Short Film Shot in McKinney to Screen at MPAC

By Beth Barton, March 4, 2010

No, this isn’t “The Language of a Broken Heart” that recently shot some footage here on the downtown square. This is a short film called “Balaam Gimble’s Gumption” that shot some footage in the McKinney Performing Arts Center (the old courhouse, aka MPAC).  It is based on the novel by the same name by Mike Nichols, described by some reviewers on Amazon as “Don Quixote in Overalls” and “Walden As A Texas Farce”.  (To check out the book on Amazon, go to http://www.amazon.com/Balaam-Gimbles-Gumption-Mike-Nichols/dp/0971766754).  The book has three reviews on that site – two 5 stars and one 4 stars, so I’m enthusiastic that the film will be enjoyable.

The screening is FREE and will play at MPAC on March 25th (a Thursday) at 7PM.  It is a short film, but I am not sure how long.  The director and producer will be on hand and would like feedback from the audience afterwards.  I am basing this on the description of the book on the Amazon site but this sounds like it might have some potential to  strike some chords with some as the plot centers on how a small town begins to lose some core values after attempting to commericialize its unique resources.  Seats will be first come, first served so you might want to consider an early dinner on the square so that  you can be early enough to grab a seat!

Regarding the recent “The Language of a Broken Heart” filming downtown, a friend turned me onto another article.  The link is: http://www.nbcdfw.com/around-town/events/Downtown-McKinney-Playing-Rockford-Ill-in-Movie-86206017.html?_source=Twitter

Categories: Downtown Square

Tagged: Balaam Gimble's Gumption, McKinney downtown square, McKinney Performing Arts Center, Mike Nichols, MPAC