LOUDONVILLE — The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum’s Speaker Series continues this month with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film Shawshank Redemption on Monday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
In the late spring of 1993, a young Mark Jordan had the opportunity to check something off his bucket list: Be in a movie.
While Mark was not yet the celebrated chronicler of Ohio history that he was to later become, he served for a month as a background actor on the film and soaked up his experiences and observations.
Forty years later, he decided to write a memoir full of delightful behind-the-scenes stories that reveal quirks of the movie-making process, insights about the actors and the director, and revelations about how the film helped Mark himself “tunnel out” of youthful malaise and begin dedicating himself to his calling to write.
The film, shot in Mansfield and surrounding regions including Ashland and Richland counties, tells the story of a banker (played by Tim Robbins) wrongfully sentenced to life in prison, who befriends a contraband smuggler (played by Morgan Freeman), and becomes instrumental in a money-laundering operation.
Despite critical acclaim the film was a box office disappointment, however, became a fan favorite for home-video and tv broadcasts ultimately leading to being recognized as one of the best-loved films by audiences.
Mark Sebastian Jordan is a well-known Ohio writer.
The author of seven books, the weekly History Knox podcast, and classical music reviews for Seen & Heard International, Jordan’s writings have been awarded prizes from the Ohio Arts Council, the Associated Press, and many more, and have been featured by the Ohioana Book Festival, the Columbus Book Festival, and the Buckeye Book Fair.
In addition to speaking and taking questions about the film, Mark will be selling and signing copies of his book. Books are $15, cash and check will be accepted.
The museum’s Speaker Series culminates on April 21 with Statues, Flags, and the Ongoing Battle Over the Meaning of the Civil War.
All events are held in the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum (203 E. Main Street in Loudonville, Ohio) and are free and open to the public.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the events beginning at 7 p.m.
For more information on the museum, or the series, interested persons can visit the museum online at www.crfmuseum.com or call the office at 419 994-4050.