Florence,Colorado: Where's The Watch Party For Jane Fonda & Robert Redford Movie, Our Souls At Night?

Where the heck is the watch party for the new Jane Fonda and Robert Redford Netflix movie, Our Souls At Night?

We know the release date is Sept. 29 on Netflix, just a few weeks after the movie showed at the Venice Film Festival. Venice. Italy.

Just like Florence. But not Italy. Colorado. You know, the small burg where a good portion of the movie was filmed.

I happen to have Netflix and will be able to watch the highly anticipated movie quite easily, much as I watch Fonda and Tomlin's Frankie and Grace and many other good Netflix offerings.

But what about all the folks who are excited to see not only the movie, but to really watch and recognize scenes of their hometown, Florence?

A co-worker was interested to know that I had Netflix and got to mentioning that she did not. And to her knowledge, there was no watch party planned for Florence. Not at the Rialto Theater, which is raising money for renovations. And not at the Bell Tower Cultural Center, one of many locations in Florence where filming took place.

No where that either of us knew about--unless I volunteer my modest home. But what good would that do the town? Besides the fact a few folks could tour my house and see if I'm a hoarder or an antiques collector extraordinaire? I'll let you guess. The person who guesses most closely will either win a box of chenille pipe stems, glitter and other crap--or a fine antique.

No, I was shocked, shocked I say--that there is no watch party for Our Souls At Night in Florence.

Surely I am not the only local that recognizes that Redford and Fonda are strolling in front of Two Sisters, well known by about everyone in Fremont County and the scene of many a delicious, lip-smacking, down-home eating experiences pretty much only available in the recesses of smalltown America.

For heavens sake, Jane and Robert, (I guess I can get familiar with them and use first names) since they both spent a whole day decompressing and taking breaks in the antiques mall where I work. Unfortunately, I was scheduled to work that day, but someone wanted to switch with me at the last minute and I missed the stars. Not that my co-worker knew the stars would be showing up that specific day. But it probably was for the best that I missed them. I am not a star struck person, but I did hear that Jane had an adorable canine companion and it would have been embarrassing when I would have smothered her pooch with attention and ignored Jane.

Heck, I feel like I got to know some of the film's production staff in the course of selling antiques and collectibles for the sets. One of the staff and I actually hugged, because we got into a very touching conversation about the POWER of story and how it is told even through objects and the standards of excellence that Jane and Robert elicit.

This whole town pretty much had a stake in the movie. If people weren't extras, or helping the production crew--they simply will recognize all the scenes shot in Florence.

So, why should there not be a watch party? Not at my house though! In a public place, so Florence can celebrate, compare notes and enjoy this film as a community? And maybe even raise a dollar or two for the many historical restoration projects going on around Florence. A watch party would also be a boost to making people aware that Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado and one of the few places in Colorado where small town America is in full swing.

So, maybe there is a public watch party somewhere in Florence. I don't know about it. My co-workers don't know about it. So if there is--shoot me a message or leave a comment on this blog and I'll post the information here.

Our Souls at Night Trailer - Jane Fonda and Robert Redford reunite

The trailer for the Netflix movie, starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, is out.



While the trailer doesn't really draw me in, I'm looking forward to the movie since some of the movie was filmed in Florence, Colorado. I got to watch portions of the filming, from afar, and assist some of the crew in making purchases to decorate sets.



Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado, and I happen to work at The Loralie Antique Mall. So, not only will be anticipating the movie in general, but seeing all the antiques, collectibles and decor items that crossed our counters.

Florence, Colorado: Having Fun With Robert Redford

Can I be honest? Many of the townsfolk in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--are having way too much fun with the cast and crew of the movie, Our Souls At Night.

A few days ago, Robert Redford and Jane Fonda were filming most of the day (and into the night) on Main Street, by and in the Fremont Lanes bowling alley.

I got an insight into actually how hard the crew and cast work. The days and nights are long.

And that day I talked to so many Robert Redford fans, I lost track of them all.

Many of the fans used the antiques mall I work at to stage their "observations" of the stars.

And I got this weird feeling how it must feel to be a star. How it must feel to have literally millions of people around the world wondering how old you looked. How you walked. Talked. Acted. Moved. Felt.

Everyone wanting a little piece of you. And commenting to total strangers (like me) on the stars' movements.

Most of it was in good fun. But after a day of talking to and watching Robert Redford fans, I was chuckling. The next day at work, I was mentioning to a customer that my humble observations indicated that women were way more forthcoming in their admiration and "comments" about Redford.

Basically if a bunch of men came and asked me how old Fonda looked, or yelled across the street to her--men would be frowned upon.

Nobody asked me if Jane Fonda's years of fitness seemed to be paying off. Yes, it did to my eyes.

One male customer overheard me cheerfully observing that women were a bit naughty and over-the-top in their admiration and talk about Redford.

He came to counter and told me," If men were doing the same thing you said the Redford fans were doing, we'd be arrested," he noted cheerfully. I agreed with him, even though it was all in good fun.

I  saw firsthand the long hours these stars worked. And I began to wonder what it was like for them.

I didn't have to wonder long.

And I didn't have to wonder long how the stars would react if a Florence resident asked if they could have a picture.

I know the lady in the picture. She's a sweet lady who happens to live in a house in downtown Florence, but a bit aways from the filming. Her husband heard things going on in the alley and noticed Mr. Redford in the alley.

I've often wondered what it would be like to  find Robert Redford in your alley. Okay, I've never wondered that. But it amuses me.

The lady's husband attempted to get pictures, but Mr. Redford was out of camera range. So the husband asked if he could get a picture.

It turns out Mr. Redford was apparently using the alley to bypass the major thoroughfares in Florence, so as to not be noticed.

But it turns out Mr. Redford and a crew member were a class act and took time to take a picture. The lady's camera jammed and a crew member took the picture for them.

Just another day in Florence when Robert Redford shows up in your alley. What fun!

Florence's Main Street will be closed Monday, the 10th from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more filming. So once again the town will get to see the stars and crew at work.

In just my chance observations of the crew and stars from afar, the filming of the movie has brought a sense of fun and excitement to Florence. Word on the street is,most Florence residents are loving this and hope Colorado is the site for many more movies.

Florence, like I am sure many other small Colorado towns, have built-in advantages for movie production crews. Florence, being the antiques capital of Colorado, has dozens of stores full of things at good prices for the movie sets and props. Some of the crew members, most of them from other states, were also doing browsing and shopping for their own homes.

Until I witnessed it up close, I never realized how Florence is the perfect town for a crew to come in and purchase so many things for the movie, all on foot and within a few block radius. And since Florence is a small town, most shop workers know what is in their own stores as well as neighboring stores and can help crew members find the item that will set the mood for a scene.

The day I saw Mr. Redford from afar many times, working hard, I texted a friend and said,"Another boring day at work, watching Robert Redford so many times that I've lost count."

My friend texted back telling me that I HAD to get his autograph and tell him that she's loved him from the 1970s.

I'm the type of person that would NEVER ask a star for their autograph. Or a picture. And I have no way of getting to the stars, unless I happened to find one of them in my alley. And if I did spot one of them in my alley, I'd probably chuckle and leave them alone.

But I will attempt to get an autograph (through another co-worker) for my friend. There are rumors flying all over town. One was the Redford and Fonda will be going into all Florence's places of business to meet and greet and sign autographs on Monday. Another rumor was the meet and greet will take place on Tuesday at a yet undisclosed location and time.

  I like to make people happy. And I have a feeling these stars, even though they are tired from filming, understand that and make time to make people happy. Heck, in my opinion they already have made many people happy, even if the rumors of formal meet and greets aren't true.

Fun!

Florence, Colorado: All The Single (And Married) Ladies Love Robert Redford

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that interest in Jane Fonda seemed a bit higher in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--than for Robert Redford.

Well, that changed today.

Filming for the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford movie, Our Souls At Night, was happening at Fremont Lanes today. I've never been inside the bowling alley, but I hear it's one of only a few six-lane historic venues left.

I happened to have a bird's eye view of the bowling alley most of the day. And then I spotted Robert Redford once. Then twice. I lost count at about six times.

Last week folks came in the antiques mall, where I work, and asked if I had seen Jane. No.

Ah, but today I was asked if I had seen Robert. Yes. From afar.

And the "lady" asking the question was nine years old. She was very wistful in asking, hinting and almost begging if she could see Robert. I told her I had no status, but perhaps if she asked one of the crew they might tell her when and how she could see him.

Then the truth came out. I asked,"Who is it who REALLY wants to see Robert?"

It was the girl's mother. Darn little charmer. She almost had me convinced.

The mother and her winsome daughter came back later and said the crew said there would be no contact or autographs until Oct. 11 when there would be a meet and greet. I wasn't able to find out what time or where, but I will update if and when I find out.

Another local antiques dealer and store worker was trolling the streets and got a picture of Robert, right before a car went by and almost ruined our pictures.

One time when Robert walked out of Fremont Lanes, a small group of middle-aged ladies screamed across the street,"Oh, Robert! Come over here!"

But mostly all the ladies, young and older, were quite dignified.

A few came in the antiques mall and wondered if Robert Redford was still handsome.

I can report that he is. I got just one distant picture, where you cannot tell. But a neighboring shop owner got a close-up picture of him that proves it. But that photo is stuck on my phone. I am not very adept with technical things, but will attempt to post it.

But here's my distant picture of the actor and storyteller whose popularity is at quite the fever pitch in Florence.

He's wearing a red plaid shirt and entering the bowling alley.

Another fan came by and said she wanted Robert to sign a horse book that she had of his.

And yes, I finally caught two glimpses of Jane Fonda around the bowling alley. She seemed very animated and engaged and it was a pleasure to even see these two professionals from afar working hard all day long while I attempted to keep their enthused fans happy.

Jane Fonda Robert Redford Movie Takes The Cake In Florence Colorado

As most know, the cast and crew of the Netflix film, Our Souls At Night, starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford has been in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--filming.

And the town has transformed in more ways than one.

One of our burg's favorite shops, Antique Warehouse, at 110 E. Main St., which specializes in Western items and vintage lighting, was temporarily transformed into a bakery for the movie.

For days, I strolled by to admire a nice selection of "homemade" jams and jellies in the shop's window and the luscious fake cakes.

As far as I know, Antique Warehouse was open for business as usual, except during filming.

But today a woman came into the antiques mall I work at and asked where the store was that specialized in horse tack. I told her it was now a "bakery."

She thought she was going "crazy" and was laughing and relieved when I told her the store was still what it used to be, but looked a bit different due to movie magic.

Right on cue almost, I snapped this pictures of some crew members taking the cake. Well, taking the cakes down the street. Seems like the Antique Warehouse is back to normal. But my mouth was watering every time I skipped by, thinking of sugar highs and movie magic.

That sign you see in the cake picture? That's pointing to The Loralie Antique Mall at 109 W. Main St.
There's quite a bit of magic going on there, but that's for another blog post...

Local Florence,Colorado Celebrities To Be In Jane Fonda, Robert Redford Movie

I just got word that two of our local "celebrities" Barry and Barb Brierley will be in the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford movie, Our Souls At Night, currently being filmed in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

                                                      BARB and BARRY BRIERLEY

Barb just received confirmation, she and her husband will be extras in a funeral scene, being filmed next week at the Bell Tower Cultural Center.

Barb is the founder of Florence's annual Steampunk & Wine fundraiser festival, as well as co-owner of Spirit Riders Western Emporium at 111 W. Main St.

Barry is a well-known author and artist. His specialty is Native American and Western novels, backed by meticulous research. He also does the cover art for his books.

And yes, Barry is a Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid fan.

He's the author of Yesterday's Bandit, about Butch.

It's no coincidence that Barb and Barry are Robert Redford fans, since Redford starred in Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid. Barry has even painted a mural of Butch and Sundance at a historical church (now an inn) they own--and they are hoping they can get Redford's autograph on the mural.

Whether they get that autograph, we won't know for awhile. But the Brierleys are excited to be in the movie.

Have I Seen Jane Fonda In Florence, Colorado?

I work in an antiques mall in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado.

That work is quite a departure from some of my previous work as a small-town newspaper reporter; and later as a freelance writer and online merchant, working from the anonymity of my home.

But, alas, even though at my core I am shy, I have found the work gives me the opportunity to experience what makes me tick. You see, I am all about the story. The story of people's lives. What makes THEM tick. How they think. Feel. Live. Love.

And oddly enough, being in an antiques mall, gives me the privilege of hearing how people feel about politics, antiques, memories, family and life in general.

I've likened the experience to what it must have felt like, sitting around an old pickle barrel in a general store, playing checkers and catching up on real life.

The other day someone came into the store and yelled,"Have you seen Jane Fonda?"

No. I had not.

But in a way I HAVE seen her.

For those who don't know, much of the filming for the Netflix movie, based on the book, Our Souls At Night, is being shot in Florence.

For weeks, I saw the books, that one of the mall's vendors brought in for sale, fly off the shelves. Our Souls At Night, by Colorado native, the late Kent Haruf, sold so quickly, I got no chance to purchase a copy. There seemed to be more interest in the Jane Fonda-related books for sale. Not that people don't love Robert Redford though.

People came in the store and attempted to start lively discussions about Fonda's past, which as I've mentioned was slightly before my time, as I was young during the Vietnam-war era.

I basically ignored that controversy, while remaining empathetic to those with strong feelings.

Then I started getting glimpses of Jane Fonda, not in person, but by the people who are working on the movie. Or knew the author of Our Souls At Night, or who know the widow of the author.

Many of the antique shop workers and store owners, got to know many of the people working on the movie on a first name basis. And many of the movie people got to know the workers and owners by name and character. Long story, short: We were all having a great time helping them find antiques and collectibles and "props" for the movie. Some of the items were being purchased and some rented. And the movie pros seemed to be having a good time, because frankly, we have some pretty colorful characters and fun people in the antiques trade here in Florence.

The level of professionalism was high. And the level of gratitude on both ends, high.

I got to talking to one movie professional about how finding these "set"items was not just a job, but a sense of satisfaction.

Though it was not spoken in direct words, I understood that these people working around the stars are trying to tell a story. An important story. And even an inanimate object has to be chosen with care, thought and feeling.

I had no idea how much went into the behind-the-scenes work.

I started to learn the difference between the "set" people and "prop" people. I watched the carpenters and electricians and their body language. This is more than a job to them. They are telling a story. The word, satisfaction, kept coming up, not only from one movie pros lips, but even through body language of other movie pros I saw working from a distance.

Yesterday a movie pro came into the shop for items for the movie. By some "miracle" I was able to find the items within minutes, that were the right size and fit into the story. I won't say what the items were, but it was odd, because one of the items (unknown to me and the movie professional) until it reached checkout, was that the item was marked, HOLT.

Neither of us knew there was even a Holt pottery company. That won't show in the movie. But it was an odd sign--because Holt is the name of the fictional Colorado town, noted in the movie and book.

I commented to the movie pro, that I was impressed with all my dealings with the movie pros. Sweet and professional, were the words I used.

I was told that it started at the top and who the stars hired and wanted to surround themselves with. Basically the stars were sweet and caring people with loyalty and integrity.

We got to talking about some of the projects the movie pro had worked on over the years. Many of them ones I had seen and enjoyed over the decades.

It was a slightly emotional conversation, because I was mentioning items and story lines in one current production that had touched me--made me laugh or cry or experience strong emotions.

And the movie pro, well that was the whole point, with the work and the satisfaction behind the work. Behind-the-scenes, each item is chosen with such care and excruciating detail to evoke emotions and get feedback.

And it all starts at the top.

We had a great conversation--me being allowed to see what makes stories and people tick, for just a brief moment. I'll never look at movies, TV or even the stars like Jane Fonda and Robert Redford the same.

In this conversation, which was genuine, heartfelt and spontaneous on both sides--I was asked to NOT get online and say anything about the star, even though it was ALL wonderful and almost brought me to tears.

The movie pro did NOT know I live for seeing what makes people tick and the STORY. I told the person, I did have a blog, but would not reveal anything with personal details. The person had NO clue I had a blog. the person just saw another person who got intrigued, not by the stars, but by the story and satisfaction of contributing to the story of all of our lives.

So, I have included NO personal details of our conversation or anything specific about the people at the top.

So, no I have NOT seen Jane Fonda. But in a way, I have seen her, because I've seen the people around her that don't consider their jobs, just jobs, but something more to do with the soul, the human experience and telling the story.

Today I was driving downtown Florence (on my way to the book club) and saw filming was going on. Many people were on the streets, apparently hoping to get a glimpse of the stars. I was on my way to a book club meeting, where the attendees, of course, noticed the slight traffic snarl and onlookers.

Oddly enough, most of the "bookies" were more interested in the STORY of, Our Souls At Night, and not so much the fanfare, even though we couldn't help but be intrigued.

On my way back from the meeting, I had a chance to pull over and possibly catch a glimpse of the filming and stars. I chose to come home instead.

I've already had a glimpse into the soul of the story and how seriously everyone takes telling that story. I've gotten a glimpse, that most "stars" become stars because of their commitments to the story and making sure they are surrounded by people with the same commitment. Through several conversations over several weeks time with movie pros, the picture (pun intended) became clear. People like Jane Fonda and Robert Redford don't have relevant careers that last decades and make an indelible mark on audiences without a commitment to the story that boggles the mind without finding people that share the same vision.

Yes, in a way, Florence, had become a bit of a microcosm to observe the movie pros, with almost a whole town watching and interacting. And it's all been good. And it's all been a learning experience. And it's been a look into the literal soul of telling the story.

 And that is good enough for me. Because I do believe I got a glimpse of the stars and experienced more than if I would have just "seen" them.

Florence, Colorado: Jane Fonda & Robert Redford & Some Feisty People

Oh my! I've lived in Colorado for many decades and besides the scenery, the people are often what make this place so special.

Recently when I heard that Florence, Colorado was chosen as the town to film the Netflix movie, Our Souls At Night, starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford--I was pleasantly surprised. I can't deny that Fonda and Redford are great actors. And I am a fan of the late Kent Haruf, the Colorado author of the book, the movie is based on.

But there are some feisty people out there in my beloved Colorado.

My first clue was when I was driving to my bank in Florence and I saw someone had gotten some white shoe polish and written, "Go Home Hanoi Jane" on their SUV. My first thought was,"Heck, Fremont County is pretty feisty. I had no idea."

I admit the Hanoi Jane incidents were a bit before my time. I was alive then, but just graduating from high school when the Vietnam War was totally over. So, I had to look it up online last week.

I like to balance facts and see both sides. What Fonda did seemed a bit incomprehensible to me. But I saw where she made public apologies. People have long memories though.

I  told a coworker about the, Go Home Hanoi Jane SUV, and her comment was,"Already?"

My coworker already has a section in ye olde antiques store devoted to Robert Redford and Jane Fonda and is also planning on offering copies of Our Souls At Night for sale. So, I had no idea she also had strong feelings about the subject.

She said her brother was in the Vietnam War and Fonda had spread some information that put him and his fellow soldiers in danger. She said she would have been so angry if he had died because of that. Of course. She said her brother has never forgotten.

But she had the attitude that this is the here and now, and she's preparing for an event that will showcase Florence to the whole world.

That's my attitude too. But I empathize with how people feel.

I had no idea how many people had direct or indirect experience with Jane Fonda's activities.

And today the news hit the major local media outlets that there was a casting call for extras for the movie. And the comment boards were lighting up. People indeed have long memories.

I won't recount any of the Hanoi Jane comments. Even though I have my political opinions, I won't recount all the negative comments about liberals.

But I will recount this one found on a Colorado media comment section: "The filming will take place in Florence. She's 78, he's 80. The title of the movie is "Our Souls at Night," not "Two Leathery Old People Try to Breathe at High Altitude," as originally proposed.

Oh my! Such feisty Colorado folks!

Florence, Colorado: Jane Fonda Robert Redford Production Crew In Town Today

The production crew for the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford movie to be filmed in Florence, Colorado where in town today.

Now, I am happy to say, that even though I had little clue I would meet any of the crew, that I did conduct myself as would be befitting  a ye olde antiques shop worker.

I was minding my own business. You know, answering phone calls. Greeting customers. Ringing up sales. Having a great time as I usually do being surrounded by happy customers and browsers and lots of cool antiques.

One of my antiques buddies, who also has a small rental space in ye olde antiques shop came zipping in to tell me that the production crew was a few doors down in another shop.

"Cool," I replied.

"Yeah!" he enthused," When I heard what they were doing in there, I went up and asked if I could be an extra."

"You didn't!?"

"I did!"

"And what did they say?"

"They looked at me like I was crazy."

"OK, what did they really say?"

"They said that wasn't their area."

Ah, the hopes of another antiques dealer's dreams of 15 seconds of fame--squashed.

I did read in a few newspaper reports that it would be announced when and if there were opportunities for extras. Extras, not stalkers. LOL!

My antiques buddy is not a stalker, but they probably didn't know that.

For those of you who don't know, Florence has been chosen for filming of a Netflix movie based on Kent Haruf's novel, Our Souls At Night. The late Haruf was a Colorado resident.

Jane Fonda and Robert Redford will be in town sometime in September. They are wonderful actors. And they seem like lovely people. I wonder if they are ready for Florence, though.

                                 JANE FONDA & ROBERT REDFORD: Ready For Florence, Colorado?

Shortly after my stalker buddy, I mean my antiques friend, left--several members of the production crew came in ye olde antiques store. I could immediately tell they were interested in vintage items, not extras, for the movie. That's why they occasionally let me work in ye olde antiques store, because I can usually discern what people want.

They were looking to rent some items for filming, so I put them in touch with the owner of the items.

Apparently filming will be starting around Sept. 12, but no firm shooting schedule is set right now.

Even though the items the crew was inquiring about renting, were not my items, I recalled that many years ago, I sold many items to a set decorator for Drew Barrymore's film, Riding In The Car With Boys.

I sold the items via Ebay. The items were to go in a scene of a vintage store. I still have the receipt.

 I was excited to see my items in the movie. Of course, I rushed to see the movie and see my handpicked items that some set decorator loved.

MY SCENE WAS CUT!

But it was still exciting.

 And I hope I get to see the items I work around in Florence,  actually in a movie. Please, don't cut that scene. LOL!

Jane Fonda & Robert Redford Trotting To Florence Colorado

Jane Fonda and Robert Redford  are coming to Florence. Florence Colorado. Not Italy.

I obviously have a modest blog that focuses primarily on our fair burg. And you'd think I'd be among the first to know. Nope. I just found out today.

My first reaction when I was told was, that it was hilarious because on the days they are scheduled to be here, I will be working at ye olde antiques shop on Florence's Main Street. And a few of my of my co-workers will be out of town on long-ago scheduled vacations, leaving me and another co-worker to take care of business.

I called my co-worker to tell her the news and she was like, "Yeah."

I was like: "Don't you think there will be 50,000 or so extra people in town gawking and we'll be a bit overwhelmed?"

She didn't seem to care on way or the other. "I really don't care. I'm not the kind of person who cares if Elvis is in the building," she said.

Well, I wasn't worried about Elvis or even Jane and Robert. I was slightly concerned that with crowds of extra folks, we'd be running our geriatric feet off trying to sell beverages, antiques and collectibles.

For those of you who don't live in Florence, there are several festivals and happenings of note. But the biggest is Pioneer Days, complete with a parade and Junktique, an open-air market. Pioneer Days, Sept. 17 to 19 this year, usually fills the town to capacity even without a few movie stars in the mix.

Jane and Robert, reportedly will start filming during Pioneer Days and will be either in the parade or filming against the backdrop of it. Other scenes will also be shot in Florence.

They will be filming the eagerly-awaited Netflix film, Our Souls At Night, by the late Kent Haruf, a superb Colorado author.

Florence will be the fictional town of Holt, Colorado as depicted in the novel.

Florence apparently was chosen because of its small-town charm.

I've only been living in Florence for four years, but I can attest to its charm. Not just its outdoor art and architecture, but the charm of its people.

I do believe the producers of, Our Souls At Night, have chosen wisely. And I'll be watching from the antiques shop to see the reception the stars get. And I bet it will be very similar to the welcome that everyone gets in Florence--small-town friendliness at its best.