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MADISON, Ind. -- Residents in tuxedos and bejeweled ball gowns waited Sunday to glimpse the stars attending the premiere of a movie partly shot in the Ohio River community six years ago.

The independent film "Madison," shot in 1999, debuted at the Ohio Theatre and on two of the screens at Great Escape Madison 6 Theaters. A gala tent party for about 900 who bought $40 tickets followed, as well as a block party for those who just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere.

All day, people swarmed through the town's picturesque Main Street area, perusing the red carpet and two blocks of tents.

The movie's stars include Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in "The Passion of The Christ," and Jake Lloyd, who co-starred as young Anakin Skywalker in "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace."

Indiana native Bill Bindley wrote and directed the movie, which was set in 1971 and resembled "Hoosiers" in that it was about small-town values and an underdog.

The movie focuses on a community-owned powerboat, Miss Madison, and its push to defy the odds to earn the top prize during the city's Gold Cup powerboat race on the Ohio River. Indiana native John Mellencamp is the film's narrator.

The film bounced around for several years before a distribution deal was reached with MGM.

Caviezel walked the red carpet and signed autographs for fans. He had to leave town before the movie began to rejoin a film shoot -- but before he did, he took to the Ohio Theatre's stage.

"I think a lot of people across the nation are going to be able to see this town," Caviezel said. "Thank you all for your support. You're all great Americans."

Marion resident Mark Fauser also co-stars in the film.

"It's like the great American dream," Fauser said before the premiere. "You've got a great film that no studio wanted to pick up until now, and like the hero of our story, the underdog here has prevailed."

Betsey Vonderheide, special projects administrator for the city, said the movie could have a far-reaching impact.

"We think it should have a wonderful and very significant economic impact on the community," she said.

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