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Hendricks-backed film to be in theaters Oct. 3

“An American Carol,” a major motion picture funded by Ken and Diane Hendricks, will open in more than 2,000 U.S. theaters Oct. 3.

The film, written and directed by David Zucker, spoofs liberalism in America.

The protagonist of the story is a documentary filmmaker not so subtly named Michael Malone. Malone has lost his American spirit and proposes to ban the Fourth of July holiday. Through visits from three spirits and a series of comedic spoofs that target the excesses of the American left, Malone is reminded of America’s greatness.

The cast includes Kelsey Grammer, Jon Voight, Leslie Nielsen, Dennis Hopper and James Woods. Kevin Farley plays the lead role of Michael Malone.

Zucker’s credits include “Airplane,” “Scary Movie” and “Naked Gun.”

The Hendricks’ involvement in film dates to 2004 when they funded the production of a small independent film by a first-time Chicago filmmaker. That filmmaker later introduced the couple to Stephen McEveety, who produced “The Passion of the Christ,” “Braveheart” and “What Women Want.”

McEveety was in the process of founding a new film company, Mpower Pictures, and the Hendrickses became investors in 2007. They also agreed to finance Mpower’s first major release, “An American Carol.”

Ken Hendricks, founder of ABC Supply in Beloit and several other companies in southern Wisconsin, died in December 2007.

“Investing in the motion picture industry, and more specifically Mpower Pictures, gave Ken and I the opportunity and ability to reach vast audiences of people with the goal that every film produced would carry a positive message for the world to see and hear,” Diane Hendricks said in a news release.

McEveety said Mpower would not exist without the Hendrickses.

“We are so grateful for their belief in us and our mission to empower others to impact the world,” he said. “I am privileged to play a small role in continuing Ken’s legacy and emulating the principles and values for which he so proudly stood.”

The Hendrickses also have been major supporters of the Beloit International Film Festival. Because of the connection to Hendricks, both Zucker and McEveety attended and exhibited films at the 2008 festival. McEveety will be honorary chair for the 2009 Beloit International Film Festival.

For more information on the film, visit: www.americancarol.com or www.americancarolers.com.