Fifteen months after cameras stopped rolling on the New Orleans set of All The King's Men the all-star cast led by Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Sean Penn made a poignant return to the city. Since then, an area known for its laid-back charm and history has garnered more headlines than it would ever have wished for.
But this week the Big Easy was in the news for happier reasons as Tinseltown's finest turned out to show their appreciation for the hospitality they received in the months before the hurricane.
"The city welcomed us with such open arms," said Jude as he signed autographs for the screaming fans lining the red carpet. "After Katrina it was even more important that we came here."
Speaking before the screening, Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco drew thunderous applause when she thanked Sean for his help during the dark days of the disaster. Pictures of the Oscar-winner helping rescue workers with the search for survivors were among the indelible images of the aftermath of Katrina.
Having launched his own personal boat, the activist actor ferried victims to dry land and even gave them cash. "Guess who come and got me out of the house? Sean Penn the actor," retired janitor Johnnie Brown told his sister on the phone. "Them boys were really nice."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
