By Diane Howard, Ph.D.
The inspiration for the film came from the early life of co-author PGA touring pro Wally Armstrong, who, like lead character Paul, was mentored by a club pro at his hometown golf course. Armstrong and Blanchard created a deep and meaningful novel that has been enjoyed by young and old, where golf is more than just a game and second chances are never out of reach.
Musician, producer, director, and entrepreneur Rick Eldridge said, “When I read this transformational book by Ken (Blanchard) and Wally (Armstrong), I immediately identified with it. As a husband, businessman and father, it can become difficult to give each role its respective place. Sometimes we stumble and we all need “second chances.” Add in being a life-long lover of the game of golf, the book really hit home for me. It has been an incredible experience telling the story of “The Mulligan.”
With more than 35 years in the entertainment business Rick Eldridge makes projects happen. Whether with sports programming, live production, animated series or feature films, Rick has been involved in every facet of creative development and production management in the entertainment industry. His resume covers an extraordinary career that includes the best and most respected names in the industry: Universal, Disney, ESPN, and more.
DH: I understand that your Reelworks Company has produced this movie and as your website states you are executive producer, Randall Eldridge is Creative Story Consultant, Roland Eldridge is Chief Operating Officer / Creative Story Consultant, and Rodney Eldridge is Consulting Producer / Music Supervisor. How are you all related?
RE: These are my sons, who have grown up on studio lots.
DH: How is this movie timely?
RE: This movie, about second chances/ do-overs, is especially needed to today on personal, corporate, national levels and more.
DH: I have met and interviewed Pat Boone in recent years, I think he is delightful, charming in this film. What do you think he specially brings to this movie?
RE: He brought energy, information, and perfect performance to this movie.
DH: How is his character a role model?
RE: Pat’s character, “Old Pro” Will Dunn, is almost mystical. He turns questions about golf into questions about life, especially about the character, Paul’s life. “Old Pro” Will Dunn is almost a God character, who is non-threatening, patient, and caring.
DH: How do you think characters in the movie, especially the assistant and wife, are role models?
RE: Paul’s assistant is invested in in the business and family. She is caring, non-combative, not judgmental, and waits for the right time to speak or intervene. Like the assistant, Paul’s wife is also caring, patient, and prayerful. She does not believe that Paul’s warranty has run out.
DH: What kinds of movies do you like to produce?
RE: I like to produce stories for a wide audience that are excellent, relevant, and engaging. I like to tell parables like Christ did. He answered people with parables and thus drew them in. These are stories we need today, as we always have.
In “The Mulligan,” an inspiring story about relationships, forgiveness and second chances, Paul McAllister is guided by the wisdom and advice of an old golf pro. Paul learns about playing a good game both on and off the course. Based on the popular book, “The Mulligan” is an inspiring reminder that second chances are only one shot away.
Based on the novel by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong, the film adaptation has received both critical and consumer acclaim, hailing a 100% Fan-rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival (CIFF) has a mission to showcase, promote, educate, and encourage appreciation of faith, family, and independent films. Every year at the CIFF Film Festival they exhibit and celebrate the most outstanding faith and family content produced in every part of the world. Films are selected and nominated by a panel of judges for content quality and originality.
Most recently, this inspiring movie has been nominated for six awards at the upcoming Canadian Faith and Family Film Festival! “The Mulligan” received CIFF Nominations in the following categories:
- Best Feature Film
- Best Director: Michael O. Sajbel
- Best Lead Actor: Eric Close
- Best Supporting Actor – Pat Boone
- Best Supporting Actress – Charmin Lee
- Best Family Film
The Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival (CIFF) has a mission to showcase, promote, educate, and encourage appreciation of faith, family, and independent films. Every year at the CIFF Film Festival they exhibit and celebrate the most outstanding faith and family content produced in every part of the world. Films are selected and nominated by a panel of judges for content quality and originality.
See the Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/lQ89v0f3BsU
Diane Howard, Ph.D. is a dialogue, dialect and voice-over coach, as well as a journalist who writes about the role of faith in movies and in the entertainment field. Her website is dianehoward.com.