Cultural Park Theater to screen ‘The Fat Spy’
Fundraiser an opportunity to see ‘the worst movie ever filmed in Cape Coral’
A 1960s-era film that was shot in Cape Coral is set to be shown in the city to benefit preservers of history.
Dubbed, “the worst movie ever filmed in Cape Coral,” a one-night-only showing of “The Fat Spy” will hit the screen at the Cultural Park Theatre as part of fundraising efforts for the Cape Coral Museum of History.
The 1966 parody musical comedy starring Jack Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jayne Mansfield will be showcased on Oct. 3, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and movie time at 7:30.
“While the movie is defined as one of the worst, it is a standout in its value to the museum,” said Cape Coral Museum of History Executive Director Janel Trull. “The movie is truly a historical document showcasing several locations in the Cape that no longer exist including shots of the Rose Garden which originally sat near the Westin Property — hence Rose Garden Way at Rotary Park — a few houses in the Cape, and the Gulf American Offices.”
Trull added that the film was yet another way the Rosen Brothers tried to market Cape Coral to the masses, though it was in theaters for such a short time, it had little impact on sales.
Ticket holders will be treated to pizza and popcorn, with 50/50 raffle and silent auction opportunities. There will even be a costume contest.
“By bringing this movie out into the spotlight, the museum will get people to engage in our history in a unique way,” Trull said. Commentary will be done throughout the film by two of the Cape’s lifelong residents…think ‘RiffTrax’ with a historical twist. Be ready for a great time.”
Executive Director of the Horizon Foundation, Bill Johnson, and Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral President/CEO, Donna Germain, will provide the aforementioned commentary.
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If You Go:
What: One-night-only showing of “The Fat Spy”
When: Oct. 3, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and movie time at 7:30
Where: Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd.
Tickets: To purchase tickets, visit capecoralmuseum.org/the-fat-spy. Online ticket sales close on Oct. 1. Tickets will be sold at the door the day-of, if available. For questions about the event, contact the museum at 239-772-7037 or email events@capecoralmuseum.org.
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“‘The Fat Spy’ is definitely something you have to see at least once,” Germain said. “It literally is the worst movie ever made and it was made right here in Cape Coral. Yes, my partner in crime Bill Johnson and I will be doing some commentary throughout the movie. As two Cape kids both born and raised here, the museum and our city’s history are near and dear to our hearts. This movie shows our city in its early stages and some locations you will never see again like the Rose Gardens and, of course, the Cape Coral Yacht Club.”
All proceeds from the event benefit the museum and its mission. Event sponsorships are available.
“The museum’s mission to educate and engage through historic preservation, storytelling, and outreach,” Trull said.
Tickets are $25 each, with 184 available.
To purchase tickets, visit capecoralmuseum.org/the-fat-spy. Online ticket sales close on Oct. 1. Tickets will be sold at the door the day-of, if available. For questions about the event, contact the museum at 239-772-7037 or email events@capecoralmuseum.org.
Since its inception in 1987, the Cape Coral Museum of History has sought to discover, preserve, and share the history of Cape Coral through its archives, museum exhibits and public programs. The museum is the official repository for the history of Cape Coral and serves as a public resource for all sectors of the local community, as well as international and U.S. tourists. Operated by the Cape Coral Historical Society, the museum exhibits artifacts, documents, and photographs pertaining to the history of Cape Coral and Southwest Florida. Located at 544 Cultural Park Blvd in Cape Coral, the museum has three buildings and three garden areas to explore.
Cultural Park Theatre is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd.