By JENNIFER BRUMMETT

Stephen V. Russell gingerly removed a recording from its plastic protector. A quick scan noted "Nat King Cole sings The Song of Raintree County." "This was a private thing that went to radio stations," Russell explained of the collector's item. "The only way to get the song was to have the 45."

Russell, who has an extensive collection of memorabilia from the film "Raintree County," has eyes all over the United States scouring nooks and crannies for collectibles.

The Belle Vernon, Pa., resident has found "Raintree County" keepsakes from contacts, antique shows, and from writing to people. "Ninety percent of the collection is not from eBay," said Russell, a public school principal.

Russell first saw the film when he was 9 years old, and it made a lasting impression on him. Later, he began collecting the memorabilia. Russell will bring the most unique items from his collection to a festival commemorating the film July 26-29, 2007, in Danville. Scenes were filmed in Danville in July 1956, and the film was released in 1957.

Russell, who has collected keepsakes for about 45 years, was the guest at a recent festival committee meeting. He presented a document to be permanently displayed in Danville.

On it were the signatures of many of the cast and crew members of the film, including Elizabeth Taylor. The film also starred Montgomery Clift, Eva Marie Saint and Rod Taylor.

Has commitments from city, county and private sector

The committee is well into its plans for the festival. It currently has $5,000 in funding from the city and $5,000 from the county, as well as two $500 private donations, said Mary Joe Bowling, co-chairwoman with Gail Louis. The committee will seek sponsorship from corporations in town to augment the budget, Bowling said, "especially those that were here 50 years ago. ... I'm sure (the filming) was a big drawing card then."

The committee also has submitted proposals for a $10,000 Challenge America grant and an $8,000 Kentucky Heritage Council grant. The latter grant requires that a workshop be given; Russell agreed to do a workshop during the festival, and Charles Vahlkamp, a local film expert, previously agreed to do one. Both Louis and Bowling emphasized the need for more volunteers.

 
Copyright:

The Advocate-Messenger 200

Reference:

http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=23858&format=html