We confess we just can’t contain our excitement about the upcoming filming for scenes of &uot;The Ladykillers&uot; in Natchez.

Sure, the city has been the subject of Hollywood films before and has been featured even more prominently in the past.

But we’re still starstruck every time.

It’s nice to have our city singled out for the silver screen. It’s nice to know that some of our residents will have brief roles as background players in the scenes to be shot next week for the Tom Hanks film (no, as we understand it, he won’t be here).

It will certainly be a moment to remember for folks like Minnie Cockerham, who was trying on costumes Sunday in preparation for her role as an extra, along with others hoping for a bit of screen time.

But what’s really nice is the film crew will be in town over several days &045; costumers and casting people are already here &045; staying in our hotels and eating in our restaurants. They are investing money in this community, making a few days’ worth of fame a worthwhile investment of our local tourism leaders’ time.

As with any tourists or business leaders, their money goes a long way &045; and their word of mouth can go even further.

If they are treated to a good experience this time, you never know when they’ll be back.

Maybe with Tom Hanks this time. Not that we’re begging.