Calf Rope

The cast and crew of this Dadley Production really put together something special with this short.

"Calf Rope" has one overarching spirit of legacy throughout the half-hour shirt film, that will leave you thinking of your own family and how you want your legacy to be remembered. It's clear that everyone working on this project knew this one objective and held tight to it. It has heart and soul that the cast portrays on screen exceptionally with little Lucas Barnett having an amazing debut!!!!

I can't say enough good things about this film - so just go, see it when at all possible, and feel the movie magic for yourself!

Central to the plot is the relationship between a young boy (Brandon) and his Grandad Mac. The two bond over the course of a summer as the youngster grows more and more curious about Mac's rodeo past. How could this guy who is known for relentless tickling and occasional troublemaking (especially with Mom and Grandma) be a real-life cowboy? Yes, Calf Rope is essentially a coming of age story; unabashedly heavy on nostalgia. The beauty of the short is how well it is executed by Bradley and Sarah Hawkins, the father/daughter co-founders of their own film production company, Dadley Productions. They have gathered some impressive talent. Lyndsey Hinkle's 1960s production design is impeccable. Director of Photography, Sofia Monzerratt, is equally adept at capturing action-packed rodeo sequences, as she is tender moments between generations. Ms. Monzerratt's camerawork, Bradley Hawkins' direction and Ryan Geesaman's editing of the calf roping and cattle auction scenes, in particular, are exceptional. The casting is spot on. The connection between Lukas Barnett as Brandon and Gorman Ruggiero as Mac is clear the very first time he sets those adoring eyes upon his Grandad. The screenplay (by Jake Stetler and Bradley Hawkins) is equally funny and poignant.

Ultimately it doesn't matter if you are a cowboy at heart, Calf Rope is a powerful tale about legacy, love, and what ties people together.

I never expected to relate to this film, but when I discovered the similarities between the main character, Grandpa, and my own grandfather, the tears started flowing. One scene after another brought back subtle memories, which have been locked away in my past. Normally, when a movie brings me to reach for a tissue box, I quickly exit the room. But, this one really caught my attention. I don't have a lot of memories of my grandfather growing up, because he spent much of his time at a cattle farm, in Lancaster County. When I'd spend the night with my grandparents, he'd be asleep on the recliner, and Grandma and I would gingerly walk past his chair, trying not to kick over the can of spit-out tobacco (my grandmother hated that can). I don't believe he ever smoked, but he always had that smelly stuff in his mouth. My fonder memories are from a few visits to the cattle auctions. I remembered the taste of sweet, thick, chocolatey milk, from little cartons, which grandma would give me quarters to purchase. The auctions were packed, nearly elbow to elbow, so a cold, sweet beverage was welcomed in a hot, smelly steer barn. I also remembered the first time I heard an Auctioneer speak...or, yell...or, ramble on, and on, and ON. I was amazed, and for a moment, wandered what it would be like to grow-up to be an Auctioneer? My grandpa loved his cattle, horses, and farm life. He died in that building, on my 16th birthday...and my grandma, being the patient, loving person she was, even apologized to me for ruing my 'sweet 16' special day. All I wanted was my grandfather back...for her, most of all. He had slipped and fell on the cement, by the loading dock, I believe, causing a heart attack (or, the other way around). He died quickly, and I guess if he had chosen a place to be buried, it would've been that farm. Well, the tears are flowing again, but not in a bad way...in a way which allows me to pay tribute to a beloved man who was dedicated to this way of life...a life which made him both happy and proud. Thank you, Dadley Production, for bringing back those lost memories...ones I will hold dearly to my heart, and cherish forever. Bravo!!! I need to see more, please!

Calf Rope does an impressive jobs of telling a complete, compelling story in less than a half hour. From the first scene, I was drawn into the lives of the characters, transported to a different - and yet familiar - time. The acting is masterful, the costuming superb. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Lukas Barnett as Brandon and Avery Kellington as Corah. The only thing that I wish was different about this movie was that it was longer; I want to spend more time in this world.

I love a good mix of heart, humor and drama and "Calf Rope" certainly delivers on all three! Gorman Ruggerio brings a real wit and worldly pain and exhaustion to his role leading an excellent ensemble cast. I don't want to give too much away, but the tie in from beginning to end is outstanding some will definitely shed a tear or two. We'll worth the watch!