ROUTE 30 THREE! Premieres Tonight at Capitol Theater in Chambersburg

The third installment of the offbeat backwoods trilogy "Route 30 Three!" will premiere at the Capitol Theater, 159 S. Main St in Chambersburg bringing John Putch's local film trilogy to a close. The screening and Complete Box set DVD release party will unspool at 7 p.m. tonight, July 11th. Tickets are available at www.thecapitoltheatre.org/movies.html or call 717-236-0202 or at the box office.

Since 2008, native Chambersburg-er John Putch has been filming his independent film trilogy along Route 30 that spans Franklin and Adams county between Chambersburg and Gettysburg. The final chapter of these quirky comedies will have its local premiere on July 11th at the Capitol Theater.

ROUTE 30 THREE! focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Rotten Egg, a camera that reveals the truth in every photo, and a man's quest to become 'less' boring. It's both hilarious and romantic. James Bond meets Blazing Saddles would be another way to describe it.

"If you haven't seen the previous two films, it's okay because they all stand alone." said John Putch. "And I want to take the opportunity to thank the friends and local businesses in the area that helped make the films so special."

Local businesses that are highlighted in part Three include: Norlo Park, Mister Ed's Elephant Museum, The Historic Round Barn, The National Apple Museum, Cumberland Valley Drive-In, Camp Penn in Waynesboro, LINCOLN Lanes, Caledonia Golf Course, Remember When Flea Market, Rite Spot Motel and The Cottage Pub.

"Major scenes from the film were shot at all these locations which really made the movie rich and authentic." Putch says. "When I sit down to write the screenplay I usually contact the business and ask if they would allow filming there. When the answer is yes, I go ahead with the scene."

Behind the scenes, the films have always relied on the help from Totem Pole Playhouse, Putch's childhood theatrical home. Totem Pole has provided production support for the films since the get go. Part one was filmed in the theater and parts two and three have used some of the equipment and shot special effects sequences on the grounds.

Mister Ed's Elephant Museum has the honor of appearing in all three films. Its showman proprietor Ed Gotwalt has also had roles in the movies. "I've had such a great time working with John as an actor," said Gotwalt. "I can't wait to play a different character than myself in his upcoming film."

Chambersburg's The Cottage Pub has appeared in the last two films. "Tom Boock and Mary Caldwell have been incredibly generous in letting us shoot some major sequences at their restaurant. And Tonya Knouse-White of The Round Barn has seen her historic building's interior and exterior in the last two films as well.

The local star of part three is Guilford Township's Norlo Park. Many scenes were filmed there and the township provided the farmhouse for use as a production office for Putch and his tiny crew.

For the end of the trilogy Putch has compiled a DVD/Blu Ray box set collection which will be release THE DAY of the screening and sold at the Capitol. "It just makes sense to put it all in one box" said Putch. "If Peter Jackson can do it, then why can't I?" he said with a grin.

The screening of ROUTE 30 THREE! will be followed by a Q&A with Putch and his cast. Then autographing of DVDs in the lobby of the theater. The first 100 attending will receive a souvenir poster as well. Cast members scheduled to appear include: Wil Love, CARL Schurr, Mister Ed, NOAH Applebaum, Chambersburg's own Molly Lahr, Ray Ficca and the great Lee Wilkof.

Even though the trilogy is over, Putch plans to shoot a new film this summer with the help of his friends in Franklin County. The new movie titled THE FATHER AND THE BEAR is a theater story and will be set mostly at the Totem Pole Playhouse. The film stars legendary stage icon Wil Love and David DeLuise who last appeared in Route 30 as Original Bill. Love plays a retired actor who attempts one more performance even though he secretly suffers from dementia.

"Definitely a heavier subject," says Putch. "But the film will still have the heart and whimsy that has become a hallmark of my movies."

Other local favorites that have joined the cast are: CARL Schurr, Ed Gotwalt, Paris Peet, Catherine Blaine, Katrina Yaukey, Ray Ficca, Alicia Fusting, Dan Poole, Lee Merriman & Krista Bruno.

ROUTE 30 THREE! shows for one night only on July 11th at 7PM at the Capitol Theater in Chambersburg. For more info, go to www.route30three.com.

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