Some are good, some are hilariously bad — a brief look at our region’s foray into cinematic glory.
By Anghus Houvouras
HQ 120 | WINTER 2023
Huntington is no stranger to the entertainment industry, having hosted dozens of television and movie productions that have taken advantage of the city’s history, architecture and the people who call it home. From inspirational real-life stories to cult classics and quality independent films, we set out to find a wide variety of films made in the region and where you can watch them, working our way through the sticky strands of the world wide web to discover the hidden gems you may not have heard of. There are big-budget blockbusters, low-budget independent films and heartbreaking true stories that demand your attention. As someone who has spent a significant number of years in Huntington and pursued a career in the creative arts, this was a fascinating deep dive as I tried to find a broad sample of films from the area. The following is a rundown of the most notable. So, the next time you’re snowed in and endlessly searching for some interesting content to binge, check out these Huntington-made movies.
We Are Marshall (2006)
The movie that brought the epic story of tragedy and perseverance to cinemas is the most famous film associated with Huntington. One of the most inspirational stories in the history of competitive sports, We Are Marshall is one of those rare movies that captures the sense of community that defines college football and how the spirit of the team is defined by more than the players on the field. The production was a major event for the city, which warmly welcomed the cast and crew and made filming a positive experience for both. Matthew McConaughey, who played legendary Coach Jack Lengyel, had extremely kind words about his time in Huntington in an interview with WSAZ in 2016. “The connection that I’d had to this town, how much this story meant to the town, how much everyone in Huntington is connected either by blood or friendship or lore to everyone either on that plane or around that team or moved on or remained living, the town, its heartbeat, its pulse was very connected to that team.” Well said, Mister McConaughey. We Are Marshall is available on Tubi.
Teen-Age Strangler (1964)
Danger. Drag racing. Danny Dean and the Daredevils. This one has it all. Huntington’s first feature film has become a bona fide cult classic. Teen-Age Strangler perfectly captures the panic surrounding juvenile delinquency that gripped middle America in the 1950s and 60s when there was no greater threat than gangs of teenagers thumbing their noses at the civilized world. The movie was made primarily to capitalize on the popularity of other slasher movies of the era. The film has made the rounds over the years including an infamous appearance on the show Mystery Science Theater 3000 where only the most entertaining bad movies are roasted in real time. Even the title of the film is unintentionally hilarious since the name would imply a teenage strangler and not a strangler targeting teenagers. You’re sure to spot some Huntingtonians including Harold Frankel, John Ensign, Ted Kluemper, Steve Christian, Jo Canterbury Goyer, Kathy Haddad Goodman, John Humphreys and more. Teen-Age Strangler is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Ashes to Glory (2000)
The documentary Ashes to Glory is a must-watch for fans of We Are Marshall. The film is able to dive deeper into the real lives of the events that inspired the movie and provide an equally powerful look into the stories of those impacted by the tragedy and the bravery of those strong enough to carry on their legacy. Filmmakers John Witek and Deborah Novak are able to leverage the power of documentary filmmaking to provide a more nuanced and complete version of events of the tragedy and revival that forever changed Huntington. Ashes to Glory is available to rent via Amazon Prime Video.
Heroin(e) (2017)
Every city has stories worth celebrating and brutal realities that warrant shining a light on. The Oscar-nominated documentary Heroin(e) masterfully examines the opioid epidemic that has severely impacted so many communities through the eyes of three women confronting the crisis head-on. Most notable in the film is the work of Jan Rader, Huntington’s fire chief at the time, who worked tirelessly to save the lives of countless men and women addicted to opioids. In 2018 Rader was named to the Time 100 — the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Heroin(e) is available on Netflix.
Dark States: Heroin Town (2018)
Famed documentarian Louis Theroux showed another side of the human tragedy in his series Dark States, spending time with a number of Huntington residents dealing with the grip of drug addiction. Both movies provide unique insights and heartbreaking realities of a catastrophe that continues to challenge the region. Theroux is a gifted filmmaker and understands that finding the truth involves discovering the stories of the people living through these events. He embeds himself in the community and provides portraits of a number of area addicts, telling their stories without judgment or political agenda. The end result is a cold, hard look at the crisis that continues to victimize the region. Dark States is available on Apple TV+.
Dark Harvest (2004)
The horror genre returned to Huntington in 2004 with the scary slasher Dark Harvest. Written and directed by Paul Moore, the movie follows Sean (Don Digiulio) after he inherits a rural farmhouse from a father he never knew. He ventures down to check out his inheritance with a few friends who soon discover the property is plagued by three killer scarecrows, which will no doubt impact the resale value. This film has all the trappings of your standard low-budget horror film: death, dismemberment and characters who may be too stupid to live. Much like Teen-Age Strangler, there are some quality moments of hilarity. The best of the bunch was the deadpan delivery of the line, “I thought you were dead, but then we heard you screaming.” Chef’s kiss. Dark Harvest is available on DVD at Amazon.com.
Paper Wasps (2017)
Paul Moore filmed another tale of terror in Huntington, 2017’s Paper Wasps, which details the events behind a potential possession. A local priest agrees to investigate the claims and soon learns the terrifying cinematic truth — nothing good ever comes from being asked to consult on an exorcism. The film is wonderfully atmospheric and features some solid performances from the cast. It’s a marked improvement from Dark Harvest and shows Moore’s growth as a filmmaker delivering a deliciously devilish tale. Hopefully, Moore has a few more disturbing films up his bloodied sleeve to share with audiences. Paper Wasps is available on the streaming service Tubi.
Burning Annie (2004)
A lesser-known cinematic entry, Burning Annie is a razor-sharp dark comedy about a college student named Max (Gary Lundy) obsessed with Woody Allen’s Oscar-winning classic Annie Hall. Much like the titular character in the classic comedy, Max is a neurotic mess and believes his favorite movie might be ruining his life.
“We had a great time shooting in Huntington,” said Director Van Flesher. “We shot in February 2002, and Huntington did not disappoint with cold, gloom and depression. Still, we enjoyed nothing but hospitality and patience which are great conditions for indie filmmakers.”
Marshall University is heavily featured throughout the movie with key scenes taking place at the school’s award-winning radio station, WMUL, as well as the Memorial Student Center and John Deaver Drinko Library. The film even features an appearance from Huntington’s own Clint McElroy in a flashback sequence. Fans of quality independent cinema and Woody Allen’s comedy classic won’t be disappointed. Burning Annie is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Hay Fever (2021)
An adaptation of Noel Coward’s play, Hay Fever is a spirited staging of the classic comedy. The story follows the unconventional Bliss family and the madcap antics that take place after each invites a houseguest to spend the weekend. Like much of Coward’s most inspired work, the laughs come from a healthy blend of farce and the searing satire of Britain’s obsession with class. The film, directed by Stephen Vance, showcases some of Huntington’s unique locations like Ritter Park to transport audiences back to the roaring 1920s. Hay Fever is a completely homegrown project produced by Huntington’s own Alchemy Theatre Troupe and is a great example of the creativity and enterprising spirit of the artistic community in the Tri-State region. Information about upcoming screenings can be found at alchemytheatretroupe.org.
More Movies Made in Huntington
Twelve Pole Manor (2017)
When a group of friends purchase a house in Wayne, West Virginia, with plans to flip it for profit, they have no idea it’s haunted and wants their blood.
Choices (2018)
The true story of how Ron James finally overcame his 25-year battle with drug and alcohol addiction.
Deadline (2019)
When faced with a looming deadline, author Peter Kearns loses his grip on reality in this short thriller.
The Follower (2019)
The message of this lighthearted comedy is, “God doesn’t always call the qualified, but He always qualifies the called.”
Wake Up Dorothy (2021)
A talented Appalachian artist struggles to take her shot in the art world while she and the friends she meets along the way learn the hard way that the ends don’t always justify the means.
The Good Fight (2022)
Luke has made a series of bad decisions that nearly destroyed his family and career; now he must examine his life to discover what is actually worth fighting for.
Where The Roses Bloom (2023)
Imagine taking Lord of the Rings and putting it in a blender with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. That is the essence of this fantasy Western short starring local legend Clint McElroy due to be released this year.
