As it becomes a more frequent site for movie shoots, Hartford is taking another star turn, hosting production of a movie about one of its own, boxing legend Willie Pep.
The Leonardo DiCaprio-produced biopic "Pep" wraps filming in the capital city next week. Wednesday, the crew shot a scene at The Hartford Club, decked out in 1960's decor.
The film is set in the mid-1960's, as the legendary world featherweight champion plans a comeback in his forties. It stars Bronx-born actor James Madio, whose credits include the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (2001).
"This guy's incredible, a phenomenon," says Madio, "not only his boxing, but some of the ups and downs outside the ring."
The superstar was married six times, survived a plane crash and had an addiction to gambling.
In the ring, his ability to dodge punches, using his quick feet and reflexes, was his trademark. Madio, of course, honed his boxing skills to portray one of the best ever.
"His rhythm and his relaxation around the ring is what was difficult," says Madio. "He looked and felt natural and he just had an uncanny ability to not get hit."
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin says the city is definitely on Hollywood's map, with this year's filming of movies including "Pep," the Netflix film "Call Jane" and Hallmark's "A Holiday in Harlem."
"What's special about this one is that it's not just filmed in Hartford," says Bronin, "it's set in Hartford, it's about Hartford. It's about a Hartford boxing hero who was a champion and then retired and then mounted a comeback. It's a great chance to tell a part of Hartford's history and also show, once again, that Hartford's a great place to make movies."
