A little piece of Hollywood came to Northeast Arkansas April 14 when Hallmark Hall of Fame’s presentation of A Painted House, based on the novel by John Grisham, debuted to the world via a capacity crowd at Fowler Center’s Riceland Hall on the Arkansas State University campus.
The book, on which the film is based, is set in Black Oak, Ark., where Grisham spent the first seven years of his life. Filming for the Hallmark Hall of Fame production was done in Lepanto (Poinsett County) and Clarkedale (Crittenden County).
Period equipment used in the film, including a cotton wagon, tractors, trucks, cotton sacks and bales flanked Fowler Center, only to be divided on one side or the other by the red carpet, which guided guests into the Grand Hall.
At a news conference immediately preceding the event, Grisham spoke to the media about the film, his book, his family and the premiere.
"I never see the film the way the film maker sees it," Grisham said. But you could bring in ten film makers and each would see it ten different ways."
Grisham said actor Scott Glenn, of films including The Right Stuff and Urban Cowboy, portrays the character of Pappy Chandler in such a way that resembles Grisham’s own grandfather "pretty closely."
He also said he was happy to work with Hallmark Productions, because he trusted it would be a quality presentation. He noted that he and Hallmark literally had a "handshake deal" that Hallmark would make the film.
Brad Moore, president of Hallmark Productions, said Hallmark Hall of Fame was attracted the story because of the family dynamics playing on different levels, and because of Grisham’s writing.
Grisham asked that the event be presented as a fund-raising opportunity for the university. He credited ASU President Dr. Les Wyatt with suggesting the newest doctoral program in Heritage Studies as the benefactor.
"I just thought it was a great fit," he said.
Dr. Wyatt said the Heritage Studies program is dedicated to preserving the rich history and culture of the Delta, a history that is woven into the story of A Painted House.
"Through this program, we hope to understand and explain this place to those who will come after us," Dr. Wyatt said to the capacity crowd immediately preceding the showing of the film.
Congressman Marion Berry, of Arkansas’ First Congressional District, said he was also honored that Grisham had chosen to write about and explain the heritage of the Arkansas Delta, and expressed his thanks to Grisham for his work and his generosity to Arkansas State.
Linn Sitler of the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission told the group, "John has never forgotten where he came from. The love that went into this production is felt on the screen. Thank you, John, for perhaps the best one yet."
Grisham received a standing ovation from the crowd as he came to the lectern to speak. He noted this is the seventh of his books that have been adapted to film, and compared the work of an author to that of a film maker.
"Books and movies, it’s not fair to compare them," he said. "So forget about the book and enjoy the next 105 minutes of the movie."
