There is a mournful funeral
gathering in a gothic church beneath high vaulted ceilings, stained glass
windows and finely crafted wooden paneling and fixtures. The Celtic cross high atop the looming
entrance along with its stained glass window, sets the right feel as mourners and
casket leave while a stranger utters grim warnings....
In November of 2005, an Oklahoma City newspaper article
informed citizens that a film would need extras for various scenes.
There was an intriguing list of roles from bar patrons to strange robed cult
members. A few days later another
article appeared explaining that a horror film would be using locations in
Oklahoma City and nearby Guthrie. One of those settings, the church described
above and seen in the trailer, was Wesley United Methodist Church. So, in 2005, the church became one of two Oklahoma locations for SOUL'S MIDNIGHT.
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Narthax |
The church, located at NW 25th and Classen
Boulevard, had been founded in 1910 as the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church,
North. The impressive pure English
Gothic sanctuary with its numerous stained glass windows had been built in
1928. Inside the sanctuary, which is
classic cruciform in shape, are hanging lights, classic exposed ceiling beams,
over 800 uses of the Gothic arch. The original
wood pews, railings and paneling remain and are a dark rich walnut tone.
Little wonder the movie producers wanted to use the location for setting just
the right gothic tone.
In fact, some members of Wesley did participate as extras
playing mourners and mad cult members. Several can be seen in the funeral scene
inside the church and then again as they loaded the casket into the hearse at
the curb. They remember the experience
as very thrilling, intensively fun and very interesting. It was
also somewhat controversial with members if the “establishment”.
That, however, merely added to the mélange of the strange of the story. Controversy stemmed from using a church for
such a secular activity with such a demonic inspired storyline.
Soul's Midnight
(2006) was produced by Brothers Cleveland Productions and Graymark Productions
in association with Image Entertainment, with executive producer Gray
Frederickson (The Godfather). It was directed
by Harry Basil (4th Tenor, Funky Monkey, Fingerprints). The tale of Gothic vampires, ancient ritual
cults and supernatural menace was written by Brian Cleveland and Jason Cleveland. Cast included international film star Armand
Assante (Odysseus, The Mambo Kings)
who is both an Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner. He is also well known as a Global Landmine
Activist seeking to remove this danger and save lives.
Also featured were Robert Floyd (Sliders,
Godzilla) , Lucila Sola (Pride and Prejudice) , Miguel Perez ( Ocean’s 11,
Blow, Million Dollar Baby), Elizabeth Ann Bennet (Liberty Heights, The Passing)
and Joe Nipote (Viper, Casper). Music was
supplied by Ceiri Torjussen (The Canal, Scary Movie ii, Devil’s Dozen).
Although not considered great horror cinema, the film is
entertaining and plays well with the classic symbols and motifs of the vampire
mythology. Its low budget and flat story line seem to be the most commented on
aspects. Horror films, however, seldom
rise to the levels of academy award level content or technique. This one is one presents a more than capable cast with a not too bad a script and the result is an enjoyable time in unique slant on a horror theme.
As a smaller,
independent film it can be entertaining and especially so for anyone with ties
to the Oklahoma City and Guthrie areas.
Especially, to those with ties to the historic church at NW 25 and
Classen. Obviously inspired as much by
Anne Rice as Bram Stoker the film is a fun addition to anyone’s collection of
vampire films, Oklahoma City films, and the odd and the quirky. Just another in a series of what makes
Oklahoma a little strange.