Sometimes in life we receive help from the most unlikely of places. Charlie Proud (KEVIN ZEGERS) has an anger problem. When he is involved in one too many fights at school his principal, Mr. Dewitt (JAMES CAAN), offers him a choice, either take a job as a handyman for an old woman the community considers a little crazy or get out of his school. Fearing the wrath of his father the boy begins his work with the incredible Mrs. Ritchie (GENA ROWLANDS) who believes her garden contains the enchanted spirit of her deceased husband Jack. Along with her two boys, both mentally disabled, Mrs. Ritchie takes Charlie on a journey through the harvest season in her backyard where friendship and trust are built and an ugly truth explaining Charlie's behavior is discovered.

Synopsis courtesy Showtime Networks

Gena Rowlands, James Caan, Kevin Zegers, David Schofield, Leslie Hope, Cameron Daddo and Brenda James to star in NOMADIC PICTURES CORP's "THE INCREDIBLE MRS. RITCHIE"

Calgary, September 16, 2002 – Principal photography began today on Nomadic Pictures Corp.’s latest feature, “THE INCREDIBLE MRS. RITCHIE.” The film stars Gena Rowlands (“Hope Floats”, “Playing by Heart”), James Caan (“The Godfather”, “Brian’s Song", “Misery”, “Thief”), Kevin Zegers (“Air Bud”), David Schofield (“The Musketeer”, “Gladiator”), Leslie Hope (“24”), Cameron Daddo (“Hope Island”, “F/X the Series”) and Brenda James (“Dark Angel”, “Cold Squad”). Film production will continue until October 11th, 2002 in and around the Calgary area.

The story is about a troubled boy who spends his spare time working as a handyman at the home of Mrs. Ritchie, an elderly woman who has had an unfortunate life. Through his time with her and his work in her magical garden he comes to terms with a terrible secret that is the cause of his family’s unhappiness. This coming of age story is inspired by true life events of writer / director Paul Johansson about love, hope and acceptance.

Johansson, here making his feature film directing debut, is well known as a successful actor onscreen (“John Q", “She’s So Lovely,” “Lonesome Dove,” “Soap Dish”).

Gena Rowlands is a two-time Academy Award nominee for Best Actress (“Gloria,” “A Woman Under the Influence”) and two-time Emmy winner (for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special, both for “The Betty Ford Story” and “The Face of a Stranger”). She is currently nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, for her performance in “Wild Iris.” The Emmy Awards will be presented on September 22nd.

The producers of “THE INCREDIBLE MRS. RITCHIE” are Chad Oakes and Mike Frislev. The executive producers are Nick Cassavetes, Walter Josten, Phil Alberstat, Steve Robbins, Jim Reeve, and Jana Edelbaum.

“THE INCREDIBLE MRS. RITCHIE” is a Canadian / UK co-production, produced by NOMADIC PICTURES and VISIONVIEW FILMS / ANAFI PRODUCTIONS in the UK. The picture is being made in association with A CHANNEL, THE MOVIE NETWORK, SUPER ECRAN and MOVIE CENTRAL in Canada and SHOWTIME Networks Inc. in the U.S. The CanWest Independent Producers Fund, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and CAVCO provided further assistance.

Nomadic Pictures is a Calgary based production company, developing and producing features, MOW’s and TV series, including “Hugo Pool” and “Ebenezer.” Last year Chad Oakes and Mike Frislev produced two films in Calgary: “Cover Story” and “White Lies", which world premiered at the 2001 Calgary International Film Festival.

James Caan, Gena Rowlands and Paul Johansson on the set of "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie"

10/10/2002
This just in from Paul Johansson Online:

Filming ends today on the set of "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie" in Calgary. When asked how he felt during a conversation this morning, PaulJ stated: "I am depressed, I'm elated, I'm anxious."

It's the same, he explained, even in his acting, for any project to close knowing certain sad goodbyes must be said to cast and crew. Yet in this project of PaulJ's, he's just two-thirds of the way through. After writing the original screenplay(and re-writing and re-writing for literally years), after casting and directing his dream into reality he now gets to take all the pieces and put them together into the film his fans(and future fans) are so anxious to see. He is understandably undergoing a little stress in the midst of his creation, but handling it very well.

"It's like when I'm playing basketball, it's like I'm acting, writing, and directing. People say when I'm through the game, or the show, or the production, I did a good job or a bad job, but I just love what I do."

PaulJ closes up his business in Calgary this weekend, plans a quick trip to L.A., then leaves for post-production in the U.K. for four weeks.

03/10/2003 Posted by PaulJ on Members Forum
"Just to update, "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie", has completed post production and will be screening for domestic buyers within the month. I am very proud of the work by all the actors on this project and the contributions by the cinematographer, Paul Sarrosy and the editor, Eddie Hamilton among others. It was very well received at the American Film Market and we are presently pursuing our film festival options."

5/17/2004 Posted by Kate Clan DotD on Members Forum
(JUST released to the OPJFC Yahoogroup mailing list)
The 31st Annual Creative Arts Daytime Emmy's ceremony was held on May 15th. This ceremony was the non-televised portion of the Daytime Emmy's.
I'm happy to announce that out of the five nominations that "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie" received,
Outstanding Director in a Children/Youth/Family Special
Outstanding Writer in a Children/Youth/Family Special
Outstanding Performer(s): Gena Rowlands and James Caan
Outstanding Children/Youth/Family Special,

it went home with three! Outstanding Special, Outstanding Performer(Gena Rowlands), and Outstanding Writer!

Congratulations to PaulJ!

Kate Clan DotD