By Becky Maxedon

In 1971, a fledgling filmmaker came to a fledgling city to make a movie.

Produced and directed by Ferde Grofe Jr., “The Day of the Wolves” was the first movie to be made in Lake Havasu City.

The heist movie starred Richard Egan and a cast of many local Lake Havasu residents. And although the movie wasn’t a box office smash, “The Day of the Wolves” has lived on in Lake Havasu City annals of history.

Not only local Havasuvians, but locations on McCulloch Boulevard, Smoketree Avenue and throughout the Lake Havasu area starred in the production.

Several years later, filmmaker Greg Quinn set out to make a documentary focusing on the making of “The Day of the Wolves” featuring those locals who helped bring the movie to fruition.

Assisting Quinn with his efforts, “Havasu Pioneers Radio Show” host Dan Delasantos located the film’s participants to be a part of the documentary.

The film – “When Hollywood Went to Havasu” – has remained unscreened except for those who participated, but thanks to Delasantos, that will change during London Bridge Days this year.

“I ran across an old email about the documentary project and realized I hadn’t heard anything from Greg (Quinn) for a while,” Delasantos said.

“I reached out. The film didn’t make it to the big screen, but I thought an option would be to show it locally.”

After conversations and the daunting task of locating all those involved in the documentary to obtain waivers from them or surviving family members to move ahead with a showing, the project moved forward, and details are being ironed out.

Locals who were in the movie or have worked with Delasantos include Annette Manone, Floyd Hamilton, Ginny (Milacki) Frank, Jim Sterling, Jim Teseschi, Lee Shoblom, Maxine Holmgren, Mel Scarbrough, Mike Manone, Mike Riddle, Ruth Finley, Steve Braatz, Steve Manone, Jack Bailey, Wendy Alvord and Wendy Klapp.

“Thanks to events manager Kate Deparini at the Shops at Lake Havasu and Star Cinema management, a venue to host the premiere social event viewing of “When Hollywood Went to Havasu” and viewing of the movie “Day of the Wolves” was acquired and the event will take place during London Bridge Days, Oct. 25,” Delasantos said.

Delasantos said 150 guests will be invited to the premier social event including those who were in both the movie and the documentary. Up to 250 guests will be invited to view both films that same early evening, according to Delasantos. A cast party at Northside Grill will also take place that night.  It is a nonprofit event and any proceeds remaining after expenses will be distributed to a local nonprofit or charity organization.

Tickets will go on sale this month and more information on event time and online ticket sales will be announced soon.

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