John Shipp: film peddler
“THE FILM PEDDLER” (Playing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Screenland Crown Center.)
I’ve known John Shipp for more than 30 years, but it took this lighthearted, utterly charming documentary for me to truly appreciate the guy.
In recent years Shipp has been known as a film booker and as a moving force in Kansas City FilmFest, the Film Society of Greater Kansas City and CinemaKC.
But this film, made by his nephews, Devin and Shannon Kelley (their first effort, and it’s a keeper), opened my eyes to Shipp’s wildly colorful backstory.
More than four decades ago, we’re informed, Shipp became the youngest MGM branch manager ever. But working for a big company wasn’t precisely what this ambitious guy was looking for.
Shipp wanted to be his own boss. And he more or less created (more…)
Butler's Cinema Scene 