The beloved children’s classic, The House with a Clock in its Walls, has been brought to life by Hollywood. The movie, set in a town called New Zebedee, was inspired by a small Michigan city, Marshall, where author John Bellairs was raised in the mid-1900s.
Set in a beautiful historic mansion that still exists in Marshall, the film
Visit “THE” house from the book, The House With a Clock in its Walls, as Marshall celebrates author John Bellairs and the movie premiere.
Set in a beautiful historic mansion that still exists in Marshall, the film tells the spine-tingling tale of 10-year-old Lewis, who goes to live with his uncle in a creaky old house with a mysterious tick-tocking heart. But his new town’s sleepy façade jolts to life with a secret world of warlocks and witches when Lewis accidentally awakens the dead.
Experience the movie in Marshall’s own Bogar Theater beginning September 20. In the tradition of Amblin classics where fantastical events occur in the most unexpected places, Jack Black and two-time Academy Award® winner Cate Blanchett star in The House with a Clock in Its Walls, from Amblin Entertainment.
Celebrate John Bellairs Hollywood-style at a Red Carpet Reception at “THE” house. Each ticket includes a tour of the original house, a meet-and-greet with author Brad Strickland who completed Bellairs’ series, spell-binding magicians from Neil Foster Ring No. 89 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, musical entertainment by Adrian Bagale and friends from Northfield Mandolins, red carpet photos with book characters Uncle Johnathan and Mrs. Zimmerman, appetizers and cash bar.
Continuing the celebration Saturday, September 22, the staff of Marshall District Library will host a Children’s Tea on the lawn of the Marshall home at 10:30 a.m. Light fare will be served as guests mingle with characters from Bellairs’ books.
A John Bellairs walking tour, organized by the Marshall District Library, will take place Saturday and Sunday from 2-6pm. Featuring costumed actors, the tour includes many Marshall locations referenced in the Bellairs books, as well as peeks into buildings often closed to the public.
The fun will extend throughout downtown on Saturday, September 22. Street performers and artists will add to the festivities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be awed by magicians, have your face painted, get a balloon animal, watch chalk artists, listen to live music, or have your caricature drawn, all while you visit unique shops and restaurants. See a special magic show at 1 p.m. at the American Museum of Magic or listen to a theatrical reading of the book, The House With a Clock in its Walls, at Great Escape Theater Company.
Be part of the fun and excitement as Marshall goes Hollywood! For more information about the Red-Carpet Reception or street performers, contact the Marshall Welcome Center at 269.781.5163. For information about the Children’s Tea or Bellairs Walk, contact The Marshall District Library at 269.781.7821. For information about movie tickets, contact The Bogar Theatre at 269.781.3511. Stay up to date about these events at https://bit.ly/2tez5W3.