The upcoming film about nationally recognized Reading track and field coach Hal Croft has run into delays, but for good reasons.
After the announcement of the film’s production was made in December of 2022 by Brandon Millet (‘87), a former student and runner of Croft’s–and an award-winning director and producer–extensive filming took place in the fall of 2023. The Orbit reported that it was set to release in 2024, but with only two months left in the year, those interested in the film are assuming it is now on a different timeline.
Luckily, Millet provided some very useful information and updates for those intrigued by the movie. Millet confirmed that filming was originally wrapped up last fall. But after raising a little bit of money, the team traveled down to Florida to continue filming some Vietnam recreations. Additionally, interviews wrapped up with Croft in May of this year. Millet explained, “I wanted to be able to tell Croft’s military story in a very entertaining way.” Millet also added that they were able to connect with Croft’s military friends. “The film got a little bit bigger and a little bit more complex than we originally had thought in a really good way,” adding to the delay of the film’s release.
Currently the film is in post production, where it is being edited by 5-time Emmy-winning editor Michael Anthony Brown, according to Millet. Despite this, the process could take a few more months. But upon completion, Millet looks to bring the film here to Reading before making its world premiere. “It would be more or less a private screening for people who are interested in the film from the Reading community,” Millet added. He says that this screening could take place before the public world premiere in the back end of 2025 at a film festival.
Millet concluded by explaining how he’s excited to release the film, but said, “I don’t want to do it prematurely. I want to make sure that I do justice to the story and I think we have something really, really special here.”
Croft is a well known and respected member of the Reading community. He served overseas in Vietnam in the 1960s, earning a silver and bronze medal for his bravery. The Marine Corps veteran also taught English here at RMHS and even served on the school committee after he retired from teaching.
But what Croft is most known for is his time as the track and field coach for the Rockets. After taking on the role of head coach in 1970, Croft went on a historic run, leading the team to 29 years of winning Middlesex league titles. He received national recognition for his accomplishments, and was inducted into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Croft also received national attention for his efforts towards Reading’s success, becoming the McDonalds Coach of the Year and being profiled in an issue of Sports Illustrated.
If you would like to track the progress of the film further, visit halcroftfilm.com to join the email list, where updates are sent out whenever they are available.
