Last month we discussed the backstory of Gone with the Pope, the unfinished 1975 Duke Mitchell exploitation-fest that just recently got a resurrection and ending by editor Bob Murawski (Drag Me To Hell, The Hurt Locker). Well, the movie had its coming out party in LA, and the response was such that Grindhouse Films (the same folks who’ve been putting The Evil Dead back in theaters this year) has given a mini-release to the recently completed cut.
“The audience response to the movie at the Hollywood premiere surpassed my wildest expectations,” Murawski said. “The turnout was incredible, with the Egyptian Theatre filled to almost capacity. And the crowd was with the movie the entire time – laughing, gasping and cheering at all the appropriate places. The film ended to a thunderous applause that lasted a full minute. It was like a Cannes Film Festival screening. Or a rock concert.
“After 15 years of hard work finishing this movie, the feeling of accomplishment was tangible and profound. My only regret was that Duke himself was not with us to share it. However, I’m certain he was there in spirit. I feel we have done something truly special in finishing GONE WITH THE POPE, and am excited that audiences across the US and beyond will get a chance to experience the movie on the big screen in its upcoming theatrical tour.”
With an Oscar win this year for Best Editing in The Hurt Locker and a speech that included shout-outs to the horror genre, Murawski is creating a really neat niche for himself in a position that often gets overlooked, as people focus on the “creativity” of the directors or writers. Check the dates to see if Gone With The Pope is coming through your city.
Gone With The Pope Screening Dates and Locations
- April 2 & 3 – Grand Illusion Cinema, Seattle
- April 23 & 25 – CPH PIX Festival, Copenhagen
- May 6 – George Eastman House, Rochester, NY
- May 10 – Doc Films, Chicago
- May 21 & 22 – E Street Cinema, Washington, D.C.
- June 4 & 5 – Sunshine Cinema, NYC
- June 11 & 12 – Uptown Theatre, Minneapolis
- June 18 & 19 Main Art Theatre, Detroit
- June 25 & 26 River Oaks, Houston
Tags: Bob Murawski, Gone with the Pope
