Ghost Town: The Movie Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
A story of love, murder and moonshine
Deadwood in the Smokies
In Deadwood you may lose your life but in Ghost Town you might lose your soul!"
Dean Teaster's GHOST TOWN "The Movie" This unique "Eastern" Western is N.C. Native Dean Teaster's tribute to his father Robert Doyle Teaster and "Ghost Town In The Sky" theme park. The theme park was a large piece of the childhood happiness for Dean's family and many families since its opening in 1961. This story combines actual family facts of the Teaster family fictionalized into a story that encompasses the best elements of the staged gunfights performed by the Legendary "Ghost Town Gunfighters" throughout the years at the park. Many of the original actors have returned for roles in the film. Former "Ghost Town Gunfighters" Robert Bradley once known as "The Apache Kid," Herbert Cowboy Coward "GrandPappy," and Harry Valentine "The Golden Voice of Ghost Town" play pivotal roles in the film as does Alaska Presley who was one of the original park founders. Dean Teaster reprises the role of "Digger" made famous by his father. This movie was created to offset many of the "Hillbilly" stereotypes often depicted with this area. The movie paints a picture of this beautiful mountain region that was settled by the overseas Celtic people. These settlers were full of rich traditions and a true grit that allowed them to survive and thrive during the rugged 1800's period of US History often shown in western films. This movie may well be the birth of a sub genre of the western known as "The Eastern." With a slight romantic edge this movie is chalked full of messages about love, hate, family, forgiveness, redemption and sacrifice. This film builds on a regional theme where conflict was often fought over family honor versus land as often depicted in westerns due to the gold rushes and land acquisitions and expansions. Being a lover of the western genre I think that we have told a story that will entertain many generations of people and with the re-opening of the "Ghost Town In The Sky" theme park we look forward to bright future built upon the past.
| Herbert 'Cowboy' Coward | Harmon Teaster |
| Bill McKinney | Victor Burnett |
| DJ Perry | Will Burnett |
| Princess Lucaj | Violet Teaster |
| Rance Howard | Sheriff Tom Parker |
| Renée O'Connor | Little Jack |
| Tony Becker | Deputy Tuck |
| Stella Parton | Betsy Mae |
| Terence Knox | Mayor Emerson Rogers |
| Sammy Kershaw | Marshall Morgan Duckett |
| Charles Edwin Powell | Young Victor Burnett |
| Terry Jernigan | Young Harmon Teaster |
| Charles Matthau | Doc Morrison |
| Dean West | Digger |
| Anthony Hornus | Captain Ketner |
| Jeff Kennedy |
4.40 out of 10 (85 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Personal comments on Ghost Town
posted on 10 Aug 2009I saw Ghost Town at the '07 Asheville Film Festival. For an Independent low budget film it was done very well. There was a lot of detail given to costumes and settings. Usually these are the areas they save money and use clothing from their closets. My favorite thing about this movie is they DID NOT dress the Native Americans in deer skin clothes. They kept them authentic to the era. I'm so glad the Native Americans weren't played as half naked, inhuman savages. Kudos to the powers that allowed that!I think the writing was done well. It seemed to drift off topic and start in one direction and then abandon that either because it wasn't working or the scheduling didn't allow them to continue it. This is fairly common in indie films and part of why I like them so much. You see the struggle of getting screenplays to flow on screen. I imagine all the actors had complete biographies of their characters and this helped form how they played them. Only a few of them managed to make you curious about what happened in their lives to make them the way they were.Renee O'Conner did really well in her role. She dressed as a man much like a Calamity Jane character. What I liked about her performance is that she played the character differently than you would expect. She wasn't a hard drinking, cussing, fighting character. Her dress and manner seemed more for survival than a gender confusion or confusion over her sexuality. So I enjoyed seeing a stereotypical western character played non typically. I would be interested in knowing how she developed this version of a typical character seen in so many westerns. She has more talent and range than I think she is given credit for. Hopefully parts like this will open more eyes to that.Princess Lucaj (Violet Teaster) played her part extremely well. She actually managed to convey her character's history in her performance. You could almost see and feel what her life had been like secluded and protected by her gruff mountain hermit father. Sometimes when I see a movie or character I often wonder what their lives had been like after the story ended. Princess Lucaj performance as Violet Teaster makes me wonder what happened to her. How did the events in the movie alter the course of her life?All though I do feel like Ghost Town was crammed full of western stereotypes, they all had a variation to them that kept them interesting. To be able to write a plot line that's been done dozens of times and make it interesting, that takes talented writing IMO. DJ Perry isn't among the best screenwriters (yet) but his stories are well enough that they are made into films. They get talented actors to play the parts with dignity and not just an opportunity to earn money acting. Skilled directors, producers, set designers and a host of other background people bring his writing to screen and care about the outcome because they saw something in the script worth it to them. That says he has a great deal of promise. I respect him and his talent.All in all I think Ghost Town is a good independent film that didn't bore me to tears.
Better Than Expected
posted on 25 Jun 2009This movie was obviously filmed on shoestring budget but it is worth watching. It is a pretty good western or eastern since it takes place in the mountains of the Carolinas. The plot is basically a revenge drama but it fits rather well into the cultural background of blood feuds and family honor of the South. The film makes good use of an diverse cast; Native Americans play Native Americans. there is an Asian tough as nails prostitute, a madam well into her seventies, and a hoodlum who is both a gun-toting tom-girl and a caring daughter. Editing is a bit rough - it runs just a tad too long and some plot points could have been cleared up with better editing. There are some pretty good performances here - Anthony Hornus, Renee O'Connor and and Robert Bradley are very good. The lead role is played by Pricess Lucaj and though she is obviously a novice actress is has nice screen presence. It also has satisfying gunfight as its climax and an appropriate ironic ending.
Teaster's fundamental lack of talent
posted on 03 Jun 2009Having watched Dean Teaster's Ghost Town several times and carefully read the comments here I have come to several conclusions. First of all as someone else has pointed out Teaster's name is all over the movie. Yedt when you check the database here the credits have changed to Dean West. Hmmm? I wonder why? Changing your name will not hide you from the truth. The truth is this story had potential, but not with you. Watching the movie is like looking at something through thick dark glass. You can make out images, ideas, characters, plot, but somehow nothing particular. One commentator said that they were happy the movie wasn't dumbed down. That the confusing editing had something akin to Pulp Fiction in it. Pulp Fiction was never confusing in the least. While it was edited in a non linear manner, one was never confused as to the storyline. To claim that Ghost Town was edited in a like manner is a blatant attempt to give credence and respectability to what is obviously an amateur effort. I would be very surprised to find that Teaster when to film school or for that matter knows even the the basics of editing. The camera angles and shots are first rate for an independent film. The acting, while is spots is marginal, overall is quite good. But beyond this the film lacks a coherent framework that holds the story together. Some have likened it to a jigsaw puzzle put together incorrectly. But I think it goes beyond that. The lack of even a fundamental understanding of film construction points to a basic lack of talent in this area. That is not something that can be learned. You either have it or you don't. Take the critical comments here, by people who know, as overwhelming evidence that your talent does not lie here.
I'm glad they didn't dumb the movie down...
posted on 28 May 2009I have a masters degree and while I don't hold that above anyone I was surprised by a few of the comments listed. First I knew of DJ Perry at MSU many years ago but I have not kept up with him or spoke to him since those days. I do look out for new films he is in because I really like how someone that had dreams so many years ago made all that happen. Most recently I had to go to Walmart and buy Dean Teaster's Ghost Town. I was surprised when I did not see him on the cover but after watching it DJ is one of the main stars. My husband told me the one guy on the cover is a country singer Sammy Kershaw. OK. I watched the film twice and I found that the beginning was a great visual trip that took the audience through the Old man's sickness filled with guilt. It eluded to all this through several feverish flashbacks hence the trippy dream within a dream. I thought that the whole story unfolded in a very unique way vs just A to B to C to D. That is what I liked about PULP FICTION. I guess I'm glad that they did not dumb the film down. The characters and themes added a real depth. The power of legend and superstition. Father and son relationships. Seeds of love planted and never harvested. I could go on and on about what I liked in this film. The cast was great and I have to say that I never guessed that DJ would be doing these moving scenes today. Back at MSU he was also a nice person but I guess when we hear people talk about being in movies we say to ourselves...yeah right.I'm here to say...he was right. Congrats to him and the entire cast. I loved the cranky old general and the old outlaw as well. Great to see some faces from other popular TV shows. My father was a TOUR OF DUTY fan and so when he saw Terence Knox and Tony Becker he was excited. He also really enjoyed the film and was excited about Rance Howard and Bill McKinney.Overall a great film and for those that can't piece stuff together...I can't wait to see what comes next.
Ghost Town is a Great Movie!
posted on 27 Dec 2008I went to the Eagle's Nest in Maggie Valley, NC to see this dramatic western. It was GREAT! I was shocked, I laughed, I cried twice, and I was held in suspense during the whole movie. This film does not have a typical western movie storyline. It is a historical tribute to a real person. The actors, storyline, costumes, and scenes depicted the troubled times of back then in a realistic and dramatic way. I found myself getting attached to certain characters, not liking some, rejoicing when a few got what they deserved, and crying when others did not. The beginning was a little confusing because of not knowing it was a flashback scene but I was quickly absorbed into the story. I was very surprised at the ending...and so will you! Go see this movie! I know you will enjoy it!
editing lacks rhythm- poor story telling
posted on 12 Oct 2008According to IMDb this is Dean Teaster's (West?) directorial debut. Why is it everybody thinks they can direct? Yes, there are two directors listed in the credits, but since it's called Dean Teaster's Ghost Town, I'm assuming the other director (who has a few directing credits to his name) was put there by the producer's to hold Teaster's hand. The problem is he should have held it harder. Some would argue he should have squeezed it. Like so many posts that have come before, it is in the editing where everything breaks down. Yes, you are clearly working on a very small budget. But that has nothing, repeat nothing, to do with telling a good story. I have rarely watched such a poor assemblage of scenes. It is almost as if they don't want you to follow the story. Just when you think you know where it is going, the scene switches and something non essential to the story is thrown in. Teaster makes many rookie mistakes like this. He is so enamored of everything that was shot that he puts it in no matter if it works to advance the story. Plus he lacks the ability to create proper pacing within individual scenes. It is like watching a conductor, who lacks any sense of rhythm, lead an orchestra. Painful. While one can learn to cut out scenes that don't work, lack of rhythm is another matter. A good editor, and a good director, have an innate sense of rhythm. The best are usually musicians, or at least play an instrument, and can transfer that understanding of timing and tempo to the story. I would hazard a guess that Teaster isn't a musician, and probably has two left feet as well.
Amazing, fun and action-packed film
posted on 02 Oct 2008I don't know who wrote the previous review but it seems the person did not even see the film. Instead the comment is a condescending attack based simply on the fact that this was not a big budget Hollywood production. Actually, the writer did a tremendous job in setting up the story and getting you into the characters' lives. Why judge him on a previous project that he may have simply taken because he needed to pay the bills? As for the actors, they all did themselves proud. This is a tautly paced story that as a historian, I know has a certain ring of truth to it. Especially the rough, hard-edged life in the west where a single life meant very little in the larger scheme of things. The story is fiction of course but it packs a wallop. It is full of neat surprises and the action never lets up. In fact, you are left amazed that something so good can come from such a meager budget. I didn't expect when much when I entered the theater but was blown away (no pun intended) by the end. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. Everyone else I know who has seen this movie has felt the same way. Don't listen to the naysayers. If you want to see a real, unsanitized Western this is it!
good parts-poorly assembled
posted on 29 Aug 2008After checking out the previous comments I see that I am not alone in my views of this movie. On the first watching I was confused and disappointed. So after watching it a second time I took some time and tried to figure out what was wrong. The comments here only helped to confirm my conclusions. Have you ever bought a plastic model of a car, opened the box and visualized what it would look like completed? Now imagine giving that model to a five year old and let them put it together unsupervised. When it's done you will have a fairly good idea what Ghost Town looks like. Each scene seemed to have all of the basic requirements to create tension, build the story, and advance the character arc. I could see all of the individual small parts just like looking at a plastic model straight out of the box. And just like that model I could envision the final product fully assembled. But for Ghost Town that is where everything falls apart. You can "see" the whole story, which is not overly complicated or deep. But it looks like it was assembled by a five year old. That creates a great deal of frustration on the part of the viewer. It is one thing to watch a bad movie. It is quite another to watch what appears to be a good movie put together with little understanding of plot, timing, or character development. Watching each scene you can "feel" where it is supposed to go, but each time the editing sends it way off track. Like a previous comment I suggest that you never let the editor near another movie again. At least not until he goers back to school and learns how a movie should be assembled. Otherwise you end up with a plastic model that doesn't quite match the box cover art!
I liked it...but
posted on 01 Aug 2008I liked it. I came out of the theater favorably impressed. But something kept gnawing at me. It was good, but it could have been better. What was it that was missing? What was it that was wrong? Somehow the pieces were all there, but it didn't make sense. Then once I came here to IMDb it all made sense. This was a jigsaw puzzle that was put together slightly wrong. A few pieces were hammered in to place, like you do to a puzzle when you are a kid, and it was obvious from the gaps that they didn't belong there. Never having watched a movie being made or assembled I was at a loss as to how to explain this. From the previous comments, everything was made clear. It all came down to editing. A good story of revenge that is timeless and quite simple, but told poorly. As if all the components were there, but not placed in the proper order or sequence. Again, I liked it a lot. I could have liked it even more.
poorly constructed- hard to follow
posted on 16 Jun 2008If you type in Dean Teaster on IMDb you get the page for Dean West. Mr. West produced, co-wrote the story, co-directed, and acted in Dean Teaster's Ghost Town. Not only that but the major characters in the story are named Teaster as well! So I guess I can assume that this is Mr. Teaster/West's movie. Actually it's his first movie. He had a co- director but his name is not all over the credits like Teaster's. This all leads up to an important question: Does he know anything about film and story structure? Judging by this movie I would have to say no. But don't take my word on it. Check out most of the previous comments. If you do you will notice a very common theme running through all of them. Mr. Teaster/West does not have a clue as to how a film should be assembled. If the flow of individual scenes are not rough and jarring they are too long and vapid. There are cuts in the wrong places, no cuts where there should be, and disturbingly few masters used and when they are they are not in the correct position. Take it form a film school graduate, Mr. Teaster/West and his editor need to go back to film school. This time pay attention to film basics 101. Take notes
Three strikes on the editor!
posted on 14 Jun 2008To the editor of this movie I offer this: Film editing is the art, technique, and practice of assembling shots into a coherent whole. Judging by this simple definition is is easy to note the lack of coherency in Ghost Town. Strike one. Deeper definitions of film editing stress pacing, balance and rhythm. They liken editing a movie to creating a musical composition. Again this movie disappoints. Ghost Town stumbles along more like a drunken sailor rather than a beautiful symphony. Strike two. Finally, other definitions note that editing, when done well, is an invisible art. If the editor has done his job well, the story will appear almost seamless. A film that tells a complete story in a logical and consistent manner, using harmony, rhythm, and appropriate pacing. By the comments listed here it is obvious that the editing job is anything but seamless. Instead we have a poorly constructed quilt that is barely held together with fraying thread of clashing colors. Strike three.
Well done!
posted on 09 Apr 2008"GHOST TOWN: The Movie" is a real lift of entertainment from an independent film. If it was left up to me as to what awards to nominate this film for... I would have nominated them for Sound Effects, Screenplay as well as Set Design. Of course I would have to put some of them in the Best Actor/Actress and Best Support, Music Score roles as well and still leave the three original nominations in.When I saw the film, I was totally thrilled by the storyline and the way the plot had flowed. I just watch movies and I know what I like. If I have to put the movie in the same category as any movie... I would have to put it in with "AIR FORCE ONE" which happens to be my most favorite movie.The role that Tammy Teaster plays is very essential to the movie as it shows what gives incentive to what makes the main character tick.The music ties each and every scene together really tight. My hat is off to Dennis Therrian. I have been a fan of his movie scores since "AN ORDINARY KILLER".The cast is a strong cast and they give life to each character that they portray and their performance will withstand the sands of time. It will be wonderful to have it come out on DVD really soon but, it needs to be seen on the big screen as well...
Over 500,000 rentals! Thank you for the support!
posted on 05 Apr 2008We would like to humbly thank all the great fans of the film that have emailed, myspace, facebook, smoke singles and ESP:) We have been touched by the outpour of interest and we are happy to announce that this month foreign sales will begin with Industry Works. Thank you so much to Barnholtz Entertainment, Lionsgate and all the fine people of Maggie Valley, N.C. who made this film possible. One last big thank you to GHOST TOWN IN THE SKY theme park. For those of you who got a free ticket with your DVD buy from Walmart and other stores please do travel there and see this western town set high in the clouds. It is a magic place to visit and to shoot a film at. Beauty is everywhere in the Great Smoky's!See you again soon in the movies!CDI
Has potential-needs a reedit
posted on 13 Feb 2008First of all let me tell you I teach several film classes at a prominent university. One of those classes involves an emphasis on western archetypes in American film. So naturally I'm always interested in any new western that comes out. Ghost Town peaked my interest as it appeared to be a throwback to the classic western. Being as it is and independent film, obviously shot on a lower budget, it is not without it's faults, but unfortunately the major problems are not related to limited funds. The first thing you notice is that it is titled Dean Teaster's Ghost Town. This begs the question: Who is Dean Teaster? According to IMDb this is the first movie he has ever directed, and he did not direct it alone. If you are going to put your name on the title like this, you should actually be somebody. In other words it should be a selling point, not just an ego boost. Once I go into the movie I was pleasantly surprised at how it was shot. The angles, composition, and camera movement were all quite reminiscent of westerns of the 40's and 50's. As another commentator noted, I picked out several instances of whole scenes that were obviously influenced by pictures like High Noon and The Searchers. Bill McKinney, the perennial western bad guy for the last 50 years turned in a very good performance. Herbert Coward, DJ Perry, and Rance Howard all turned in credible performances that added to the classic atmosphere of the movie. The one major problem that Ghost Town had, and judging by previous comments I am not alone in this, was the lack of coherent storyline. It was, at times, difficult to follow the plot. There were so many times when the scenes were apparently pieced together with little regard for the story. The most glaring aspect of this was the constant cutting back to an image of the "dead Suzie Teaster." After several viewings and a close perusal of the credits it became clear that Suzie Teaster was played by Tammy Stephens Teaster. Yes, the main characters have the same last name as the director (who also plays Digger?) And this actress is somehow related to him as well. Confused? Nepotism in film is nothing new. Minor roles are often filled with wives, uncles, sisters and brothers. The problem here lies in the lack of restraint. Judicious use of minor characters is essential for a smooth flowing story. Unfortunately "Suzie Teaster", who does not have much of a full blooded Native Amercan look as much as a a Florida tan, appears way to often, and at inopportune times, which further muddies and confuses the plot.Ghost Town has all the essentials for a good solid western. A better eye for editing, concentrating on the story, could make this into something very good. As it stands right now, it appears that one of the director's has an ego problem that spoiled what could have been a true classic.
Excellent Movie...!!!
posted on 11 Feb 2008I loved the movie... The plot was enthralling...D.J. Perry is to be commended on his captivating performance as Will Burnett..Herbert "Cowboy" Coward made you feel like you were actually reliving the past with Harmon Teaster..Robert Bradley has been a favorite of mine since we saw him for the first time, years ago as "The Apache Kid" at Ghost Town in the Sky theme park and this movie just shows another aspect of his talents...Dean Teaster as Digger was very convincing.. the whole cast did a wonderful job.. It was just an exceptional movie and I would highly recommend it to anyone that just wants to watch a good movie and enjoy themselves... I don't buy many movies but this is one that I will be proud to add to my collection...
lackluster film making
posted on 14 Jan 2008I fell in love with the story Heaven's Neighors quite a while ago. So naturally I kept my eyes open for anything Jeff Kennedy is associated with. Heaven's was a beautifully crafted story that tugged at your heart and stayed with you, rumbling around in the back of your mind for weeks. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for Ghost Town. The plot and characters are incredibly hard to follow. The storyline suffers from horrible editing. And it lacked that special touch that brought you in to the world that was created through the lens. To be honest, Heaven's, according to the credits was written and directed by Kennedy. And on Ghost Town he was only co-director. Dean Teaster/West was the other co-director as well as being involved in the story as well as producing. So I cannot say for certain how much of an impact Kennedy had on the movie, but judging by the end product it wasn't much. If Heaven's Neighbors is an example of his film making fingerprint, then Ghost Town was clearly not in his hands.
I'd advise lowering your expectations.
posted on 29 Nov 2007Considering the screenplay was provided by a Nth-rate actor whose previous writing credits included the Skinemax-sounding "Supermodel Showdown: Costa Rica" (which appears to be a behind-the-scenes of a real photo shoot...so I'm not sure how one gets credited as 'writer' in the first place), it's pretty much a safe bet that this film is going to be a stinker of epic proportions.It's a little sad to see Renee O'Connor involved in this. Granted, Xena: Warrior Princess would never be considered high art, but it had a sense of self-awareness and humor that allowed it to remain consistently watchable despite its camp. Virtues found lacking in nearly every project put forth by the creative team behind Ghost Town: The Movie.You've been warned people. =)
classic western in need of editing
posted on 21 Nov 2007Went to see this one at the film festival the other night. First of all let me say I'm a huge fan of westerns. I like to think I've seen enough to know what I'm talking about. I have to say Ghost Town was beautifully filmed. The shots, while somewhat limited, take me back to some of the classic westerns like High Noon and Winchester 73. In general, it has the feel of those old westerns, both in the characters and in the pacing. The characters are truly straight out of the old school of westerns. The good guys are good, the bad guys are bad, and there are no in between shades of gray. It was nice to see Bill Mckinney again. He has to be one of the greatest villains of all time, and has cemented his legend in the western genre. The proble4ms with Ghost Twon are found in the telling of the story. It needs serious reediting. I can see the story, right beneath the surface, but it gets lost in a bewildering series of out of context flashbacks, and numerous confusing cuts back to an "native American woman" that is not central to the tale. If this problem was fixed with a bit of judicious editing I think you would have a much better example of the classic western updated to the 21st century.
can you learn to edit?
posted on 05 Nov 2007I hope it doesn't take a brick house to fall on you Teaster before you realize you've got a problem! Look over the comments posted here. Study them carefully. Not the ones written by your friends and family, (those are quite obvious) just the ones written by independent viewers. Don't worry I'll wait... Do you see a pattern? Do you see what it is that you did? What's the word? Let me see if I can remember it... Oh yeah, editing! Can you learn to edit? The arguments are split on this one. Some say you either have it or you don't. It's an artistic skill that can't be learned. Other's claim you can learn, but it is a slow painful process. Judging by Dean Teaster's Ghost Town I don't think we can wait the years it will take you just to come up to adequate. On the plus side you make Ewe Boll look good! Check this out if you don't understand what I mean: http://www.petitiononline.com/RRH53888/petition.html
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Nice Try.
posted on 18 Aug 2009They may have tried hard,but there is a rash of inexperience both in front of the camera and behind it that kills the film almost immediately and makes the viewer wish he had chosen something else to watch.Even the more experienced actors like Rance Howard and Bill McKinney come away looking bad because of the painfully ridiculous dialog written for them by the film's inexperienced script writers.The story is interesting enough,though,and would probably have come out looking a lot better with a more seasoned crew in charge.While it might be true that this film was not intended to be a blockbuster,it still has to be entertaining,and it comes up painfully short.