Helm's family scrutinizing movie script
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
The Helm 'ohana of Moloka'i is perusing a script for "The George Helm Jr. Story," which a Hollywood producer hopes to begin sometime next year in Hawai'i.
Zachary Helm and his brother, Larry Helm, said the surviving siblings of the late entertainer-activist have been poring over a script by screenwriter Dana Gluckstein. Producer Gary Foster — whose credits include "Daredevil," "Tin Cup" and "Sleepless in Seattle" — wants to shoot on Moloka'i and other locations.
George Helm Jr. was involved in a mission to occupy and herald the return of Kaho'olawe to the Hawaiians when he disappeared in March 1977.
Helm disappeared in March 1977 while involved in a mission to occupy and herald the return of Kaho'olawe to the Hawaiians.
With Kaho'olawe — for years a target island for the military — returned to the state, the Helms feel the time is ripe for proceeding with the story. Sister Stacy Helm and another brother, Adolph Helm, also met with Foster and Gluckstein earlier this month.
"It looks very positive," said Zachary Helm. "But as we go over the script, we want to make sure the project doesn't distort (George's) story. We're doing our homework, taking out things that the 'ohana finds objectionable, adding some things in."
Zachary Helm favored a documentary or docu-drama, but Foster said a drama inspired by fact would be far more appealing and promising.
"The point is to make things pono," Zachary Helm said.
"The message, according to Gary, is that the story would be uplifting to Native Hawaiians and a lesson to the world," said Larry Helm. "If the project can show George and aloha 'aina, his love for Hawai'i, it would be worth doing."
Foster has acknowledged his involvement in the feature film, but earlier had mentioned the necessity to be "culturally sensitive" to the family and Hawaiians in general. Thus, he plans to enlist a director with local ties and experience.
Eric Byler, a Moanalua High School graduate whose "Charlotte Sometimes" film has brought him some success, has been mentioned as the director, but both Foster and Byler have remained mum for now. Nor has there been a discussion on casting for the role of George Helm Jr.
"With all the world problems now, with all the terrorism, it would be a good time to get this story told," said Larry Helm. "George's transformation has a message; he was an entertainer who become politically active, but he cared about his (heritage). He learned his Hawaiianess from Kahauanu Lake and the Helm 'ohana is cooperating to see this through."
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
