Films Premiering 2027: North Carolina Legend Tricky Sam Heads to Theatres

Moviegoers in eastern North Carolina will have a new option for viewing local folklore on the big screen. Bearhug Productions announced that Tricky Sam, a three-part documentary series, is scheduled for a theatrical premiere on April 10, 2027. The production released its trailer on October 23.

The series is written, directed, and produced by James Jones Jr. The film examines the life of Milton Covel, a man whose reputation spread through families and communities across the region. Covel was known by different names in different areas. Residents around Belhaven and Washington typically referred to him as Duke Buddy, while other areas used the name Tricky Sam. The documentary presents these varying titles as evidence of how local memories shaped the legend.

Jones began his research with personal connections. He noted that his grandfather described Covel as a frightening and fascinating figure. Jones later learned that Covel was his grandfather's second cousin. This family link motivated him to interview relatives and eyewitnesses to preserve their specific recollections. The film combines these interviews with dramatic reenactments to illustrate the stories.

One prominent account involves a car that allegedly operated without an engine. Witnesses described stopping Covel for speeding and finding no motor under the hood. Some participants in the interviews claimed to see a chicken in that space, while others remembered finding nothing at all. The documentary frames these discrepancies as part of the local folklore rather than offering a single technical explanation.

The film also addresses the spiritual traditions connected to Covel. Jones explores the intersection of Christianity, rootwork, and hoodoo in the region. He links these practices to the history of African Americans and the impact of enslavement on religious belief. Jones stated that these elements combine to create a unique cultural framework for understanding the legend.

Brad Boyd, an Aurora native and co-producer, portrays Tricky Sam in the reenactments. Boyd described the role as a separation from his own identity. He said he turns the character on and off with the lighting during filming. Despite this professional distance, Boyd admitted to checking for the character behind him when entering dark spaces at home.

The trailer concludes with a question about the price of a soul, reflecting the darker elements of Covel's reputation. Bearhug Productions stated that venue and ticket information for the April 2027 premiere will be announced at a later date.