How cool is this?

As part of the True Grit project, Mr. Kevin Jones, Ms. Susan Whitlow, Dr. Dennis Siler, Mr. Roy Hill, and Mrs. Jacqulyn West of the Department of English and Rhetoric filmed a historic adaptation of the courtroom scene from Charles Portis' novel, True Grit on April 20th in cooperation with the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Students from Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society and others worked to complete filming in the exhibit of Judge Isaac C. Parker's courtroom at the Fort Smith National Historic Site downtown. Mr. Jones directed this short scene and adapted a shooting script from the novel with much input from English faculty. The short film, "The Gritty Film Project" will be shown later this semester and in the summer on campus, at the Fort Smith Public Library, and for future classroom use. Students involved with the filming included Shawn Mann, Stephanie Raney, Johnathan Morgan, John West, Beau Berrera, Kathryn Feather, and Cara Hewett.

I cannot wait to see how this turns out. Fantastic work and thanks to all those involved. Very cool.

Way too much stuff going on!

I'm having a serious problem keeping up with all the True Grit happenings, folks. In addition, managing all this social media stuff--three facebook sites, a blog, and four email accounts--is seriously time-consuming. Especially with so much going on. Ok, here's what I know about.

This afternoon, in Holt 102, Roy Hill will have his demonstration on the firearms written about in the novel. This promises to be informative, safe, and interesting. I'd go if I were you.

Next Tuesday, Kevin Jone's class is filming the courtroom scene in the actual courtroom. He wanted me to play the prosecuting attorney (hmm), but I don't have time to be fitted for the costume (plus, where DO you get a prosecuting attorneys outfit from the late 1800s in my size?). We WILL find a place to show and/or post this video when it's done. That just sounds like lots of fun.

I just got notice that Marie Westphal's class is having an event next Tuesday as well. At 9:30, in Math-Science 204, her ENGL 1213 students will be giving a brief overview of their 'Quote Projects.' You'll want to go to that. Presentations are expected to only be about 20-35 minutes long but I am expecting great things from this great class.

Monday, we're going over to the Central Presbyterian Book Club meeting to talk with their readers about the book. I am REALLY looking forward to that.

And folks, if there's anything else going on please let me know.

True Grit Stuff

Big events last week. On Tuesday, Jacqulyn West conducted two seminars for interested students and faculty. Some really interesting conversation ensued. Jacqulyn talked to the students about reading the novel as a Fort Smithereener. One of the more interesting conversations I heard started with a few students who wanted to "indict" poor Mattie. She was wrong, they said, to seek revenge for her father's death and should have just left it to law enforcement. Well, I was having none of that! I think Mattie did the honorable thing. Showed "true grit," as it were. Sure, we don't like vigilante law, but really . . . ? Mattie was wrong? I just won't have it? Most of the other students rose to her defense, thank goodness.

On Thursday, we screened the movie twice in Echols. Both showings were well-attended. Lots of students at the first showing and lots of folks from the community at the second showing. Great conversations. I found that after my third viewing I really was appreciating Wayne's performance more. He DID win an Oscar for it, too.

Fantastic True Grit stuff going on! Keep blogging. If you're on Facebook (and who isn't?) you can see more pictures at the College of Languages and Communication Facebook page. Use the link on this blog.