Source: Santa Rita Pictures
Photo Credit: Buckingham Books
AUSTIN, Texas—June 20 2017—Based on the award-winning novel of the same name, The Iron Orchard, is the story of Jim McNeely, an unsophisticated and unskilled young man thrust into the vibrant and brutal West Texas oilfields circa 1939, who ultimately becomes a formidable wildcatter. This is a gritty tale of hard-fought honor and determination, about the men who labored, lusted and gambled their money and lives in search of a prize few were lucky to find. It’s a story for the ages where McNeely must grapple with conflicted feelings; the love for his devoted wife, and the yearning for his first love, Mazie.
Lane Garrison, recently nominated for a Critics Choice Award for his work in Roots, will play McNeely. Austin Nichols, (Walking Dead) will play Dent Paxton, a flamboyant businessman and McNeely’s confidant. Ali Cobrin, last seen in Neighbors, will play Lee Montgomery, McNeely’s strong-willed wife and Hassie Harrison, (Dementia) will play the alluring Mazie Wales. The cast also includes Timothy Lee DePriest (Westworld), Lew Temple (Walking Dead), Allan McLeod (You’re the Worst), Temple Baker (Everybody Wants Some!!) and Rooster McConaughey (West Texas Investors Club).
Gerry de Leon adapted the Tom Pendleton novel, first published in 1966, that won the Texas Book of Letters award with The Last Picture Show.
Ty Roberts will direct, while Houston Hill, Camille Scioli Chambers and George Sledge will produce under Santa Rita Pictures. Greg McCabe and Brint Ryan will executive produce.
“I’ve been drawn to this story for some time and loved the grit and honor of these characters who represented the men and women who pioneered the development of the oil industry in West Texas in the 1930’s,” said Roberts. “And with this remarkable cast we have on board, I am excited to bring this larger-than-life Texas story to the big screen.”
The Iron Orchard began production June 7th in Big Spring, Texas.