Apr 23, 2019

Movie Update

     Crew members for "Son of The South" get ready to shoot a scene in Downtown Montgomery this morning. It's outside the old Greyhound Bus Station (now The Freedom Rides Museum). 
     I play a reporter interviewing John Lewis (in Birmingham) as they prepare to go to Montgomery.

Bagage from the bus is scattered on the street
     That's where the bus was attacked as police, at the very least, looked away.
From the National Park Service history of the Montgomery station:

"Arriving early in Montgomery with only a lone motorcycle patrolman escort, the Freedom Riders soon discovered that a crowd of approximately 200 angry protestors crowded the streets and the arrival bay area at the bus station. Among the crowd were several notorious Klansmen who were involved in the Birmingham violence. Reporters greeted the Freedom Riders, but before the first question could be answered, a mob, bearing lead pipes and baseball bats, attacked first the reporters, smashing their equipment, before turning their attention to the Freedom Riders. By this time, some of the Freedom Riders formed a human chain by joining hands. The mob quickly overwhelmed them."
     Taking part in the movie reminded me of how many people it takes to produce  a film. Lots of extras and 1961 era clothes and cars. It will likely be screened at movie festivals before a promised Montgomery premier.
Barry Brown and Bob Zelner

 




   The movie is Son of The South. Montgomery's Barry Brown is directing, Spike Lee is Executive Producer. 
     The script is based on the autobiographical book Wrong Side of Murder Creek by Bob Zellner.

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