Little Laura and Big John

Plot

Loosely based on the true story about Laura Upthegrove and John Ashley. Laura's mother, Emma Upthegrove tells the story of her daughter and John Ashley. John goes into a life of crime after he accidentally shoots an Indian.

Historical narrative

In December of 1929, Ashley murdered Seminole trapper Desoto Tiger, whose body was discovered by a crew building the Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee. In one of the first instances of a jury of whites convicting a white for the murder of an Indian, Ashley was convicted for murder, but was repeatedly allowed to escape custody, whereupon he began his life of crime. Although he spent jail time for many other crimes, he never served a day for the murder of Desoto Tiger.

Cast

Production

Plans to make the film were announced in 1968 by Luke Moberly, who owned a studio near Fort Lauderdale. Costumes were borrowed from the Martin County Historical Society. By February 1969 it was announced that Fabian and Karen Black were to play the leads. Filming began 10 March 1969 on location in Stuart, Florida, in and around Martin County, and at Moberly Film Studios in Fort Lauderdale. The budget had been raised by Lou Wiethe.

Additional footage was later shot, including filming a nude scene at the public beach at the House of Refuge in Martin County.

The original title of the film was The True Story of the Ashley-Mobley Gang. Then it was Too Soon to Laugh, Too Late to Cry before becoming Little Laura and Big John.

Release

Crown International bought the rights to the movie which was not released until 1973.

The film marked the first time Fabian was credited as "Fabian Forte."