Over the last few years, movies based on missionaries, home teaching and even singles wards have entered theaters. Now an untapped resource is hitting the big screen- the Boy Scouts of America.

A new film, "Down and Derby," scheduled to be released in theaters sometime before Spring 2005, will be screen tested in front of BYU audiences Saturday, July17.

"Down and Derby" is a family satire based on the pinewood derby races that take place during scouting. Much like how a parent might live through their children in baseball or basketball, the premise of "Down and Derby" has the parents taking the pinewood derby races a little too seriously. The parent, not the kids, control the building and creating of a pinewood derby car.

The movie was filmed in St. George during September and October of 2003. It stars well-known film actors Lauren Holly, from "Dumb and Dumber;" Greg Germann, from "Ally McBeal;" Pat Morita, from "The Karate Kid;" and Utah's "American Idol", Carmen Rasmusen.

The pinewood derby founder, Don Murphy makes an appearance as himself.

"Down and Derby's" director and writer, Eric Hendershot, received what he calls a "startling and hilarious revelation" to make this movie after his own experience. He said during one of his scout pinewood derby races the scouts played basketball while the dads huddled around the track with "crazed looks, clenched teeth and white knuckles."

"When I crawled into bed that night and reflected upon the events of the evening I said to myself 'This is the stuff movies are made of,'" Hendershot said.

Executive producer, John Stone, had been in contact with the BYU Bookstore for future marketing options. Ron Jones, an advisor for the Campus Life events, heard of this and they worked out a test screening with Stone to be shown the weekend of BYU's pinewood derby.

Ashley Chapman, BYU events specialist said the timing worked out great.

"We are very excited about this," Chapman said. "It is a really cool event."

At each screening, Hendershot and Stone should be in attendance to introduce the film.

According the film's Web site, many involved in creating the film are Eagle Scouts. Since it is made by scouting supporters, Stone said he hopes the scouting community enjoys it.

"People rarely forget their experiences with the pinewood derby, both as a child and as a parent. These small cars have a way of making a big impact in millions of households each year," Stone said.

The film is being shown four times Saturday: 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are one dollar at the information desk.



Copyright Brigham Young University 15 Jul 2004