Marathon After Midnight
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| Marathon After Midnight | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Richard E. Warner |
| Written by | Richard E. Warner |
| Starring | Lesley Aaron, Bruce Schmitt, Jonathan Poortman, Gina Johnson, Mike Puto, Bill Heffernan, Kathryn Rummery, Bill Becker, John Schaefer, Axelsson family |
| Music by | Richard E. Warner, Adriene Z, et al. |
Production company | Independent |
| Distributed by | Filmhub |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Search Marathon After Midnight on Amazon.
Marathon After Midnight is a 2020 American independent dark comedy film written and directed by Richard E. Warner, an attorney and filmmaker based in Marathon, Florida. The film features a local cast and guerrilla-style production inspired by noir film and classic mystery/horror. The film premiered in Marathon before becoming available on streaming platforms.[1][2][3][4]
Plot
Marathon After Midnight takes place on Halloween Eve and unfolds primarily at a Gothic and Steampunk-themed bed and breakfast called the Van Pendleton B&B, located in the Florida Keys. The story centers on the eccentric siblings Roxanne and Mandrake Van Pendleton, who own and operate the bed and breakfast. The film follows a variety of characters through Halloween night, seeing them through social and logistical conflicts related to name-calling, trash cans, tourism, voodoo mysticism, miming, and the search for a golden cross located somewhere on the property.[1][2]
Production
Development and Filming
Richard E. Warner wrote the film after previous documentary work and invested four years in writing, composing original music, and filming throughout Marathon and the Florida Keys.[2][1] The production uses stark lighting and gritty footage, giving the film a distinctive, retro visual style.[4] Filming was conducted in a guerrilla fashion, often in public spaces, with curious locals occasionally asking to participate.[3]
Cast
The film features an all-local cast of approximately 100 actors and singers, including:
- Lesley Aaron as Roxanne Van Pendleton
- Bruce Schmitt as Mandrake Van Pendleton
- Gina Johnson as Anita Little
- Jonathan Poortman as Lil' Peatey
- Mike Puto as himself (Marathon city manager)
- Bill Heffernan (attorney)
- Kathryn Rummery (realtor and community theater performer)
- Bill Becker (radio newsman)
- John Schaefer (community theater)
- The Axelsson family (Cecilia, Isabella, Jens, Jens-Peter, Katerina, Kerry, Victoria)
- Numerous other Marathon residents[1][2][3]
- Original music production by Richard Warner, Adriene Z, and vocalists Lesley Aaron, Kathryn Rummery, and Bruce Schmitt.[1]
Style and Influences
Marathon After Midnight is described as a mashup of cult classics such as Rocky Horror Picture Show, Fawlty Towers, Dark Shadows, Blues Brothers, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.[1][2] Its comedic tone is dominant, with horror elements mostly limited to settings and costumes. The humor and references are deeply local, sometimes feeling like a "giant inside joke," but the film is celebrated for its entertainment value and community spirit.[4]
Original multi-genre music, interspersed as mini music videos, adds to the film’s unusual style. The bed and breakfast's aesthetic blends Gothic and Steampunk influences.[1]
Release
Local Premieres
The world premiere was initially scheduled for March 21, 2020, at the Marathon Garden Club, but was postponed due to COVID-19.[2] The film eventually premiered on October 30–31, 2020, at Herbie's Bar and Chowder House in Marathon, with an outdoor screening attended by about 50 socially distanced guests. The event also served as a fundraiser for local charities. A "director's cut" screening followed on February 13, 2021, at the Marathon Garden Club.[1]
Digital Distribution
After its local run, the film became available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. A dedicated YouTube channel was launched in 2025, featuring the official trailer and promotional content.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "WEIRD AND WONDERFUL: 'MARATHON AFTER MIDNIGHT' PREMIERE". Keys Weekly. October 29, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Local feature-length film, 'Marathon After Midnight,' scheduled to show next week". Keys Weekly. March 12, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "'Marathon After Midnight'". Keys Weekly. October 31, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Marathon After Midnight (2020) Local Movie Review Vlog". YouTube. May 8, 2025. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
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