website about this evening's opening screening film, 'Potiche':

"Catherine Deneuve commands the screen with a regal wink as Suzanne Bujol, a trophy wife (“potiche”) whose mettle is tested when catastrophe strikes in her husband’s umbrella factory. Under the assured direction of prolific French filmmaker François Ozon, this stylish French farce is an irresistible romp through 1970s kitsch, politics and female emancipation. Like many wives of the 1970s, Suzanne’s realm is the home. Her smug, philandering husband Robert, who secured the factory through her dowry, is virtually oblivious to her needs--not that she expresses them. But when Robert is taken hostage by his employees, it is Suzanne who swiftly negotiates his release, with the help of Babin, the union leader (Gérard Depardieu) with whom she once had a brief fling many years prior.

Robert ends up in hospital, and having little choice, leaves Suzanne at the helm. Proving to have a natural flair for business, she quickly assesses the situation, enlists the help of her devoted son to create a new line and her daughter (daddy’s girl) and her husband’s secretary (and lover)--and the business positively booms! Babin, who has never quite gotten over their brief tryst, can neither repress his feelings, nor his admiration for her: she is a force to be reckoned with. If she can do this, what else could she take on? But her husband will soon be out of hospital and duty calls…Cleverly drawing parallels with present day issues in France, Ozon’s Potiche uses emotion and humor to explore themes that are as fresh today as they were four decades prior."

Director: François Ozon
Producer: Eric Altmayer, Nicolas Altmayer
Editor: Laure Gardett
Screenwriter: François Ozon, based on the play by Pierre Barillet, Jean-Pierre Grédy
Cinematographer: Yorck Le Saux
Music: Philippe Rombi
Principal Cast: Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu, Fabrice Luchini, Karin Viard, Judith Godrèche, Jérémie Renier

I'll weigh in tomorrow with my opinion of this film along with any inside scoop from the red carpet.

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Telluride Horror Show Fest: 'I Didn't Come Here To Die'

This past weekend I attended the Telluride Horror Show Film Festival in Telluride, Colorado. Horror fans were treated to three days of the latest independent films in the horror and thriller genre. Telluride was an idyllic setting for this film fest. Nestled high in the San Jaun Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, the area is stunningly beautiful and a dash of history of the wild west's gold rush days. The Horror Show festival was staged at the historic Sheridan Opera House and the Nugget Theatre. The fest featured 17 feature films and 22 short films, along with special events and guest speakers. 

Incidentally, our friends at Wikipedia define horror films as "...unsettling movies that strive to elicit the emotions of fear, disgust and horror from viewers. They often feature scenes that startle the viewer through the means of macabre and supernatural, thus frequently overlapping with the fantasy and science fiction genres. Horrors also frequently overlap with the thriller genre."

The main reason I was in Telluride was to attend the screening of the new Independent horror film "I Didn't Come Here to Die", written and directed by an up-and coming new talent Bradley Scott Sullivan. I recently interviewed Bradley on my radio show. If you are an aspiring filmmaker, check out the interview for insights into the independent film industry. Click here to listen to the interview. True fans of horror and thriller genres will enjoy "I Didn't Come Here to Die". It's definitely not for the squeamish or for kids. But for those of you who enjoy a dose of gore and blood this film is one to watch. Veteran horror film journalist Chris Alexander of Fangoria was on hand adding his commentary about the film along with a discussion of a range of other horror films.  

After seeing "I Didn't Come Here to Die", I can definitely say this film meets that Wikipedia horror description in spades. The film's website describes the plot as "the story of a team of young volunteers working on a humanitarian project in the woods. Horrific accidents, rash decisions, and the unpredictability of human nature leads them all to the same disturbing conclusion." 
Truth be told, I am a moderate horror fan, meaning that I am somewhat nervous and jumpy. Needless to say, I had to look away from a few scenes here and there. However I found the film quite good; well written, with good character development and an entertaining story line. The ending is cleverly done, providing closure and leaving curiosities satisfied. For those of you interested, you can watch the teaser trailer here. 

Oddly enough, prior to the film, the festival featured a Pig Roast and pre-screening party. I generally enjoy pork and have no problem with most meats. However there was something rather graphic about seeing the whole pig on the buffet table, being served up, directly from the carcass. Major gross-factor. It was, however quite delicious. 

The buffet featured all sorts of standard BBQ type fare, and included some Halloween goodies, like pumpkin sugar cookies, brain jello, and eyeball candy. It certainly put everyone in the Halloween Horror spirit. 
"I Didn't Come Here to Die" is produced by Palm Springs' very own "Wonderstar Productions" and "J&J Productions". The cast includes actors Emmy Robbin, Indiana Adams, Jeremy Scott Vandermause, Kurt Cole, Madi Goff, Niko Red Star & Travis Scott Newman.I enjoyed "I Didn't Come Here to Die", and recommend it for horror fans. It's headed to the Austin Film Festival this coming weekend, where I'm sure it will also be well received. Special thanks to Director Bradley Scott Sullivan for taking the time to be a guest on my radio show last week. Keep an eye on him, I predict he is going places in the film industry.
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Award-winning screenwriter/filmmaker Rob Williams to appear on The Palm Springs Savant & Co

On today's Palm Springs Savant & Co show, I'll be interviewing the award winning screenwriter/filmmaker Rob Williams about the new independent film 'Role/Play'. It is a film about a soap opera actor who is "outed" as being gay. The film is suitable as PG-13, however it is intended for mature audiences with open minds. It may not be suitable to all my readers but please read my review below and tune into the show to hear Mr Williams.

I had the opportunity for a private screening of this film to prepare for today's show. Role Play is a romantic drama, with two lead characters (with very different life perspectives from each other) who learn they have much more in common they they initially realized. It opens with TV soap opera star "Graham Windsor" (Steve Callahan) who has just been outed as the result of a gay sex tape scandal. He has taken refuge at a Palm Springs resort (filmed at the beautiful Alexander Inn) to escape from the media. Windsor meets "Trey Reed" a marriage-equality activist (Matthew Montgomery) who has his own issues stemming from a public divorce. 

The story unfolds with revelations, disclosures, and self-discovery,  as a budding romance develops. The film tackles issues such as gay marriage, the judgmental/prying mainstream and gay media, and the challenges of trying to live a lie while being in the public eye. 

Role Play has an entertaining plot line that could easily have been about a straight couple. In essence, it is a story about the importance of being honest with oneself and finding love in life- that has broad appeal for both gay and straight audiences. Montgomery and Callahan give solid performances that hold the viewers attention. TV's "Too Close For Comfort" Jim J Bullock also appears in this film as Windsor's protective agent, "Parker Ryland". Fans of indie films and alternative lifestyle topics will enjoy listening to Sunday's radio show online anytime or via podcast from iTunes.

Here is the news release about today's show:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PALM SPRINGS- September 19, 2010 -- Rick Rockhill, host of The Palm Springs Savant & Co is pleased to welcome award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Rob Williams, co-founder of Guest House Films, to his radio show on Blog Talk Radio. Listeners will hear Mr Williams, (head of Guest House Films, a premier independent and gay niche-oriented film production company) discuss his latest feature film project "Role/Play'.

'Role/Play' is a dramatic narrative feature film about a recently outed actor (played by Steve Callahan from 'East Side Story' and 'Nine Lives') and a recently divorced gay marriage activist (played by indie gay film star Matthew Montgomery from 'Redwoods', 'Socket', 'Pornography: A Thriller', 'Long-term Relationship', 'Back Soon' and 'Gone But Not Forgotten') . Hiding out from negative media coverage, the two meet at a secluded Palm Springs resort soon find common ground as they explore the fickle nature of fame in the gay community and the issues facing gay celebrities in the media. 'Role/Play' is a narrative drama that deals with hot-button issues such as a outing gay celebrities, the price of fame, how the press treats gay celebrities, and the LGBT press in general. The film also stars Jim J. Bullock ('Too Close for Comfort'), David Pevsner ('Naked Boys Singing'), Brian Nolan ('The Lair') and Matthew Stephen Herrick.

Rob Williams was named to Instinct Magazine's "Leading Men of 2008" list for his contribution to independent cinema, has won dozens of awards for his films, and will be featured for his work on NBC television. 'Role/Play' is Rob Williams' fifth film in four years. His last film was the hit of 2009, the gay Christmas comedy, 'Make the Yuletide Gay', an Indie blockbuster, sold out countless festivals. Mr Williams is now working on his next films: 'Make the Yuletide Gay 2' and 'The Mystic Chord', the screenplay adaptation to Jim Tushinski's book, 'Van Allen's Ecstasy'.

'Role/Play' is the feature film at The Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival: Cinema Diverse, a program of the Palm Springs Cultural Center held from September 24-26, 2010. It is dedicated to advancing education, to nurturing community-wide participation in the cultural arts, and to sponsoring scholarship awards for deserving individuals. For tickets and more information visit www.psculturalcenter.org.

The radio show will broadcast live Sunday September 19th 2010 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM PDT and can be heard live or on demand anytime online at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/palm-springs-savant/2010/09/19/palm-springs-savant-co-119-independent-film-rolepl

The episode will also be available via podcast from iTunes.

For more information about The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/palm-springs-savant

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Expecting Mary Premiere in Palm Springs

Jim Casey, Lainie Kazan, Della Reese, Linda Gray and Kim Waltrip

Last night was the official Palm Springs premiere for the brand new film 'Expecting Mary'. It was held as a benefit to the Desert Aids Project, a non-profit organization that provides medical care and comprehensive support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the desert community. Expecting Mary has close ties to the desert; J&J and Wonderstar Productions are both based here in Palm Springs.

Members of the supporting cast of Expecting Mary

Expecting Mary was completely sold out for this special viewing, just one day before the official opening Friday September 10th in select cities. Principal cast members attended, including Linda Gray, Della Reese and Lainie Kazan. If you missed my interview with Linda Gray, you can still listen to it on demand here. In addition, a broad group of supporting cast were also on hand to support this presentation, including Duncan Bravo, Kathy Lampkin, Kinsey Packard, Matt Kaminsky, Mandell Butler, & Larry Bates. I've seen Expecting Mary multiple times, having attended screenings in several cities. The audience reaction to the film was electric; people were experiencing the full range of emotions that the script so masterfully elicits. 

After the film, the key stars were on stage for a Q&A moderated by local personality Gloria Greer from Palm Springs Life magazine and CBS2 TV. The stars happily answered questions from an enthusiastic audience for about 20 minutes before attending a lovely reception held outside under the clear desert sky.

Until you see the film, this yellow VW bug won't mean much, but once you've seen it, it will make you laugh! The reception had an array of delicious cupcakes and cookies with various movie logos on them.

Della Reese and I chatted for awhile and caught up since we last saw each other in New York. She is such an incredible lady, and a true talent on many levels. Della's role in Expecting Mary is a scene-stealer for sure. Della plays 'Doris Dorkus", the grumpy owner of trailer park where much of this story takes place. She punctuates the screen with a bold, direct sense of humor, and draws in the viewer wondering what made her become so cantankerous and surly to the ditsy and innocent Darnella whom she encounters several times. But soon, even Doris has a transformation, along with several characters making her a lovable woman with great appeal. This film is filled with great characters, each colorful and likable. If you live in one of the cities where this opens for its initial run, please go check it out this weekend (see yesterday's post below for cities). Strong openings are very important to the success and sustainability of independent films. Go see the film and tell me what you think. With a dash of good luck and your support, it will expand to additional screens in time for Thanksgiving...stay tuned!
-Rick Rockhill

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Want FREE Tickets to See Expecting Mary?

At long last, Expecting Mary opens nationwide in select cities for its official release tomorrow. I'm offering FREE tickets (for this opening weekend only) to the first 100 of my readers who contact me by noon Friday Sept 10th. Look below to see if it is opening in a city near you. If so, let me know if you want to go, courtesy of The Palm Springs Savant. If you need more information about the film, check out my radio show from this last Sunday. My guests included actress Linda Gray ("Sue Ellen Ewing" of TV's Dallas). Linda is one of the major stars of Expecting Mary and speaks extensively of her role as Darnella Dare. Listen to the show, then go see the film!

Look below to see if there is a theater near you:

California

The River 12
Century Theaters
Rancho Mirage, California

Rancho Stadium 16
Rancho Mirage, California

The Camelot
Palm Springs, California

 

Florida

Coconut Point 18
Estero, Florida

Merchants Crossing 16
Fort Myers, Florida

Belltower Stadium 20
Fort Myers, Florida

Hollywood Stadium 20
Naples, Florida

Kansas

Cinemark 20
Merriam, Kansas

Great Mall 16
Olathe, Kansas

Palazzo 16
Overland Park, Kansas

Westglen 18
Shawnee, Kansas

Legends 14
Kansas City, Kansas

Barrywoods 24
Kansas City, Kansas

Town Center 20
Leawood, Kansas

Studio 30
Olathe, Kansas

Missouri

Kansas City Stadium 18
Kansas City, Missouri

Northglen 14
Kansas City, Missouri

Eastglen 16 Lee's
Summit, Missouri

Independence 20
Independence, Missouri

Ward Parkway 14
Kansas City, Missouri

Oklahoma

Kickingbird 8
Edmonds, Oklahoma

AMC Crossroads 16
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Bricktown Cinema 16
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Moore Warren Theatre
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Penn Square 10
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Quail Springs Mall 24
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Spotlight 14
Norman, Oklahoma

West End Pointe
Yukon, Oklahoma

Tennessee
Clarksville 16
Clarksville, Tennessee
Rocky Top Cinema 10
Crossville, Tennessee
Roxy 8
Dickson, Tennessee
Thoroughbred 20
Franklin, Tennessee
Streets of Indian Lakes
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Roxy 10
Lebannon, Tennessee
Providence Stadium
Mt. Juliett, Tennessee
Wynnsong 16
Murfressboro, Tennessee
Thouroughbred 20
Nashville, Tennessee
Hollywood 27
Nashville, Tennessee
Green Hills Stadium 16
Nashville, Tennessee
Malco Roxy
Smyrna, Tennessee

Utah

Cinemark 12
American Fork, Utah
Cinemark Bountiful 8
Bountiful, Utah
Tinseltown 17 USA
Layton, Utah
Megaplex 8 @ Thanksgiving Point
Lehi, Utah
Cinemark Tinseltown 14
Ogden, Utah
Megaplex 13 at the Junction
Ogden, Utah
Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons
Sandy, Utah
Century 16 Union Heights
Sandy, Utah
Cinemark 16
Provo, Utah
Wynnsong 12
Provo, Utah
Carmike 12
West Jordan Utah
Cinemark 24 Jordan Landing & XD
West Jordan, UT
Megaplex 20 at The District
South Jordan, Utah
Ritz 15
West Valley City Utah

Be sure to let me know ASAP, either with a comment here, or just send me an e-mail at rickrockhill@msn.com

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Special Guest Actress Linda Gray on Sunday's Palm Springs Savant & Co Radio show

Tune into The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show on Blog Talk Radio for my special guest, actress Linda Gray. She spoke about her upcoming film, Expecting Mary set for national release September 10. Of course millions of people know Ms Gray for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on TV's long running hit show Dallas. She is an award winning actress, an accomplished director and a United Nations Ambassador. Ms Gray earned an Emmy nomination for Best Actress, won several achievements including Germany's "Bambi Award" (similar to the US Academy Award), Italy's "Il Gato" for Best Actress, and voted "Woman of the Year" by the Hollywood and Radio Television Society. Her stage work includes "The Graduate" in London's  West End theater district as well as "Terms of Endearment", and started her career in "Love Letters". She has appeared in numerous other TV series and programs throughout her professional career.

I am honored to welcome Linda Gray to the Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show. Listeners will get an inside glimpse of her new role in Expecting Mary, due out in select theaters nationwide starting September 10th. Linda's fans will be delighted to know her radio interview can be heard around the world, on demand any time from the internet on Blog Talk Radio, or on podcast via iTunes. A special screening of Expecting Mary will be held here in Palm Springs Sunday September 9th at the Camelot Theater to benefit the Desert Aids Project. Be sure to tune in to this show and get the scoop on a film that is sure to impress audiences everywhere. Read the press release here.
-Rick Rockhill 
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Special New York Screening of Expecting Mary film

I was so fortunate to be in New York for business at the same time as a special screening of the upcoming film Expecting Mary. Since the screening was at night I was able to work during the day and hit the movie screening in the evening. This was a benefit for the Actor's Fund, a non-profit organization founded in 1882 to assist performing art individuals in film, theater, television, opera, and dance. As you can imagine, the vast majority of people in these professions do NOT "hit it big" to enjoy easy financial success. Ticket sales of this screening were to benefit the Actor's Fund and introduce the film to peers within the community, which is a great way for an Independent film to gain exposure just before its official release on September 10th. The photo above is of actress Linda Gray, being photographed by the paparazzi. There were reporters from major newspapers and magazines. In Expecting Mary, Linda plays "Darnella" an aging Vegas showgirl who lives in a trailer park and still performs in a small town Indian casino.

above: the posters lined up at the entrance.

above: the flash of all the paparazzi cameras over-powered my little camera. But you get the gist. Here is Linda and young actress Olesya Rulin. Co-star Della Reese was also on hand but I didn't get a photo of her!

above: Producer Kim Waltrip, Linda Gray, Executive Producer Jim Casey and Olesya Rulin, being mobbed by the press. The film was well received by the attendees and met with excellent verbal reviews. It is exciting to see the buzz building for an Independent film. I can't wait for the next screening...stay tuned more more.
-Rick Rockhill

'Expecting Mary' Stars On Fox Good Day Show

'Expecting Mary' Stars Linda Gray and Della Reese appeared on NY's Good Day TV show on Fox this morning. They were speaking about the soon to be released film "Expecting Mary" that I've written about several times here. It is a marvelous film great for the whole family and boasts a great cast of stars you know and love, including Linda Gray, Della Reese, Elliott Gould, Lainie Kazan, Cloris Leachman, Olesya Rulin, Cybil Shepherd, Dred Willard and Gene Simmons (of KISS). Expecting Mary is an Independent film, so it will be released September 10th in limited cities in the US. I'll post about it again in a few weeks but in the meantime check out this clip from the Fox Good Day New York TV show.

World Premiere of "Expecting Mary" at the Palm Springs Film Fest

Last nightI attended the world premiere screening of the new film "Expecting Mary", featured at the Palm Springs International Film Fest. Expecting Mary is an independent film with close ties to Palm Springs. Written and directed by Dan Gordon, the Producer was Kim Waltrip and the Executive Producer was Jim Casey, both residents of Palm Springs. Expecting Mary is the story of a young well-to do girl who finds herself pregnant and runs away from him. While hitch-hiking across country, she ends up in a small New Mexico town, in a downtrodden trailer park for a few days. There, in this unlikely place she learns the real meaning of family, friends, and love. It is a wonderful story with lots of genuine laughs, emotional and touching moments and a strong story line. An incredible cast brings the story to life. Linda Gray plays Darnella, a sort of washed up Vegas showgirl, Cloris Leachman is hilarious as Annie, an aged neighbor in the trailer park who raises and cares for pigs. Olesya Rulin (of High School Musical fame) plays young Mary, Elliot Gould is a polka-loving truck driver, Cybill Shepherd is the snobby mother of Mary, Della Reese is the owner of the dumpy trailer park and is hysterical. Lainie Kazan plays Lillian Littlefeather, the last of an Indian tribe who owns a tiny casino, Gene Simmons is Mary's aging rock-star father and Fred Willard is a has-been Vegas agent whose clients are all of the by-gone era. There is a really hilarious scene when a crazed Cybill Shepherd arrives at a small local airport and interacts with the baggage handler, gate agent, and rental car clerk (all the same person, but just changes a hat or jacket). It was a very well done scene with perfect comedic timing. Several cast members were on hand for the premiere, including Linda Gray, Cloris Leachman, Olesya Rulin and Teresa Ganzel (see photo above).

above: at the after party, I had a chance to spend some time with Olesya and catch up on things. At just 23 years old, she is very sweet and developing solid skills as an actress. For those of you who may not know Olesya, she is a Russian born actress best known for her role in the first three High School Musical films as Kelsi Nielsen, along with Zac Effron,Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale.

above: the official movie poster from Expecting Mary. This is a scene where Darnella (Linda Gray) is out walking a little pig who lives in the trailer park. In full disclosure, imagine my surprise when at the end of the film, as the credits were rolling, I saw my name listed, as thanks from the Producers. Such a sweet gesture (thanks Kim and Jim). My contribution was a connection to get one of the stars to sign on for the film, but I was happy to do so. Anyway, mark this film down as one to watch- it will be a gem of a film in 2010. Not sure of the official release date yet, but I"ll keep you posted when I hear more.
-Rick Rockhill