LOS ANGELES — “Fields of Gold,” the documentary about Decatur businessman A.E. Staley, has a premiere date.
Staley started Staley Manufacturing Co., and moved it in 1909 to Decatur, where the company became the heart of the community and its owner internationally known. A documentary about Staley’s life will premiere at 9 p.m. CST on Aug. 19 at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, according to Los Angeles based Pollack Films, which produced the movie.
“Fields of Gold” will have a Decatur premiere at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Lincoln Square Theater, followed by a limited theatrical run.
The film is written and directed by Regional Emmy Award-winner Julie Staley of Spencer Films and narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Peter Coyote. The Decatur Herald & Review is a partner in the film.
The documentary follows A.E. Staley’s journey from barefoot farmer to the founder and leader of an agricultural empire. The film features Staley’s ownership of turn-of-twentieth-century baseball and football teams called the Decatur Staleys.