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Special events sponsored by Midwest Writing
The Midwest Writing Center is sponsoring a number of events featuring award-winning author Max Allan Collins in conjunction with the debut of the film ``Road to Perdition,'' based on Mr. Collins' graphic novel. Many of the events are being held in conjunction with Rock Island SummerFest in The District, downtown Rock Island. T-shirts featuring the original Pinkerton Detective Agency ``Wanted'' poster of John Looney will be sold during SummerFest, Thursday through Saturday, with proceeds going to the Midwest Writing Center.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Thursday
WHBF-TV4's Family Fun Day: Free admission to SummerFest will be offered as well as showings of vintage cars, costumed street performers and jazz bands.
Meet the author (5 to 6 p.m., Midwest Writing Center, 1629 2nd Ave., Rock Island): Mr. Collins will be autographing copies of ``Road to Perdition,'' ``Windtalkers,'' and his latest Nate Heller novel, ``Chicago Confidential.'' Books will be available for purchase at the writing center.
``From Fact to Fiction to Film: On the Road to Perdition,'' a Q-andA session with Max Allan Collins (6 to 7 p.m., Quad City Arts Gallery, 1715 2nd Ave., Rock Island: The author will talk in depth about his experiences seeing his work translated to the big screen, and answer audience questions.
``Road to Perdition'' movie memorabilia auction
(7:30 p.m., Rock Island District Plaza, West Stage): Various memorabilia, including posters, books and items autographed by creators involved with the film will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Midwest Writing Center.
``Road to Perdition'' book signing (8 to 9 p.m., Rock Island SummerFest 18th Street tent: Mr. Collins will be on hand to sign his novelization of the film as well as his graphic novel.
Friday
The official Quad-Cities movie premiere with Max Allan Collins (approximately 7 p.m., Showcase Cinemas 53, 3601 53rd St., Davenport): The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus and the Midwest Writing Center will co-sponsor a showing of the film attended by Mr. Collins.
``Road to Perdition'' movie discussion and book signing with Max Collins (approximately 9 p.m., Borders Books, 4000 E. 53rd St, Davenport): Following the showing of ``Road,'' Mr. Collins will head over to Borders to sign copies of his various books and talk about the making of ``Road'' into a feature film.
``Legend of John Looney'' Historic Trolley Tours (6 to 9 p.m., 17th Street and Second Avenue, Rock Island): Tours leave every half hour and feature scripted commentary on sites linked to Rock Island's notorious vice lord -- John Looney -- the real man behind the character portrayed by Paul Newman in DreamWorks' feature film.