True Gritapalooza draws crowd to movie premiere

 

story and photos by Brittany Ransom

The Malco Cinema 12 could have easily been mistaken for a scene right out of the Wild West, as a large crowd came out for the opening of the remake of the classic film, “True Grit.”

The premiere activities were part of True Gritapalooza, an effort to showcase the region’s connection to the classic Charles Portis novel made famous by the 1969 movie starring John Wayne. The remake, directed by award-winning filmmakers, Joel and Ethan Coen, stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Hailee Steinfield.

Coordinated by the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gritapalooza consisted of several events in the days leading up to the movie’s official debut on Dec. 22.

Both young and old turned out for opening night sporting Rooster Cogburn and Mattie Ross costumes. The evening’s main event was the “Look-a-Like” contest featuring the story’s main characters. Several True Grit fans entered the contest and spouted off classic lines from the movie. The Rooster contest came down to tie between Harold Trisler and Carl Haney. After a “Rooster-off,” Haney was declared the winner.

In the Mattie Ross contest, winner Lorie Robertson convinced the judges that she was the best choice by channeling the character in both dress and speech.

“My name is Mattie Ross and I’m looking for Marshal Rooster Cogburn,” said Robertson. She went on to tell the character’s story and explained that she “aimed to see” the man who killed her father hanged.

Peggy Weidman, Bill Black and Judge Jim Spears served as judges for the event. Each winner was awarded a prize package which included a $50 gift certificate from Bedford Camera and Video.

Steve Rinke, KOOL 104.7 personality, served as the emcee for the evening. Co-host Tracy Winchell, economic development coordinator for the City of Fort Smith, thanked those in attendance for participating and for dressing the part.

“Thank you to all you crazy people out there in your costumes,” said Winchell. “Our future is in our past and we appreciate all the people in this region who are helping keep history alive here.”

The group Tyrannosaurus Chicken entertained the crowd with appropriately themed western and bluegrass music. Members Rachel Ammons and Smilin’ Bob Lewis treated everyone to tunes on their fiddle and banjo while dressed in their own True Grit attire.

Prize drawings were also held throughout the evening. Several individuals walked away with movie soundtracks, t-shirts and gift certificates from area restaurants.

Employees from Malco also got in the “True Grit” spirit donning western attire for the premiere. The theater was decorated with Judge Parker signs, Wanted posters and movie memorabilia. In line with the Marshall Rooster Cogburn theme, employees collected donations to help support the building of the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.