Before the sun rises, diehards gather
in the barn and reminisce over a Styrofoam cup full of
bean soup. Crowds mill about on "The Hill," hoping to
catch a deal on a cigarette machine or two-seat
bicycle. Damon, the auctioneer, steps up to a pile of
goods, pointing stick in hand, and begins calling
prices. Bit by bit, a knowing nod and a poker stare
later, another customer walks away with a steal on
something they didn't even know they needed. Farther
up the hill, the flea market bustles. With items
"priced below reasonable" it's a hodgepodge of Amish
breads, Depression era jewelry, obsolete tools and
kitchen knick-knacks.
"Shoot the Moon" documents Gentner's
Commission Market, a traditional livestock and junk
auction in Western New York. Running every Wednesday
throughout the year since 1939, Gentner's is a rural
institution. The freewheeling market is often
overshadowed by story swapping and the old-time
country atmosphere. The film spans the seasons.
Vignettes of the old timers expose the disappearing
rural culture.
By early evening, Damon moves inside to
begin the livestock auction. Buyers from miles around
seat themselves in the timeworn arena. A hollow-faced
Yemeni man complains to a Polish bidder. An old farmer
buys 40 dollars worth of poultry for slaughter.
Children crawl everywhere, poking their fingers into
rabbit cages and tumbling over seats. In a flurry of
arcane language, the auctioneer rattles on as animal
after animal is brought onto the floor.
"Shoot the Moon" reveals the eccentric, unique character of a bygone America.
It is available on the SHOOT THE MOON AND OTHER FOLK FILMS DVD.
Learn more or watch clips