Filmed primarily in Alpena during the fall of 2023, “Harsens Island Revenge” takes viewers back to the 1920s, centering on World War I veterans who had their own Canadian whiskey smuggling operation on Harsens Island near Detroit. The infamous Detroit bootlegging crew called the Purple Gang pursues a fight with the veterans to defend their territory.

Prohibition was in effect from 1920 to 1933, during which time the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol were banned in the U.S. under the 18th Amendment, until December 1933, when the 21st Amendment repealed it. Organized crime rose significantly during Prohibition.

Historians say the Purple Gang killed over 500 people and supplied Al Capone and the country with 80% of the whiskey during a time when only 30% of the country was in favor of dry states.

Lansing-based film company Collective Development Inc. shot the Prohibition-era drama in the Alpena area. The film, directed by Carl Weyant, features about 200 actors, including Alpena’s Matt Southwell and David Usher. “Harsens Island Revenge,” is an adaptation of a book of the same title by Karl Manke, with the script written by DJ Perry, CEO of Collective Development Inc.

Courtesy Photo Pictured, from left, are Stacy Hagedorn, Jerry Plume, Andrea Plume, Diane Taber, and Tim Taber at the premiere of “Harsens Island Revenge” at Sanctuary Cinema in Alpena.

“Harsens Island Revenge” starts with an exciting night boat chase as WWI veteran Frankie (David Michael Reardon) attempts to escape his pursuers, shooting at him as he evades their bullets to continue his quest.

The young Frankie overcomes many obstacles in the film, thanks to his own crew of strong men willing to stand up to the Purple Gang with him.

In the film, Perry plays Axel, a World War I veteran who helps Frankie push back against the mob. Axel’s strong leadership and drive help propel Frankie to do what needs to be done to keep control of Harsens Island, while chaos caused by the Purple Gang continues to impede his progress.

Frankie runs into his old flame, Stella (Cassie Dean), who has gotten caught up in a lifestyle she would not have chosen herself, but feels she must continue to survive, for the sake of her young daughter, Carla (Blu Owens).

When Purple Gang members, including Eddie Fletcher (Shane Hagadorn) and the terrifying Abe Axler (Dean Teaster) abduct Stella and Carla, the drama intesifies, as Frankie’s love for Stella propels him into fierce action to save her, amid constant danger and uncertainty.

Courtesy Photo Kyla Schatz and Barry Schatz pose at the afterparty for the premiere of “Harsens Island Revenge.” The afterparty was held at Black Sheep Pub in Alpena.

In addition to action, drama, and romance, “Harsens Island Revenge” leaves viewers with lessons: Greedy pursuits rarely end well, and love and justice will prevail, as long as enough good people are willing to stand up and fight against the mobsters of the world.

Alpena’s David Usher plays Norval, and Alpena’s Matt Southwell plays Big Mouth Bobby in “Harsens Island Revenge.”

Many of the historic buildings in the Alpena area provided the perfect backdrop for this film, including the Fletcher House on State Avenue, the Centennial Building downtown, Presque Isle Lodge, Fireside Inn, and more.

Alpena has been a great location for Collective Development Inc., a Lansing-based film company formed in 1996.

“Harsens Island Revenge” is showing multiple times today and through Thursday, at Sanctuary Cinema. For tickets, visit alpenamovies.com.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Rich Rider, left, and Black Sheep owner Kris Conger stand in front of a 1920s car on 2nd Avenue in Alpena prior to the premiere of "Harsens Island Revenge" at Sanctuary Cinema. The afterparty was held at the Black Sheep Pub, just down the street.

Courtesy Photo Kyla Schatz, Grace Riemer, and Karol Walchak are seen dressed up for the premiere of "Harsens Island Revenge" in Alpena.