Meryl Streep in Ajijic?

Does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumor that Meryl Streep is (or recently has been) in Ajijic shooting a movie?
The movie is supposedly based on a real-life murder in Ajijic in 1987 (American guy killed an American girl) after which the perpetrator fled to the US.

If so none of my friends have heard about it. But anything is possible down here.

It doesn't sound like the kind of movie she'd do.

I agree, Carry. It sounds more like a Lifetime made-for-TV movie. Can't image a movie crew filming in Ajijic and it not being the talk of the town.

Look for trailers. Generator trucks, security vehicles, closed streets. That would be an indication. If it is a big production,you'll see it.

tonyburton wrote:Does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumor that Meryl Streep is (or recently has been) in Ajijic shooting a movie?
The movie is supposedly based on a real-life murder in Ajijic in 1987 (American guy killed an American girl) after which the perpetrator fled to the US.

Tony, are you talking about the Joe Kovacs murder of his wife's lesbian girl friend that caused so much publicity around here at the time?
I thought that occurred in '84 or '85 but Joe did flee to the US and was never extradited back to Mexico.  All three were very involved in  everything and very well known by a lot people, including me. There has been talk for 20 or 30 years about the possibility that this was going to be made into a movie, but I haven't heard much about it the last 10 years or so.  I know there was a script written that was floating around Hollywood.
Joe rode a horse all the way to the US border through the sierras to escape apprehension....he was one tough Hungarian.

slainte39, Yes, that's the one. It was in January 1987. Do you happen to recall who wrote the script?

Yes, old timers: Please do. Juicy details wanted.

From Guadalajara Reporter, "January News From the Last 50 Years", 19 Jan 2017:
"Murder among expats shocks lakeside.
Joe James Kovach, 66, murdered his wife’s best friend, Donna Leason McCready, 45, stabbing her three times while he and his wife, Barbara, were having dinner at the victim’s home January 9. Investigating officers reported that Barbara Kovach said she had told her husband of 35 years some time ago she wanted a divorce and was returning to the United States to seek work. Other sources said that she and McCready planned to leave Mexico on January 11, for the United States, where McCready planned to sell property and buy a home for herself and Barbara Kovach near Palm Springs, California. Both Joe Kovach and McCready were active in the Lakeside Little Theatre. Kovach’s most recent role was the psychiatrist in “Duet for One,” in which he was directed by McCready." [Guadalajara Reporter, 19 Jan 2017]

Lakesider wrote:This is my first time to hear about Joe Kovac's case.  I try to google it but I can't find anything. Can anyone give more details about this? Where in particular did this happened? It would be interesting to know. Thanks.

The murder occurred on Calle Del Roble in Chula Vista (fracc.).  
Joe was a very close personal friend of mine, and we worked together.  Never saw this coming so was totally surprised.  It would take a long tine to tell the whole story, but I was closer to it than I wanted to be.  Joe's history from Hungary to New York to Mexico before the murder was very interesting in and of itself.  My mother, and Joe's wife were very close friends as well.

Thank you TonyB and Slainte39!

tonyburton wrote:slainte39, Yes, that's the one. It was in January 1987. Do you happen to recall who wrote the script?

No, I can't remember that but if you can locate Tod Johnson, he might remember the person who wrote that script, as I think he knew the person or knew of them, as did Richard Vath, who has long been deceased.  Last I heard, Tod was living with Joyce Vath, Richard's widow somewhere in Alabama, USA.

slainte39 wrote:

tonyburton wrote:slainte39, Yes, that's the one. It was in January 1987. Do you happen to recall who wrote the script?

No, I can't remember that but if you can locate Tod Johnson, he might remember the person who wrote that script, as I think he knew the person or knew of them, as did Richard Vath, who has long been deceased.  Last I heard, Tod was living with Joyce Vath, Richard's widow somewhere in Alabama, USA.

THANKS! That's a good idea. I know how to contact Tod. Would you be willing to meet up next time I'm in Ajijic (likely to be late October) to chat about old times?

Yes, thank you Tony and Slainte! I have never heard this story either and sure do hope they're making a movie about it! Please keep us posted.

What about Alex Gratten? Maybe he knows something.

tonyburton wrote:

slainte39 wrote:

tonyburton wrote:slainte39, Yes, that's the one. It was in January 1987. Do you happen to recall who wrote the script?

No, I can't remember that but if you can locate Tod Johnson, he might remember the person who wrote that script, as I think he knew the person or knew of them, as did Richard Vath, who has long been deceased.  Last I heard, Tod was living with Joyce Vath, Richard's widow somewhere in Alabama, USA.

THANKS! That's a good idea. I know how to contact Tod. Would you be willing to meet up next time I'm in Ajijic (likely to be late October) to chat about old times?

Yep, you know me well from your map making days (a clue)  
Just drop me a PM and we'll get together.

Trailrunner wrote:Yes, thank you Tony and Slainte! I have never heard this story either and sure do hope they're making a movie about it! Please keep us posted.

What about Alex Gratten? Maybe he knows something.

He might, just from his past in the movie business and being a reporter/editor here, but I think he arrived on the scene here after the murder and if he was here before, wasn't involved with that particular group as I don't remember him then.

Would Allyn Hunt perhaps know something?

Hey Tony, what about Rod Collins? He would've been young but might remember something.

Or his sister, Cameil (Spelling) the owner of Mom's restaurant next to Maskaras Clinic

This is great - I knew my Movie Star good looks would come in handy some day. I could use the cash.

Viejito, trailrunner, MexicoPete, Thanks for your input here and suggestions, but my original post was really only meant to be about the rumor of the movie, not the circumstances surrounding the original crime. Mention of a script had me interested since, as you know, I'm compiling short "profiles" of the many. many writers and artists associated with the area [For those who aren't yet aware of this project, see https://www.facebook.com/lakechapalaartists/] ~ 300 down, about another 300 to go... Thanks again, guys - every little helps!

CHILLIN wrote:This is great - I knew my Movie Star good looks would come in handy some day. I could use the cash.

Chillin - I look forward to seeing you in the big screen version!

I don't know about big screen - but it at this stage would definitely have to be wide screen. I have lost 66 lbs since moving to Mexico - woo hoo! - get my hernia operation in a couple of weeks, then lose the rest with weights and sweat.

Let me answer three posts above all at once.

Rod and Camille Collins were not living here at that time, they were schooling or working, living in the States. I lived across the street from their parents and saw and interacted with Tex and Mae, daily.
I don't think Allyn wants to talk to anyone right now, especially something like this.  The old cowboy is fighting a lot of problems.