Year Released: 2018
Directed by: Twila LaBar
Starring: Clifford Hardwick, Tommy Mangrem, Carolyn Mangrem
(Not Rated, 66 min.)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Western

“Life is just a bet. You should never take yourself or life too seriously.” – Clifford

No, I am not talking Blanche DuBois from Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. Blanche is a chicken, and a very pretty one at that. And she has better romantic instincts than the New Orleans wench. But she would, then wouldn’t she? She is from West Texas.

Forget Tennessee Williams, but you might be surprised by a few references to David Vincent Thoreau, who also inspired Different Drummer’s own website.

Now this sweet little film on Amazon is not for everyone. It lacks Hollywood’s finesse, and the while the actors are authentic Texans and look and sound the part, their acting skills are not up to Tommy Lee Jones standards. In fact, they are all amateurs who made this independent venture in just 2 weeks, putting in 12-hour days to do so.

But this tale, based on a true bet, has enough heart and humor to hook you, especially those of us of a certain age. And Aggie fans will love it, too. Not to mention those who have travelled to Big Bend, Alpine, or Marfa, Texas.

Parts of the film takes place in Marfa’s Paisano Hotel, the one used for Liz Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson when they filmed Giant back in 1956.

These old timers, Clifford( Clifford Hardwick), Tommy(Tommy Mangrem), and Carolyn (Carolyn Mangrem), take a trip back to *Marfa to see how that old Texas town has morphed into “a post modern art mecca,” and they don’t have too many kind words about artist Donald Judd, whose “Minimalist aesthetic” inspired the Hotel Saint George there in 2016.

Clifford disparages the town’s new artwork, while Carolyn defends its Minimalist style.

“There is nothing Minimalist about Donald Judd,” he tells her. He has a house in New York and Paris.” Different Drummer found out it was Switzerland, not Paris, and unfortunately, Judd died at age 65 in 1994, but roll with it anyway.

“Tommy,” who has taken to living at his out of town ranch with no running water, drinking out of the horse trough, and catching the occasional catfish in his little dirt pond, “is the Minimalist,” Clifford insists.

And that funk that has caused Tommy into living this “Minimalist” life since his wife has died is what Clifford wants to end. The visit to Marfa is the start, aided by Carolyn, the girl they both loved in high school. But the real coup de gras is the bet.

It concerns Blanche and an airplane. (And an animal rights suit in the Alpine courtroom.)

Blanche is a film about loss and second chances, and who can resist that?

*Too bad the film didn’t reference one of best parts of Marfa, the famous Marfa lights. I have seen them.

–Kathy Borich
3 ½ Drums

Trailer

Film-Loving Foodie

Tommy feeds his catfish dogfood to fatten them up and keep them biting. This practice seems to amuse Clifford to no end. He isnt’ too impressed with eating a dog food fattened catfish, so he declines his friend’s invitation to a campfire dinner and beer.

Let’s not turn Tommy down. Here’s how you can make your own Campfire Catfish.

Campfire Catfish

Having a good pan fried catfish recipe in your war chest and a little preparation before your next fishing trip will make cooking your catch right on the river bank quick and easy.

This recipe can almost be done without putting your beer down.

Ingredients

4 catfish fillets
2 cups buttermilk
1-2 cups vegetable oil - enough to fill pan to 1/4 to 1/2"
2 tbs. Creole Seasoning
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1 tbs. dried parsley
1 lemon - cut into wedges

Additional Equipment Needed

12" cast iron skillet and hot pads
nylon tipped spatula and tongs
additional plat and paper towels
large resealable bag
large bowl

Directions

Before You Leave Home

Mix Creole Seasoning, parsley, cornmeal and flour. Put into resealable plastic bag or container.

Cooking at the Campsite

1.Put catfish fillets and buttermilk into a large resealable bag.
2. Adda quarter inch of vegetable oil to skillet and heat on medium high.
3. Dump cornmeal mix into large bowl.
4. Test if oil is hot enough by flicking dry cornmeal mix into pan. If it immediately sizzles, then you are ready to start cooking
5. Dredge catfish fillets in cornmeal mix, ensuring that all surfaces are fully coated.
6. Shake off excess breading mix and gently lay fillets into hot oil.
7. Cook each side of the fillets until golden brown. 3-5 minutes.
8. Remove from pan and drain on paper towel lined plate.
9. Serve with lemon wedges.

Easy Campfire Recipe.com