Kerns: Coens seek actress for True Grit' remake at Lubbock audition

The important local news is that a motion picture casting session will take place from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Homewood Suites, 5320 W. Loop 289.

Being sought is a white girl between the ages of 12 and 16. The girl who is cast - and it is safe to say this particular star search is at least nationwide - will have the lead role of Mattie Ross in "True Grit."

Yes, this is a remake of the western that earned John Wayne his Academy Award as one-eyed sheriff Rooster Cogburn in 1969.

But do not make the mistake of trying to appear like or imitate Kim Darby.

Publicists state, "We are looking for a Caucasian girl who is tough, strong and tells it like it is."

More importantly, the publicity reveals: "We are open to all looks."

The character is described with, "14-year-old Mattie is a simple, tough-as-nails young woman. Her steely nerves and straightforward manner are a shocking contrast to the way women behaved in the early century. She is possessed of true grit and plenty of determination, enough so that she insists on going with two marshals to hunt down the killer of her father."

The rules: Bring a current photo to leave; and only one parent or guardian with the actress trying out.

Take note, especially, of those two asterisks. Casting director Rachel Tenner probably would rather deal just with the girls trying out, and no moms or dads. That's not likely. But the wise actress will tell either mom or dad to stay in the car, or better yet, stay home.

One guardian is enough.

An even wiser actress might take the time to read the story by Charles Portis ahead of time, and I'll tell you why.

The original 1969 movie became a star vehicle, and I am not referring to Kim Darby.

Featuring John Wayne, the movie was directed by Henry Hathaway. Nor was Hathaway chosen by happenstance. Among his former films were Wayne's "The Sons of Katie Elder" and "North to Alaska."

See my point?

Rooster Cogburn is not intended to be the main character in the remake.

At the very least, even those who audition and are not cast can say they tried out for the lead in a Coen Brothers movie!

That's right, this "True Grit" is being made by Joel and Ethan Coen, Oscar-winning brothers who delivered, among other films, "A Serious Man" and "No Country for Old Men," "Blood Simple" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou", "Fargo" and "The Big Lebowski."

It is their intention to fi

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