Metamora

Local Record

WHAT HAPPENED IN METAMORA, ILLINOIS

By late afternoon, the crowd had already filled the main street. What began as a small gathering outside the town hall quickly became a march through downtown Metamora, with residents carrying handmade signs reading “WHERE IS CHICAGO?”, “WE KNOW THE TRUTH”, and “THIS FILM IS A JOKE.” Local officials described the demonstration as peaceful, though several witnesses reported a growing sense of panic among those present.

The protest followed several days of rumors surrounding First, They Took Chicago, an unreleased motion picture produced by Midwest Astral Pictures. Though the film has not yet opened in theaters, fragments of its promotional campaign have circulated throughout the region, including posters, radio spots, and brief descriptions of its plot: the unexplained disappearance of Chicago and the federal containment of a restricted zone.

For many in Metamora, those fictional details have become difficult to separate from recent reports of signal failures, unusual radio interference, and conflicting highway closures west of the city. By Tuesday morning, parents had begun keeping children home from school. By Wednesday, local businesses were closing early. By Thursday, the rumor had taken hold: the film was not imagining an incident, but describing one.

Midwest Astral Pictures has denied any connection between the film and recent disturbances in Illinois. “This is a work of speculative fiction, not a warning and certainly not a confession,” said Mr. Astral, head producer of Midwest Astral Pictures, in a brief statement released to regional press. “We understand that the material may feel disturbing in the current climate, but any suggestion that our production is based on classified events is both irresponsible and false.”

The statement appears to have done little to calm local fears. Several demonstrators accused the company of exploiting a situation they believe has been intentionally hidden from the public. Others demanded that the film be withdrawn before its scheduled fall release.

Attached Fragments

Fragment A
The Maniacs are out, it seems.

Fragment B
These f**kers, they ruined it all.

Fragment C
I remember how he cried when Mr.Astral finally found him

Fragment D
'Mr Lunatics, talking to you live from our sh**hole we call a studio'

MIDWEST ASTRAL PICTURES - OFFICIAL PRODUCTION STATEMENT

Concerning the unfortunate events in Metamora.

Midwest Astral Pictures wishes to express its concern regarding the recent disturbances reported in Metamora, Illinois, and extends its sympathies to all residents affected by the confusion surrounding these events.
We understand that certain promotional materials connected to our forthcoming motion picture, First, They Took Chicago, have circulated without proper context and may have contributed to public misunderstanding. The company would like to state clearly that the film is a work of speculative fiction and should not be interpreted as a factual account, government warning, or coded disclosure of real events. Any resemblance between the film’s narrative and recent rumors concerning Chicago, federal restricted zones, broadcast failures, or unexplained regional phenomena is entirely coincidental.
Midwest Astral Pictures strongly condemns the destruction of promotional materials, threats made against theater operators, and any public actions that place residents, local businesses, or municipal authorities at risk. We also ask members of the press to avoid amplifying unfounded claims that may further contribute to fear or misinformation.
At this time, the production remains committed to its planned Fall 1979 theatrical release. Additional information regarding exhibition dates, participating theaters, and official promotional materials will be provided through authorized channels only. We ask the public to remain calm, to disregard unauthorized speculation, and to remember that cinema is, above all, an act of imagination.

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