Movie cast draws big crowd for downtown event

By Eric Fossell
The Herald-Dispatch

April 1, 2006

HUNTINGTON — Actor Matthew McConaughey and others associated with the movie “We Are Marshall” greeted nearly 55 members of the national press Saturday in the Keith-Albee Theatre, saying cast and filmmakers intend to make a movie with all the reverence the story deserves.

“Very seldom do you read stories like this based on truth,” McConaughey said. “I’m honored to be a part of it. We’re going to have a great time.”

Joining him on the stage of the Keith-Albee were fellow cast member David Strathairn, director McG and Basil Iwanyk, producer of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film.


“I think it’s a great metaphor for living,” McG said of the Marshall story, referring to the resurgence of the university’s football program after the Nov. 14, 1970, plane crash that killed all 75 aboard.


The film begins prior to the crash and continues the following season when the Young Thundering Herd scored an emotional win over Xavier University.


Iwanyk said the support of the Huntington and Marshall community has been incredible, considering the sensitive nature and raw emotion of the story.


“Over the course of time, the Marshall family, which is extensive, gave us their trust,” he said.


The actors and filmmakers spoke to the press about 45 minutes before welcoming thousands of screaming fans outside the Keith-Albee.


Kaybreh Carpenter, 16, of Milton said she couldn’t believe she had captured video footage of McConaughey, her favorite actor.


“As soon as he came out (of the Keith-Albee), my mouth dropped open,” she said. “It’s like it wasn’t real.”


Olive Hager of Hamlin, W.Va., a retired Marshall professor who taught for 33 years, joined screaming fans near the foot of the stage.


“I’ve always been part of it,” she said of the story. “I took part in the funerals, and we went to all of the ballgames, even when they lost. I think (’We Are Marshall’) is going to be great.”


Inside the Keith-Albee, the panel shared many laughs and light-hearted stories, including one about an impromptu foot race that resulted between McConaughey and two female middle school students Saturday morning near the Veterans Memorial Field House.
“Matthew wanted to go (break) a sweat,” McG said. “He said, ‘I’m going to go running and take in the town. (The two girls) kind of gave him a race.”


McConaughey was all smiles, replying, “Uh-O” regarding the girls’ speed. His reaction elicited boisterous laughter from the press corps, which included representatives from People magazine and the E! Television network.


Laughter and smiles also broke out when Iwanyk reported how McConaughey, Strathairn and fellow cast members appeared in a hair and wardrobe test a few days ago.


“These guys look really cool,” he said.


On a more serious note, Iwanyk shared a story about first visiting Huntington late last summer with Mary Viola, associate producer of “We Are Marshall.”


“Once I left Huntington, I realized this film has to be done, and it has to be done right away,” Iwanyk said.


He and McG said nothing would make them happier than seeing a premiere at the Keith-Albee. While an exact date has not been determined, the film will be released within the next year.

“If I have it my way, we’ll be back here at the Keith-Albee, and we’ll be looking up at the screen and looking at a film we’re very proud of,” McG said.


Strathairn, a best actor Oscar nominee this year, said he welcomes the challenges of portraying Donald Dedmon, who was acting Marshall president when the crash occurred.


“We’re actors — we’re conduits,” Strathairn said. “I don’t look anything like the man. ... It’s really more about being the spirit of the man.”


McG, who shared that his great-grandfather was a Pennsylvania coal miner, said he hopes the film brings positive attention to West Virginia.


“If we can tell a good story, if we can bring honor — bring a little more attention to West Virginia — maybe a couple of kids end up going to Marshall, one kid becomes a great doctor — then I think we’ve done a good thing and shed a positive light.”


McConaughey was asked by People magazine what it’s like to lead a semi-quiet life in a community the size of Huntington.
“I’m not really Matthew McConaughey,” he responded, resulting in more laughter.


“So far what I’ve encountered are very good people,” he said. “I’ve had a few interesting run-ins. I’ve had some good smiles and good jokes along the way. I’ve already heard some stories I’ve never heard before.”


Upon going outside and greeting the crowd, McConaughey told legions of fans that he arrived in Huntington Friday night. He awakened to a community he looks forward to being part of for much of this month.


“I woke up this morning with the sunrise,” he said. “I looked around, and it’s getting nothing but better looking.”

There had been rumored "Matthew" sightings on Thursday and Friday, but McConaughey's first public appearance came this morning at Marshall University's spring football practice.

McConaughey and others associated with the movie also attended a reception at Marshall President Steve Kopp's home.

The block party drew hundreds of fans to 4th Avenue.

"Not only are the people of Huntington excited about this, the Warner Bros. producers, the director and everyone from that perspective are excited, too," said Keith Spears, vice president of communications and marketing at Marshall. "They'll often have a kickoff party, but nothing like this."

"From Marshall's perspective, we're pleased that they're pleased."

Warner Bros. filmmakers continue seeking numerous extras for large crowd scenes in the film.

"We Are Marshall" will be directed by McG, perhaps best known for directing the film version of the TV series "Charlie's Angels," and will feature nearly 80 speaking roles, according to Ernie Malik, unit publicist for "We Are Marshall." Filming throughout Huntington and nearby will continue into mid-April before production moves to Atlanta, mainly to utilize sound stages for interior scenes, as well as to shoot football sequences in an atmosphere that closely replicates the former Fairfield Stadium.

With the excitement level nearly at a crescendo, Spears said a lot of thanks go out to the community and organizers of the block party, which will include food, music, entertainment for kids, and souvenir T-shirts.

"To the community of Huntington, thanks for putting this together, and we're looking forward to a great time," Spears said.