Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

Craig / / 2007, First Blood, Honors

This came in the e-mail this week…

Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

Over 25 years have passed since First Blood wrapped filming in Hope, British Columbia, Canada – but residents, local crew and Rambo enthusiasts agree it doesn’t feel like a quarter century has passed. Back in 1981, British Columbia’s film industry was in itsinfancy when the Ministry of Tourism’s Film Promotion Office, helmed by Dianne Neufeld and Justis Greene, received a call from a production company interested in shooting First Blood, a $15 million action movie in B.C..

After scouting several different locations in BC, the producers found the exact look they had been searching for in the small town of Hope. Soon after, a crew of approximately 100 people (many of whom still work in the BC Film industry) began to transform the town of Hope into the birthplace of John Rambo. The Sheriff’s Office was constructed on the lawn of Hope’s District Hall, a gun shop and gas station were built and American flags, mailboxes, and US Army billboards were placed on downtown streets.

During the filming, the cast and crew had to deal with bitter cold, the theft of over 50 firearms needed for the movie, Stallone’s injuries and the escape of a wild boar on its way to set. Despite these challenges, First Blood, which was released on Friday October 22, 1982was a major box office success, earning a record breaking $14.8 million in the first 12 days of its release.

To mark the film’s 25th anniversary, the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex (operated by Destination Hope & Beyond Services) is celebrating the occasion with a number of events and activities over the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, beginning October 5th. The anniversary celebration plans currently include a welcome reception at a Hope pub, the premiere of the REEL PLACES “First Blood” travelogue/documentary by Seattle’s Gas Light Alley Entertainment, film location tours, a Rambo look-a-like contest, an art competition, a pig roast dinner, and the publication of a souvenir “First Blood” booklet as a keepsake.

Anyone that would like to contribute stories, photos or trivia for the souvenir booklet is invited to send them to destinationhope@telus.net. Plus anyone that was involved in this film project is encouraged to take part in the events celebrating this pivotal BC film project.

For further information, please contact: Inge Wilson, Manager-Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex Phone: 604-869-2021 or 1-866-HOPEVIC or E-mail:destinationhope@telus.net

Sly Movie Memorbilia

Craig / / 2007, Sly Fan
The photo above and e-mail below arrived in the e-mail this week.
Hi Craig, I just want to tell you what a great web site you have.

I am a movie memorabilia collector, and I collect Stallone stuff especially. I have a complete Sylvester Stallone outfit that he actually wore in the movie Daylight. It is complete with shirt, undershirt, pants, socks, and boots. I am sure you know the outfit. It is the one that he wears throughout the entire film. I have a bunch of photos with it. It came right from a Profiles in History auction, and has their tags. Profiles is one of the biggest auction houses in the world. I had the outfit on a mannequin with a Stallone mask. I just don’t have the room anymore. I am asking $650.00 for it. I would also include all of the 8X10 photos, and the original movie with the box. I also have a Stallone face life cast that was made right from his head and neck for Cop land. I got that from Premiere Props, and it comes with their COA. I am asking $350 for that. Please let me know if you are interested, and if possible maybe you can list it on the Stallone Zone. I would be happy to give you 10% of the selling prices if you have somebody or can get me somebody to purchase. Thanks so much, Brett
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If any SZoner is interested in purchasing Brett’s items you can contact him at BackDoor07@aol.com. Feel free to ask for the 10% discount that he offered me, since I don’t know Brett or the authenticity of his items [he says he has Certificates of Authenticity], I wouldn’t feel comfortable accepting a commission on the sale. – Craig


Sly Presents Rocky

Craig / / 2007, Honors, Rocky
From American Film Institute Press Release – Wednesday September 12, 1:48 pm ET LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/

The American Film Institute today announced a historic public event to mark the institute’s 40th anniversary. Target Presents AFI’s 40th Anniversary is an event of unprecedented scale — even for Hollywood. Eleven classic American films will screen on a single night, in a single location — each with a live introduction by the film’s legendary star or filmmaker.

The event will be held October 3 at ArcLight Hollywood. All film programs will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on September 19.

The films and artists that are confirmed to take part in this momentous occasion are:

    Julie Andrews will present THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
  Warren Beatty will present BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
  Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner will present WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... (1989)
  Kirk Douglas will present SPARTACUS (1960)
  Clint Eastwood will present UNFORGIVEN (1992)
  Morgan Freeman will present THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)
  Tippi Hedren will present THE BIRDS (1963)
  Angela Lansbury will present BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991)
  George Lucas will present STAR WARS -- EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (1977)
  Jack Nicholson will present ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
  Sylvester Stallone will present ROCKY (1976)

“What better way to celebrate 40 years of AFI than to bring together movie artists and movie-goers in the flickering light of these classic American films,” stated Jean Picker Firstenberg, AFI’s President and CEO. “We thank Target for their continued support of AFI, providing the opportunity to honor AFI’s 40th Anniversary with an epic celebration worthy of America’s national educational and cultural organization.”

“We are thrilled to honor 40 great years of the American Film Institute by celebrating the magic and artistry of the silver screen,” said Laura Sandall, director, events marketing and publicity, Target. “By building relationships with leading cultural organizations like AFI, Target is able to foster creativity, promote learning and build stronger communities.”

Tickets to all screenings are $25 and can be purchased at AFI.com or in person at the ArcLight box office at 6360 W Sunset Boulevard (at Ivar) beginning Wednesday, September 19. Event tickets include free popcorn and soda for all guests. The first 100 guests to arrive in each theater will receive a free copy of the special commemorative AFI 40th Anniversary Tribute book.
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What a great line up of films and presenters. Obviously “Rocky” would be THE one to attend, but it would also be cool to see Kirk Douglas present “Spartacus”, Clint Eastwood show us “Unforgiven”, or Jack Nicholson showcase “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. If any SZoner attends, please send in photos and a report! – Craig

SZoner Meets Frank Stallone

Craig / / Uncategorized
SZoner, Robert Clark sent in the picture above and this note: “I met Frank Stallone at DragonCon in Atlanta today. Frank was a true gentleman! I thanked him for ROCKY BALBOA and JOHN RAMBO. I told him about the crowd that showed up in Tampa to see an early screening of ROCKY BALBOA back in early Dec. This was the event that MIGBIZ (We spoke about the Rocky Cards too!) put on. I told him about the crowds bursting at the seams to get in.” Congrats to Robert for meeting Frank, a true talent! Also thanks for sending along the photo and kind words! – Craig

Legends Fan Art

Craig / / 2007, Fan Art
M. Gerardo has been a SZoner for about a year now and has been a Stallone fan for 31 years. He sent in his iconic digital creation for SZoners everywhere to enjoy! Thanks to MG! – Craig

Rocky by Michael Nigro

Craig / / 2007, Fan Art
Michael Nigro is a full time illustrator who is available for freelance commissions! His e-mail is bossk1138@yahoo.com. Michael works in pencil, watercolors, ink and digital paintings and would love to to hear any feedback on this painting. Michael says he has more Sly Art that he’ll share soon. Thanks to Michael for sharing! – Craig

Rocky & Adrian UK Fan Art

Craig / / 2007, Fan Art
Derek Nixon is based in the UK and was inspired to paint this after he and his girlfriend Jen ran up the Rocky steps in Philly to celebrate his 30th birthday! Any comments are welcome. Derek’s email is mail@dmncreative.com (the website itself is a work in progress at the moment). The Rocky sculpture he’s working on is nearing completion so hopefully he’ll be able to send pics of it in the next few weeks. Thanks to Derek for sharing his talents! – Craig