By Jennifer Smartt
Special to the Patriot-Bridge
It was just a year ago that Charlestown residents were abuzz about the filming of Ben Affleck’s film, “The Town” based on Boston author Chuck Hogan’s book, “Prince of Thieves.” With “The Town’s” opening date of Sept. 17, Charlestown has been in the spotlight of the media highlighting the town’s characters and bank robbing history.
Warner Brothers premiered the film on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Fenway Park and it was a true Hollywood evening in Boston. The notable cast arrived on Yawkey Way and waved to fans and then entered Fenway Park through the dug out and walked the red carpet of the ball field to a line of national and local press. Guests watched the movie on a big screen over the third-base dugout.
Cast in attendance: Ben Affleck, John Hamm, Chris Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, and Blake Lively Local rapper and actor, Slaine who plays one of the bank robbers was also in attendance. Other Boston notables walking the red carpet include: chef Todd English (when is Olive’s going to re-open since you were at the premier because of your restaurant in Charlestown?); retired Boston Red Sox pitcher, Curt Schilling, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and author Chuck Hogan
Affleck’s long time friend, Matt Damon attended the event with his wife Lucia. He was wearing his favorite Boston Red Sox Cap.
Affleck noted that he was thrilled to be at Fenway and “this is the most special screening I have done.”
A more fitting premier location would be the Bunker Hill Monument since it is so prominently featured in the movie. Too bad the stones are being repointed. It would have been a nice thank you to Charlestown for all the controversy the movie has stirred up about the community.