Local Film Blaire’s Bridge Builds Heart
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the World Premiere of a film produced right here in the Triangle – Blaire’s Bridge. It’s the story of how one covered bridge brings a community together despite the matters of the heart being tested by some members of that very same community. It’s a touching tale of heartbreak, sacrifice, and love.
It’s also a film that was made on the thinnest of shoe-string budgets. None of its stars are Hollywood blockbuster actors, though one has certainly dabbled in several community theater projects, Carlton Vinson. Tyler Small who plays high school jock (and hearthrob), Austin James, has appeared as an extra on the television series One Tree Hill. Outside of that, the film is largely made up of some of the Triangle’s best talent.
For local Clayton residents, there are also appearances by several highly recognizable people – Clayton’s own Mayor Jody McLeod, Town Manager Steve Biggs, 2008 Clayton Person of the Year Jim Lee, Clayton Center Executive Director Heidi Stump, and prominent Clayton citizen Joyce Blackley. As Johnston County’s Community Content Liaison for NBC 17 and MyNC.com, I personally enjoyed seeing each one of those folks make their mark on the film industry.
As previously mentioned, the story revolves around a covered brige and its impact on the community. Carlton’s character, favorite Clayton High School teacher, Clark Worthington, along with his daughter, Cathy (played by Kelsey Ewert) are still coping with the death of Mrs. Worthington. Cathy is dealing with the typical teenage angst, especially when it comes to boys. One in particular, Austin James, the school jock, most popular this or that, can’t quite figure out how to deal with his true feelings for Cathy. Then, there’s Cathy’s best friend D’Anne McCurry (portrayed by Adaria Coulter) whose parents are also going through a hard time having recently split up.
The covered bridge brings meaning at various points in the film (as the place where Austin goes to sort out his feelings or Uncle Worthington goes to remember why he built the bridge in the first place or). The bridge also brings the entire community together for a rally to protest the destruction of the bridge and it is at that rally that a secret is revealed, one that may have significant impact on the Worthington family…or it may not. You’ll have to see the film to find out!
I wouldn’t say I loved it but I would say I really liked the story behind it. Some of the dialog was kind of quirky and some of the acting a bit dry. But, is it a film worth the price of admission? Yes, as long as you like films about and for the family that tell the tale of love, loss, and reconciliation.
If there’s one comment I heard repeated over and over again at the end of the flick, it was that it’s a “true family drama”. That it is.
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa 
Video compilation of the evening:
For more, check out my post at Clayton.MyNC.com!
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