By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Let me take you back to October of 2025, when Athens, AL was delightfully invaded by a film crew and a kangaroo. They filmed a holiday film entitled A Kangaroo Christmas, which will be aired during this upcoming 2026 season, and they managed to make the Courthouse steps look snowy when it was too hot to be wearing winter clothing. Mayor Ronnie Marks played himself and actually held the kangaroo, whose name was Scarlett. In a word, Athens fell in love with the Richmond Family Films folks, and they with us.
Fast forward a few months, and right smack dab in the middle of Red, White and Boom our friends have returned, and we are beyond glad. In the Hawaiian culture, there is a word that is difficult to translate, and it is ohana. “Family” doesn’t begin to really cover it—it’s more like unconditional love, chosen family, friends, community, mutual support, and more. Well, the Richmonds are back, and I have seen “ohana” on overdrive.
Branscombe Richmond is a 4th generation movie maker, and has either been in or been involved in a zillion projects. From 1992 to 1997, he was in the action series, Renegade, and now produces films that have kids and animals as the stars, and his own kids have joined him in the craft. His son, whose name is Marouo just finished up Moana along with Jumanji. He goes by “Bro,” and is not afraid to break a sweat helping people out. Daughter Leiohu is also an actress, but for the purpose of this project, she is tenderly running herd on everyone and everything, and keeps things calm and gentle. She also gives remarkable hugs. There are two more Richmond kids that are involved with the family business, Fairai and Terani, who are not here in Athens, nor is Branscombe’s wife, Lei. They all embody “ohana,” and truly expand their family everywhere they go.
Branscombe asked me to come hang at the set and interview various people involved in this project. It makes for a glorious and warm crazy quilt of backgrounds, and the love they have for each other is palpable. There is just one downside: I couldn’t get to everyone, and I hate the idea of not giving honor where honor is due. So, if you are a part of Houdini on any level, please know that we as a city and I as the publisher of Athens Now greatly appreciate you.
What’s this movie about? In a word, a kid, a dog, and a magic show. Roger’s Portraits has been converted into Cobblestone’s Magic Shop, and the Woodruff building on the corner of Marion and Washington is part of the backdrop. You will see Big Spring Park, and the Domino room of the Tourism building is a school room. Athens resident Ashley Chewing’s Ledges subdivision personal home and that of an adjacent neighbor have become a set, storage facility, transportation center, chow hall and more. Ashley is originally from Mobile, has lived in Hawaii, is an awesome dancer, and has been in the play Annie. She has also appeared in Hawaii Five-O.
Barbara Ann Klein is one of the executive producers, and spent 35 years as a stunt woman. She was in The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, Death Becomes Her, and the scariest stunt she has ever performed was to be pitched off the side of a bridge in Louisiana with her feet literally tied to a cinderblock. She found out later that at times the waters below the bridge have alligators.
Brian Herzlinger is the director of Houdini, and also directed Kangaroo Christmas. He grew up loving movies, and was originally going to be a small-animal vet. Instead, he went to film school in New York, worked with Steven Speilberg, spent several years on Chicago Hope working with Mark Harmon of NCIS fame, and absolutely loves doing pictures that are family friendly and involve kids and animals.
Kathlene Robinson is an accomplished young actress, and for this film is functioning as a production assistant. She is on the run from morning til night, as is the case with everyone, and has a beautiful spirit. She especially loves doing faith-based films.
Ramona Fleetwood got her first make-up job on Nightmare On Elm Street and The Hills Have Eyes, but there is nothing scary about this woman as I watched her get the two young stars of the film ready for a take. The part of Izzy is being played by Gabriella (Gabby) Kae Davis, and Mike is played by Rhett Morgan. Ramona met Branscombe on the set of Renegade, and they have worked together ever since.
J Spencer was a cop for the Huntsville Police Department and now has a 5400 sq foot sound stage in Huntsville. He is another one that is enjoying helping any way that is needed. Young actor Thorbjorn Reed is from Arab, AL and met Branscombe at an acting class. He loves to help in any way he can, and hopes to do a series on Vikings and the Viking culture. He calls Branscombe “Uncle B,” and is grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by him.
So, who is Houdini? Houdini is a dog that is a gorgeous Husky named Kilo, found and trained by Josh Ward, a zookeeper at the Kentucky Down Under Zoo, and happens to be a rescue. He is the escape artist of the film, and tends to be one in real life as well. And, I can say that this “star” of the show is incredibly sweet.
These are the hearts, this is Houdini, and I say, “Hallelujah” for the chance to tell their stories. I can hardly wait ‘til it comes out!
