TERRE HAUTE —
Two Terre Haute natives are bringing Hollywood home for the next few weeks, and aspiring movie stars are welcome to come along for the ride.
Tanoos Fleschner Productions announced Thursday afternoon that Hollywood actor Tom Sizemore has been attached to their debut film, “The Drunk,” inspiration for which was taken from the life of early 20th century activist Eugene V. Debs. Sizemore’s extensive acting credits include “Blackhawk Down” and “Saving Private Ryan.”
“We think Tom’s a great fit for the project and we’re excited to be working with someone of that caliber,” Paul Fleschner said inside the Eugene V. Debs museum and home Thursday.
Fleschner and his partner, William Tanoos, added that while the main cast for the movie is set, the film will require a wide range of background extras for a variety of scenes. Individuals interested can email their name, age and phone number to extras@thedrunkmovie.com. Photographs are not required but would be helpful.
Sizemore will play the part of Bruce Frye, the story’s antagonist, a corrupt prosecutor seeking to win Indiana’s governor seat in the 2012 election. Tanoos will play Joe Debs, the fictional grandson of Eugene, who is arrested on a trumped up drunk driving charge and winds up challenging Frye in the Democratic primary. Fleschner will play Larry Donegan, Joe’s lawyer, friend and campaign manager.
In real life, Eugene had no children, thus Joe’s existence is entirely fictional, both explained. But the current political setting of 2011 and early 2012 will serve as the backdrop, with real issues mixed into the story.
Eugene was born in Terre Haute to French immigrants and rose to prominence in the early 1900s as a candidate for the U.S. Presidency on the ticket of the Socialist Party of America. A founding member of the International Labor Union and the Industrial Workers of the World, he served in the Indiana General Assembly as a Democrat and was imprisoned for strike-related actions and protests of American participation in World War I.
One of America’s best-known socialists, Eugene’s portrait hangs inside courthouses and union halls across the country.
The film has been officially endorsed by the Eugene V. Debs Foundation and the Debs museum will serve as a setting for parts of the movie, they said. Both credited foundation officials Dr. Charles King and Karen Brown as instrumental in the process.
But life for the fictional grandson of a socialist icon isn’t always easy, the film’s authors explained.
“Socialism is a scary word in America. Especially in the Midwest,” Tanoos remarked. The legacy of his grandfather’s radicalism is a heavy load for Joe, even though most of Eugene’s ideas are now established federal law.
Tanoos, a graduate of Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis, pointed out that two of Eugene’s more radical ideas were desegregation of the races and voting rights for women. The safe working conditions and minimum wage standards which earned him prison sentences in the 20th century’s first decade have long been considered status quo. In addition to inspiring laughs with comedic dialogue, the movie aims to educate people about the life and work of a Vigo County native.
Meanwhile, Joe is a hard-partying 20-something alcoholic who winds up learning about himself while facing up to the challenge of Frye’s corruption.
“The character is on a journey of redemption,” Fleschner said.
Tanoos recounted the phenomenon which occurred when the late “gonzo journalist” Hunter S. Thompson decided to run for office. What started out as a comical bit of rabble-rousing snowballed into a minor movement as people jumped on board.
“That’s how Joe Debs is as a candidate,” he said.
Production will run locally between July 18 through August 13 at locations including Woodrow Wilson Middle School, The Coffee Grounds, The Saratoga, the Vigo County Jail and Courthouse, as well as Indiana State University locations and Union Hospital, they said.
“The best thing about shooting here is that everyone from local businesses to government is helping out. Everybody is incredible supportive,” Tanoos said. “We’d like to use Terre Haute as a character in the film,” he explained, noting the manner in which Woody Allen used New York City and the film “Field of Dreams” used Iowa.
The film is hoped to be completed in time for a 2012 distribution in the midst of a election season featuring numerous governor races as well as the presidential slot.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
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Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Back in town: William Tanoos and Paul Fleschner talk about the filming of their upcoming movie 'The Drunk'. There will be many scenes from Terre Haute in the film as well as a need for local extras in some of the scenes.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis In his shadow: William Tanoos plays Joe Debs, descendant of Eugene V. Debs in the upcoming movie 'The Drunk'.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Hometown notoriety: Paul Fleschner and William Tanoos pose with a bust of Eugene V. Debs in the Debs home on North 8th street. Part of their upcoming film �The Drunk� will be filmed in the museum.
Discussion
‘The Drunk’ ready to start filming
Producers announce Tom Sizemore has joined cast
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