Lawmen’s descendents plan film about territorial marshals
Descendents of U.S. Deputy Marshal John McGill include, from left, Mike Helms, Steve Helms, Lyndon McGill, Phil McGill, Stanley McGill and David McGill. Lyndon McGill is planning to make a movie on his ancestor’s life.
Direct descendants of U.S. Territorial Marshals that served out of the district court of the famous Judge Parker have combined forces to produce a movie about their ancestors.
Screenwriter Lyndon McGill, great-grandson of U.S. Deputy Marshal John McGill and independent film producer Oscar D. Ray Sr., great-grandson of U.S. Deputy Marshal Rufus Cannon will produce the movie “Stairway to Heaven.”
The screenplay, which follows the exploits of John McGill’s last days as a deputy marshal is based around actual events and real people and is a drama- and action-packed account of life during one of the most dangerous times and places in the Old West.
The story takes place in Oklahoma and Indian Territory during the late 1800s and will be shot entirely on location, according to a news release. Perennial cowboy favorite Sam Elliott has been offered the part of John B. McGill.
“For people back East, Oklahoma/Indian Territory was the true Wild West; more Western gunfights occurred in the twin territories than any other place in the Old West. As a matter of fact, more U.S. Marshals were killed in a 50-mile radius of Muskogee, Okla., than
any place in the nation” says ShIronbutterfly Ray, co-producer and unit production manager for the film, in the release.
ShIronbutterfly Ray, who is the executive director of the BareBones International Independent Film and Music Festivals, met McGill when he entered his screenplay in the film festival and traveled from Oregon to Muskogee to attend the event. ShIrons’ husband, Oscar, who was in production on the movie, ”Sacred Bloods: A Vampire Saga,” was encouraged to consider producing the screenplay ”Stairway to Heaven” after his wife realized he had a historical connection.
The story is slated to begin production in the spring of 2010. Other talent being considered for key roles in the film are Choctaw actor Ryan Merriman and Jane Seymour.
-BAM
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Hello, Could you please contact me about possibly including my family ancestor in your movie production? My Greatgrandmother’s nephew, Richard “Dick” Farr was a contemporary of your John McGill and also served as a Deputy U.S. Marshall out of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Dick Farr was also the Chief of Police for Okmulgee, Oklahoma, in the early 1900’s. He and his brother Ezekial Farr were very early settlers of Okmulgee. Dick Farr was a rather colorful
character and ranked up there with Bill Tilghman, Chris Madsen, and Heck Thomas, all very notable Oklahoma Lawmen.
I thoroughly enjoyed the “Bill Tilgman” movie and have always hoped that someone would produce an authentic Oklahoma Lawmen movie depicting them and other notable peace officers. I have some background information on cousin Dick and would be proud to share it. I would be interested in a “bit” part in your production too.
Thanks, Rick Manning