A film inspired by an Iowa true-crime case will screen on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at The Last Picture House in Davenport. That city is the birthplace of the late Susan Glaspell, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the source material.
Makers of the independent film “Jury of Her Peers” hit the road immediately following its World Premiere Weekend. It was held last weekend in Des Moines.
Downtown Davenport’s Last Picture House is the first stop on the film’s “Roadshow Tour” its producers said. The 6:30 p.m. special screening is sponsored by the Quad Cities Film Office and YWCA Quad Cities. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at: https://givebutter.com/JuryOfHerPeers.
A Q&A session with the filmmakers will follow the screening. For more information about the film, visit www.juryofherpeers.com
“Jury of Her Peers” revisits one of Iowa’s most haunting early 20th-century true-crime case; the still-unsolved axe murder of farmer John Hossack, a film news release said. The crime, and the complex social tensions surrounding it, first entered the public imagination through the reporting of Ms. Glaspell. The Davenport-born journalist who later became a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright was a central figure in modern American drama.
About the writer
Ms. Glaspell’s short play “Trifles” and subsequent short story “A Jury of Her Peers” were both inspired by the Hossack case. They remain among her most enduring works. The new film marks the first feature-length adaptation of the material.
The film is the flagship project of Des Moines–based Will Do Films, LLC. It is led by Writer-Director William Rock. Producer is Amy Nigg. It was shot by cinematographer John Hansen. He’s known for his work in the 48-Hour Film Festival circuit.
The cast includes several well-known regional actors. They include Stephanie Schneider, Cheyenne Goode and Brianne Magel. Each highlights the story’s enduring emotional power and its exploration of female resilience, relationships, and community.
“Things have changed greatly – and yet sometimes not at all – between then and now. Relationships, marriages, families …t hey’re complicated,” Ms. Nigg said. “But at its heart, this story centers on women trying to make it work.”
Mr. Rock added “Bringing a slice of Iowa history to life with an award-winning cast and crew was an absolute dream. If you like true crime, Iowa history, indie film – or just the smell of popcorn – this movie is for you.”
YWCA Quad Cities CEO Julie Larson called Ms. Glaspell “one of this country’s earliest feminist literary voices. She co-founded the Provincetown Players, a crucial force in the movement for modern American theater. She made it her mission to elevate women’s perspectives – something that strongly resonates with YWCA Quad Cities.”
To join a screening
The Last Picture House, at 325 East Second Street, Davenport, is a boutique independent cinema. It was created by Iowa native filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. They are the creators of “A Quiet Place and Heretic”. The venue which will scree the film is a cultural hub for film lovers and independent productions.
Following itsthat Davenport stop, Will Do Films is scheduling Roadshow screenings at independent cinemas across Iowa and the Midwest. It also will show at colleges, universities, bookstores, and libraries. More details will be announced soon, and venues interested in bookings are encouraged to reach out.
