OPINION: Outside Audiences Embrace Film: Monday Musings

By Roberta Stauffer, The Montana Standard, Butte

Nov. 2--Reaction to the debut of "Butte, America" on the national stage has been overwhelmingly positive.

Since the documentary started airing on public television around the country (724 air dates on 362 channels), Director Pam Roberts has been getting between five and eight e-mails a day, many from people with Butte connections, saying how much they appreciated it and sharing their personal stories of Butte.

Others who didn't know much about Butte before watching the film are expressing amazement over the prominent role the Mining City played in both Montana and national history. "I can't wait to go there," they tell Roberts.

Audience reaction has been similar following all the packed-house screenings throughout Montana and beyond this past year.

"They see it as a celebration of a certain character and a character that's still here," said Butte native Edwin Dobb, who co-wrote the script. "It's a character they really value and wonder how possible it is to create these days." Both readily admit the film's no promotional travel piece, nor was it meant to be. "Our story focused on the miners and the working people of Butte," Roberts said, adding this was only one of many focuses they could have chosen.

"You can't tell all the truth" in one single film, she said.

Dobb added that "all along we knew that if we were going to be straightforward about what happened here and not pull our punches it would be somewhat of a downer." But despite the dark, hard times, the indomitable spirit of the place always manages to surface, a spirit that's exemplified in the segment on Our Lady of the Rockies near the end.

"The heart of the film is the people," Dobb said. "Whatever good came out of this place or will continue to come out of this place will come from the commu-nity itself and its people." Roberts wishes she hadn't had to cut so much to fit the national PBS time slot -- especially the closing tie-in to miners worldwide -- but Montana Public Television audiences have two upcoming chances to see the full version: Monday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 29, at 4 p.m.

The film also debuts tomorrow (Nov. 3 at 4 p.m.) in Cork City, Ireland, at a prestigious film festival that's been running for more than 50 years.

Both Roberts and/or Dobb would love to be there to introduce the film, but they didn't learn of its acceptance in time to make travel arrangements.

They may still get their chance to talk Butte in Ireland and beyond, as they're hoping the Cork showing will lead to other invitations overseas.

European audiences are a natural for this film since so many have relatives whose journeys to America ended in the Butte mines. More screenings are also planned throughout the U.S. And it's great to hear that the film leaves outside audiences wanting more. We'll be happy to supply "the rest of the story" during next summer's tourist season.

-- Roberta (Bobbi) Stauffer is The Standard's opinion page editor. She may be reached at 496-5514 or by e-mail at roberta.stauffer@mtstandard.com.

'Butte, America' on DVD Be sure to order the expanded 67-minute version that also includes the tribute to film participants who have since passed away and a "behind the scenes" look. It costs just a dollar more than the 54-minute PBS version. The cost is $25.95, plus $5 shipping. Call (800) 406-6383, order on line at shop.montanapbs.org or mail a check to Montana PBS, MSU-TV, Visual Communications Bldg. Room 183, Bozeman, MT 59717. An order form is under the "Contact" tab at www.butteamericafilm.org.

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