The life of 1930s Cherokee County Sheriff Grover Bishop has been made into a feature film.
Oral history attests that Bishop killed between five and 17 men in the line of duty, though how he dispatched these outlaws varies depending on who you talk to. “Grover Bishop: Making of a Legend” delves into these stories, presenting the famous lawman’s oral and written history.
The film is produced by BJ Baker and directed by Jeremy Scott. Baker and Scott, both natives of Tahlequah, grew up hearing Bishop’s stories and the different versions of those tales, so the project has a close-to-home feel. The cast is made up of Cherokee County residents, law enforcement officers from various federal, state and county agencies, as well as former Cherokee Nation Senior Chief Bill John Baker.
The Dream Theater in downtown Tahlequah will host the film’s two premieres. The premiere will be a private press screening on Friday, February 18. The second will air on Saturday, February 19 at 7 p.m. and will be open to the public. Tickets for the second screening can be downloaded for free at groverbishop.com.
Originally built and operated by Scott’s grandfather, Allender O. Scott, this 74-year-old theater will add to the historic vibe – as it has its own oral history library. At 7 p.m. on Sunday February 20, the documentary will be released on the site, but in two episodes. The first is slated to air that day with the second premiering Sunday, February 27 at 7 p.m. Both episodes will be streamed for free.
A four-part podcast is in the works and will also be available for free streaming on the website later this year. Scott will host the podcast with some of the film’s cast as guests.