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By Jim Carney
Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 05:38 p.m. EST, Nov 12, 2009
One of the stars of the movie Major League and television show L.A. Law is hoping to come to the rescue of the All-American Soap Box Derby
Actor Corbin Bernsen has written a screenplay with a central story line about the iconic Akron event that dates back to the Great Depression. He hopes his work will shed light on the race and help it financially.
The movie, to be called 25 Hill, is about an 11-year-old boy named Trey who dreams of winning the All-American.
When Trey's father is killed in Afghanistan, his dreams are shattered, but then are rebuilt with the help of a one-time derby champion, described in a press release as a ''reluctant hero'' who is ''contending with his own terrible heartbreak.''
In the film, the boy and the former derby winner become friends, but their ''hopes are threatened when the Derby's demise appears imminent,'' a press release said.
Jim Huntsman, chief executive of the All-American, said he got a call from Bernsen in September after the actor had read an article in USA Today about the financial plight of the derby.
''We started discussing his concept,'' Huntsman said.
When the script was finished, Bernsen sent a copy to Huntsman. The two have been talking off and on for the past few months.
''It is very well done,'' Huntsman said about the script.
Bernsen said he believes ''we need to fight for America right now. By this I don't mean go to war, but fight for ourselves and our own survival and those things within our own borders.''
He said he believes ''we can't lose our traditions, and the Soap Box Derby is as American, simple and exciting as any tradition we have. It's where kids dare to dream.''
The All-American has been struggling financially. It has lost money in three of the past five years and even has lost its line of credit.
Earlier this year, the derby was looking at losing $200,000, but Huntsman said it is possible the organization might be ''close to breaking even this year.''
This year was the second year the organization did not have a title sponsor.
Huntsman said the organization has not finalized any type of contract or licensing agreement with Bernsen, but ''what we've discussed is the derby would receive a percentage of box receipts.''
''We are struggling financially like everyone else,'' Huntsman said.
The organization, he said, hopes any film that is made ''sheds light that we need corporate sponsors, but also it sheds light on the value of the program.''
The derby is now in the process of trying to reinvent itself and focus on its ''green'' or environmentally friendly aspects, Huntsman said. Officials also hope to develop an ''educational program focused on math and science applications inherent on gravity racing.''
In recent months, Huntsman said the All-American has been approached by other cities that would like to host the annual event, but ''we've been in Akron for more than 70 years. We certainly don't want to go anywhere else.''
Huntsman said the All-American brings in from $1.5 million to $1.7 million to the local economy each year.
The name 25 Hill comes from a hill in Taft, Calif., where Bernsen's mother, actress Jeanne Cooper, grew up. The movie takes place in Taft and in Akron.
Bernsen would like Toby Keith to provide the soundtrack, the press release said.
25 Hill is a venture of Bernsen's Team Cherokee Productions, an independent film company. Investors are being sought to raise the film's budget of less than $1 million, Bernsen said.
Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.
One of the stars of the movie Major League and television show L.A. Law is hoping to come to the rescue of the All-American Soap Box Derby
Actor Corbin Bernsen has written a screenplay with a central story line about the iconic Akron event that dates back to the Great Depression. He hopes his work will shed light on the race and help it financially.
The movie, to be called 25 Hill, is about an 11-year-old boy named Trey who dreams of winning the All-American.
When Trey's father is killed in Afghanistan, his dreams are shattered, but then are rebuilt with the help of a one-time derby champion, described in a press release as a ''reluctant hero'' who is ''contending with his own terrible heartbreak.''
In the film, the boy and the former derby winner become friends, but their ''hopes are threatened when the Derby's demise appears imminent,'' a press release said.
Jim Huntsman, chief executive of the All-American, said he got a call from Bernsen in September after the actor had read an article in USA Today about the financial plight of the derby.
''We started discussing his concept,'' Huntsman said.
When the script was finished, Bernsen sent a copy to Huntsman. The two have been talking off and on for the past few months.
''It is very well done,'' Huntsman said about the script.
Bernsen said he believes ''we need to fight for America right now. By this I don't mean go to war, but fight for ourselves and our own survival and those things within our own borders.''
He said he believes ''we can't lose our traditions, and the Soap Box Derby is as American, simple and exciting as any tradition we have. It's where kids dare to dream.''
The All-American has been struggling financially. It has lost money in three of the past five years and even has lost its line of credit.
Earlier this year, the derby was looking at losing $200,000, but Huntsman said it is possible the organization might be ''close to breaking even this year.''
This year was the second year the organization did not have a title sponsor.
Huntsman said the organization has not finalized any type of contract or licensing agreement with Bernsen, but ''what we've discussed is the derby would receive a percentage of box receipts.''
''We are struggling financially like everyone else,'' Huntsman said.
The organization, he said, hopes any film that is made ''sheds light that we need corporate sponsors, but also it sheds light on the value of the program.''
The derby is now in the process of trying to reinvent itself and focus on its ''green'' or environmentally friendly aspects, Huntsman said. Officials also hope to develop an ''educational program focused on math and science applications inherent on gravity racing.''
In recent months, Huntsman said the All-American has been approached by other cities that would like to host the annual event, but ''we've been in Akron for more than 70 years. We certainly don't want to go anywhere else.''
Huntsman said the All-American brings in from $1.5 million to $1.7 million to the local economy each year.
The name 25 Hill comes from a hill in Taft, Calif., where Bernsen's mother, actress Jeanne Cooper, grew up. The movie takes place in Taft and in Akron.
Bernsen would like Toby Keith to provide the soundtrack, the press release said.
25 Hill is a venture of Bernsen's Team Cherokee Productions, an independent film company. Investors are being sought to raise the film's budget of less than $1 million, Bernsen said.
Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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C.F., Oh
Posted 06:23 PM, 11/12/2009
Very cool.
Norton, Oh
Posted 06:34 PM, 11/12/2009
This is a traditional event that needs saved. You would think it would be SOMEWHERE on the City of Akron's leadership's radar. It appears as though the Derby stimulates our area many times more than a Professional Girls Softball team. (Oh yeah - and people will actually WATCH the Derby)
Norton, Oh
Posted 06:40 PM, 11/12/2009
One more thing... Mayor Plusquellic has kissed the rear end of Goodyear enough, you think he could get THEM to sponsor the race!??!?!
new york, ny
Posted 06:56 PM, 11/12/2009
One of the only true good memories I have of growing up in Akron. The huge tickertape parade down Main St.to the reviewing stand in front of the Mayflower. We'd stand for hours to see the celebrities ride on the back of Chevy convertibles. Then Chevy walked away and so did the derby. Really doubt a movie would interest many other than locals. I've mentioned it over the years to people outside of Akron and they look at me as if I had three eyes. Sounded very boring to most who were never involved. Buy the way, is Derby Downs still like it was in the 50's?
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 07:30 PM, 11/12/2009
@BigApple,
Yea it pretty much is the same.I think they will make this a feel good movie .I think its awesome!
Akron, OH
Posted 07:30 PM, 11/12/2009
Derby Downs has been modernized a little but remains basically the same. I can see the top of the aerospace hanger from my living room and dining room windows on the east side of my home.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:18 PM, 11/12/2009
This is awesome news. I hope he obtains the financial support to make his movie. I can't think of another event or sport that encompasses the entire family like the Soap Box Derby does. A kid does not have to be good in sports to participate. I hope and pray the derby obtains a sponsor, stays in Akron and continues well into the future.
Mogadore, OH
Posted 09:30 PM, 11/12/2009
This might be a good movie for one of the cable channels unless they are able to get a good starring cast.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 09:53 PM, 11/12/2009
The movie "You've Got A Friend"
In 1976, 12 year old BOBBY GRAHAM, a recent orphan, moves to Albuquerque to live with his aunt and uncle. Determined to follow in his late father's creative footsteps, Bobby defies his uncle and teams up with the town recluse, Vietnam Vet JIM KLECAN, to build a soap box racing car and compete in the derby.
Mogadore, OH
Posted 10:05 AM, 11/13/2009
ANZ,
Wow, good memory. I knew it would make a good cable movie. "You've Got A Friend" was an original Hallmark Channel movie in 2007.
Dade City, Fl
Posted 11:18 AM, 11/13/2009
Who is gonna play the part of Jeff Iula?
Mogadore, OH
Posted 11:23 AM, 11/13/2009
Can they get Mini-ME from Austin Powers?
akron, oh
Posted 01:15 PM, 11/13/2009
My favorite memory of the Derby was in 1969. Jim Backus (Mr. Magoo, Mr. Howell) was the grand marshall. Great parade, great day.
American Pompeii, OH
Posted 09:26 PM, 11/13/2009
stleo, I thought you said you were 35. I must've misread...
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 12:10 AM, 11/14/2009
DLR, Yeah, John Schneider played Klecan, they came to Akron and he won the derby. Go figure on the ending :).
