This delightful, charming, quirky documentary shows the determination, spunk and dedication of a group of rural Indiana citizens determined to preserve their slice of America’s heartland and along the way emphasizes the value of our older citizens, who step up and speak out to make a difference in their community.

Once in near-decline, the town of Farmland (pop 1,400) had been resurrected thanks in good part to the efforts and boosterism of Jerome Herron who moved back to his hometown with his partner Larry Francer.  Working with the town’s nonprofit arm, Historic Farmland USA, the couple developed promotional events and economic strategies to highlight the town’s charms. Seeing the progress and economic recovery Farmland has made, many residents are outraged when they learn that their county commissioners have voted to tear down the historic Beaux Arts courthouse.

Discussing the issue in their mother’s kitchen one morning, Jerome, his sister Angela Soper and Larry come up with a plan to save the courthouse, and then recruit their mom’s bridge club to execute it. And as Jerome points out, what better way to highlight the elegance beauty and dignity of an old building than by showcasing the same charms held by older women? Says one:

Go for it, go for it! Show ‘em we might be old, but we aren’t dead.

So the “girls” as everyone calls them, ranging in age from 77 to 93, sweetly disrobe for a calendar–their bits strategically hidden by porcelain models of the courthouse–to both the support and dismay of the community, which is described as the shiny buckle on the Bible Belt. One of the churches wants to expel three of the models who are members, while a hospital chaplain congratulates them and offers a $20 donation.

The controversy mounts adding fuel to the fire over the demolition of courthouse, already a hot button issue dividing the county. One model becomes estranged from her daughter over her posing, while the stopping demolition inspires a townswoman to run for office.

And in the midst of it is writer/director Norman Klein whose efforts to get interviews with pro-demolition supporters reaches near-comic heights.

Courthouse Girls of Farmland shows the importance of preserving America’s historic rural towns which are unique snapshots of the way we were and can still be vital and vibrant. Additionally, and just as importantly, the film shows the unique beauty and value of senior citizen who in our youth obsessed culture are often overlooked. The wit, verve and humor these girls show are a life inspiration, as much as is the social activism in which they participate.


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