A relative, knowing my love of all things South Central PA, gave me a copy of the independent film Route 30 for Christmas. This film, written and directed by Chambersburg native John Putch focuses on three distinct, but interwoven stories in the area between Chambersburg and Gettysburg. Some of the notable actors in the film are: Curtis Armstrong (known for playing Booger in Revenge of the Nerds), Dana Delany (who plays a beer swilling, non-authentically clothed Amish woman), David DeLuise, Robert Romanus (immortalized as Damone from Fast Times at Ridgemont High), and local celebrity Ed Gotwalt, proprietor of Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum in Orrtanna, PA.

While the movie is obviously low-budget, the camera work is fantastic and the true star of the film is the setting itself. I played the disc in my Blu-Ray player and the colors and scenery are nothing more than breathtaking. Lots of scenes are shot in the Michaux State Forest, Edenville Quarry, South Mountain, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Caledonia State Park areas. If you are a fan of South Central PA in the fall, then by all means, see this film.

The first story in the film focuses on a Gettysburg battlefield guide, who is haunted by the ghost of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle of Gettysburg. The second story focuses on a man who believes he saw Big Foot on South Mountain (an ongoing phenomenon) and his attempts to heal himself without seeking medical attention.

The final story deals with a screenwriter who buys a farmhouse in Adams County in hopes of writing a novel. He is befriended by his smoking, drinking, cursing Amish neighbor, who watches his TV. The writer helps her realize her dream of seeing a live play on stage at the historic Totem Pole Playhouse (John Putch’s Parents, Bill Putch and Jean Stapleton ran the Totem Pole).

The movie is low-budget and while not a masterpiece by any means it is highly entertaining. It is intended for mature audiences. For folks who like parodies and comedies it definitely fits the bill.

I also recommend checking out the Route 30 Movie podcast available on iTunes for more in-depth looks at the sites and great places to visit along the Lincoln Highway in South Central Pennsylvania. Some of the places highlighted are Mim’s Mighty Meaty Hoagies in Fayetteville, The Cottage Restaurant & Pub in Chambersburg, The Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, the Strand-Capitol Theater in York, The Capitol Theater in Chambersburg, an of course, Mister Ed’s.