This movie is going to be significantly weirder than “Wilma the Witch,” the documentary about the hurricane. That was local attorney and filmmaker Richard Warner’s first foray in the visual arts. Now, he’s back with “Marathon After Midnight.” After four years of production, locals can have a sneak peek of the feature-length film on Saturday, March 21 at the Marathon Garden Club. There will be two showings: 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Warner said the best way to describe this film is a mashup of “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Fawlty Towers,” “Dark Shadows,” “Blues Brothers” and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
“Oh, and it’s got lots of original rock music — little videos interspersed with the action. It’s like ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ or the Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night,’” said Warner.
While “G” rated, the plot of “Marathon After Midnight” is definitely strange.
It centers on a property rights dispute on Grassy Key. The neighbors are up in arms over a local bed-and-breakfast styled with Goth and Steampunk flair, owned by sister Roxanne (the Weekly’s own Lesley Aaron) and brother Mandrake (Bruce Schmitt)
The movie takes place on Halloween Eve in the year of our lord 2017. A number of strangers come to the door, either trick or treating or protesting. There’s also a side caper, where another contingent is trying B&E at the B&B to find a gold cross, supposedly buried on the property. “Marathon After Midnight” features about 100 all-local actors and singers. Look for cameos by attorney Bill Heffernan, he of the harmonica ability, Realtor Kathryn Rummery, radio newsman Bill Becker and Mike “Mr. Marathon” Puto.
Warner said Mike Puto plays himself, reprising his role as city manager.
“In the movie, he has a tragic end. He falls in love, and there’s a romantic dream sequence. That alone is worth the $30 ticket,” Warner said. Also of note: the 9 p.m. showing is the “director’s cut,” uncensored by Mrs. Warner, who has the final say and hopefully doesn’t read this newspaper.
The sneak preview of “Marathon After Midnight” will be on Saturday, March 21 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. And, director Richard Warner notes, the show will go on no matter what or, as he says, “come hell or high water, Godzilla crawling out of the ocean or coronavirus.” Tickets are $30 each, email MarathonAfterMidnight@gmail.com or call 305-501-0955. Proceeds benefit Forgotten Felines and boys’ athletics at Marathon High School.
