Hugh Tonagel (right), one of the many La Porteans featured in the film, talks with Jason Bitner, the author of the book that started the ball rolling, at B&J's American Cafe after the movie's La Porte debut on July 14, 2010.
UPDATE JULY 16: See message on official “LaPorte, Indiana” documentary site about upcoming showings and DVDs: http://laportemovie.com/?p=235
Photos by Mike Kellems
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Here are more scenes from the debut on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, of the documentary “La Porte, Indiana.” To read WNLP’s review of the film, click on the following link:
http://www.whatsnewlaporte.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=17789
If you see the film, we would love your comments! Post them either at the end of this story or our review (link above).
La Portean Mike Pease, nephew of studio photographer Frank Pease, and Jari Gift, granddaughter of Frank Pease, reunite for the first time since childhood after the movie premiere. Behind them are some of Frank Pease's portraits of La Porte teachers of the past at B&J's American Cafe.
Mayor Kathy Chroback greets Joe Beshenkovsky, director, and Jason Bitner, producer (background), after the premiere at New La Porte Cinema. At left in background is Mrs. Rose Philbrook.
The boxes of photos from Frank Pease's Muralcraft Studios that started it all. They will remain under the guard of John and Billie Pappas at B&J's Cafe.
Invited guests wait patiently on a warm night outside New La Porte Cinema before the premiere of "La Porte, Indiana."
