Indie Film WE ARE THE HARTMANS Tops Off Unique NYC Rock 'n Roll Screenings at Arlene's Grocery

Nov. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Boasting sold out shows and raves from Huffington Post, indie film We Are the Hartmans goes into the final stretch of its unique screening run at rock clubs in New York City culminating at one of the Lower East Side’s enduring venues, Arlene’s Grocery. The film screens Mondays at 8PM, December 5, 12 and 19, ahead of the popular live band Rock and Roll Karaoke.

Hartmans features legendary actor Richard Chamberlain and “Dell Dude” Ben Curtis and tells the comic tale of Hartman’s Club, the sole rock club and neighborhood hangout in a town plagued by big box stores and fast food chains. When the owner of Hartman’s (Chamberlain) falls ill, his estranged family swoops into town set on closing the club and selling the property to a fast food franchise. In a last ditch effort, the club's staff, musicians and motley crew of patrons stage a full-out protest, barricading themselves inside the club as the police gather outside. Their show of solidarity is at risk when tensions between factions threaten to tear them apart.

“We’re very pleased with what we’ve accomplished with our screenings in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and we’re excited to settle in at Arlene’s,” says director Laura Newman. “The club is part of the soul of the Lower East Side, and has endured through so many dramatic changes in the neighborhood. It’s fitting that we’re dedicating nearly all of December there.”

Media coverage has drawn parallels between Hartmans and the Occupy Wall Street movement. Huffington Post describes the film as “a joy ride from start to finish...with topics that the 99% can relate to”. Gothamist calls it a “comedy parable for our gentrified age”, while The Brooklyn Paper describes it as “Occupy Main Street”. Hartmans also received coverage in the The Hollywood Reporter, Playbill, Village Voice, Digital Hippos and CelebStoner. Chamberlain attracted international media attention for portraying the bong-smoking club owner, a departure from his most famous role as Father Ralph in the TV miniseries The Thorn Birds.

Hartmans also stars Jennifer Restivo and features a soundtrack with songs from Freelance Whales and Iron and Wine. The script was penned by Newman and Emmy-award winner Peter J. Brash.  Filming took place in Manhattan, Peekskill, East Hampton, New York and in Jersey City, New Jersey. The film held its world premiere as a Gala Presentation at this year’s Atlanta Film Festival and was an official selection at the CMJ 2011 Music Marathon and Film Festival.

To learn more about We Are the Hartmans visit  http://wearethehartmans.com. Tickets for all Hartmans screenings at Arlene’s Grocery can be purchased at the door at 95 Stanton Street. Screening details can be found here: http://wearethehartmans.com/screenings/  For those unable to attend the screenings, DVDs can be purchased at the website. The film streams on Prescreen.com through January 1st. https://prescreen.com/movie/We-are-the-Hartmans

To request an interview contact Blayne K. Ross at 646-350-0836 or bkr@kaidmedia.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnQWthKQBd0&feature=youtu.be



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We Are the Hartmans is a feature length comedy film starring Richard Chamberlain and Ben "Dell Dude" Curtis, about a small town's battle to save its soul by saving its only rock 'n roll club.