F.I.S.T.

F.I.S.T. One of several MOTION PICTURES made in Dubuque. F.I.S.T. gave Dubuque national exposure as a potential site for movie making. The film, a story of the rise and fall of a powerful union leader, starred Sylvester Stallone, writer and star of Rocky, the Best Picture of 1977.

The disclosure that the film would be made in Dubuque was made to a select group of local citizens on February 22, 1977. It was announced that the film would have an $8 million budget and be a major project for United Artists. Among the reasons given for the selection of Dubuque was the absence of television antennas that would conflict with the look of the 1930s, the era in which the movie's action was to take place.

Filming began on May 9 and continued through June. An army of extras was provided with haircuts of the era, costumes, and props. Portions of the CARADCO building were fitted with new windows that were purposely smashed during filming and then replaced before the company left town.

Perhaps the most attention was reserved for Stallone who worked in a guarded room at the Julien Motor Inn on the script for a sequel to "Rocky," a film called Paradise Alley. Occasionally Stallone ventured out with his bodyguard providing fortunate residents with a view of the star off the set.

The last filming took place on July 1 in the basement of SACRED HEART CHURCH. Seven Dubuque-area residents moved west with the crew of F.I.S.T. John Cahill, Stallone's chauffeur in Dubuque, accompanied the actor on his next Rambo movie.

In February 1978, the TELEGRAPH HERALD announced the newest official Dubuque CITY DIRECTORY contained some unexpected entries. Page 309 listed both John and Anna Kovaks, the fictional characters portrayed by Stallone and co-star Melinda Dillon, and the address of the brick duplex on East 22nd which was used to portray their home. Stallone was listed on page 535 and Dillon was mentioned on page 121.