Bass Reeves

Bass Reeves is making a huge buzz in the south central Texas film community. Within 2 months of completion of principle filming it was selected as official selection in four film festivals and it was bought by a high profile distributor for North American distribution.

The movie is about Bass Reeves, the first African American deputy marshal in the 1800's. He is considered to be one of the bravest and most successful Federal Marshal of all times. Bass is played by North Carolina actor James A. House. Film maker Brett Mauser and his Ponderous Productions shot the film in less than a month. The details of the distribution deal have not been disclosed but prospects for the film's success look good.
"Film maker Brett Mauser and his Ponderous Productions shot the film in less than a month."
Also starring as Bob Dozier, the main villain in the film, is Craig Rainey. Santiago Villalobos plays Bass' trusted posseman Martinez. The film was shot on an almost nonexistent budget and I was shocked at the quality of the film.
Only two screenings pre-distribution were allowed. The first at the Alamo Drafthouse, Westlakes in San Antonio sold out 3 auditoriums in the first 2 days tickets were available. The second at Overtime Theatre in San Antonio filled the single theater assigned. We all must wait until the official release some time this Summer to get another look at the film. The distributor asked Brett to make some editing changes and to shorten the original film by some 26 minutes.
"The distributor asked Brett to make some editing changes and to shorten the original film by some 26 minutes."

What amazes all who watch the film is the top shelf acting from every actor.  These are actors who, in many cases, had done numerous films with Ponderous and had made the cut due to their commitment and skill in them.  Brett brought his "A" team and they brought their "A" Game.  The distributor was quoted as saying the acting was "superb." 

I have seen the shortened version and am delighted at the improved tempo and pace of the film. Brett Mauser sought the council of Bass Reeves Biographer, Art T. Burton, to ensure historic accuracy in the film. It is rumored that Mauser's next film will also be a western starring Craig Rainey in the leading role.