‘Ladykillers’ filming begins today

Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 4, 2003

NATCHEZ &045; Parts of Natchez are being transformed into the fictitious Mississippi town of Saucier for locations for the Coen brothers’ movie &uot;The Ladykillers.&uot;

About 80 crew members and a few cast members arrived in town Tuesday for production.

And with filming today and Thursday, leaving earlier than normal for work or appointments may be a wise choice.

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Natchez police officers will be rerouting traffic throughout the day to avoid the shoots.

Although all times were subject to change as of Tuesday afternoon, today from about 7 a.m to noon the northern half of Carmel Church Road is scheduled to be used for filming.

Then from noon to 7 p.m. today and from 7 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Linton Avenue between Oak Street and Madison Street will not be available to traffic.

Also from noon to 7 p.m on Thursday, four different locations will be used for filming:

4Canal Street, between Franklin Street and Main Street

4Commerce Street between Franklin Street and Main Street

4Commerce Street from Monroe Street and Jefferson Street.

4High Street between Canal Street and Broadway Street.

On Tuesday, trucks lined the street near the city auditorium, and film crews could be seen walking downtown reviewing sites to prepare for filming. A prop sheriff’s car say outside the auditorium as well.

&uot;(The locations) really have the look that the directors felt was right for the film,&uot; publicist Louise Spencer said.

The movie will star Tom Hanks and Marlon Wayans, although neither actor is in town for filming.

Lead actress Irma P. Hall, who plays the landlady in the film, is in Natchez for filming, as is George Anthony Bell, who plays a preacher.

&uot;The Ladykillers&uot; is a remake of a 1955 British comedy about a gang of thieves who try to dupe &045; and later kill &045; their landlady as they plan a heist.