ANGUS at Be Kind Video!

As a proud Minnesotan, I was delighted to host a screening of the 1995 cult classic “Angus” — shot in Owatonna, Minnesota — at Be Kind Video! And not only that, we were able to welcome three special quests over Zoom: director Patrick Read Johnson (also the director of SPACED INVADERS), star Charlie Talbert, and author Chris Crutcher, who wrote the original story “A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune”!

It was a wonderful Q&A that ran for almost an hour. Chris talked about his desire to write about children who are “outsiders,” and how his friendships with the gay community in San Francisco inspired him to write about a kid with gay parents. Patrick talked about the sad fact that the studio forced him to cut out the scenes with Angus’ gay father, but he fought to preserve an honest, heartfelt portrait of a unique child protagonist. Will we ever see that uncut version of the film? Patrick hopes so, if he is ever able to regain the film rights. Charlie talked about the incredible moment where he met Patrick in line at a Wendy’s, landing him the lead role, and how he quickly bonded with his co-star Chris Owen. All three of them clearly love this film, and appreciate that fans love it too. We even had a guest in the audience who was an extra in the film! Patrick even said he’d love to make a sequel, about a grown-up Angus.

Thank you to Be Kind Video for hosting, and thank you to everyone who came to see it! ANGUS is a truly inspirational film about being yourself & not letting anyone keep you down. In the immortal words of Angus’ grandfather (played beautifully by the legendary George C. Scott), if people can’t accept you for who you are, “Screw ‘em!”