By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
James Mount, a thriving actor living in New York, grew up in Hightstown. He currently co-stars in “Lebanon, PA” an independent film getting a lot of traction these days.
The film’s slogan is: “Life happens when you least expect it.”
”Lebanon, PA” has won multiple awards including the Founder’s Prize of the Traverse City Film Festival in Traverse City, Michigan, the Filmadelphia Award of the Philadelphia Film Festival and the Standout film award of Hells Half Mile Film Festival in Bay City, Michigan.
”James was great,” said director Ben Hickernell during a telephone interview.
In addition to praising his performance in the film, Mr. Hickernell gave Mr. Mount credit for also helping to promote the film.
”He’s part of our street team in New York,” Mr. Hickernell said.
Mr. Mount plays Craig.
Craig is a minor character to whom people who have worked in a corporate climate can relate.
”Everyone knows him — he’s the guy in corporate who would throw you under the bus with a big old smile. It’s a small role, but a ton of fun to play,” Mr. Mount told the Herald.
”There’s a real cultural divide in America, and this film explores it within the borders of a family,” Mr. Mount said. “It takes an honest approach, never preaches and it has characters you want to invest in. It’s also funny, charming and real.”
Mr. Mount, 37, auditioned in 2008 and filming began that November in Philadelphia and Lebanon, Pennsylvania, as well as the surrounding suburbs. The film stars Josh Hopkins, Samantha Mathis and Mary Beth Hurt.
In “Lebanon, PA,” the main character moves to the big city from a small town.
”He moves to the city and becomes career-centric and loses touch with simplicity and nuance,” Mr. Mount said. “A life-changing event brings him back to his roots and he learns to appreciate the breathing room and personal investment small towns offer.
”I think the film will resonate greatly with those living in Hightstown surely, but especially those who moved out and yearn for the comfort and ‘reality’ that the town has to offer. This guy sure appreciates it more.”
While Hightstown is not Lebanon per se, it is a place that Mr. Mount has learned to greatly appreciate.
”Without a doubt, I am a product of my teachers: Michael Lawrence, Tom Spack, Hector Bravo, Rich Anzuini, the late Milton Richey and the late Tina Baldwin,” he said. “I will never forget them because they formed not only my appreciation for the arts, but they shaped my character as well. The entire school district has so many unsung heroes. I know my classmates feel the same.”
The film opens in select New York City and Philadelphia theaters today. The film also will open in additional cities throughout the nation beginning May 6.
After graduating from HHS in 1991, Mr. Mount received an acting scholarship to Rider University, where he graduated magna cum laude in fine arts.
He encourages young actors to pursue their acting ambitions.
”Live your dream; life is short,” Mr. Mount said. “That said, life is tough — so develop other skills. You’ll need them.”
Mr. Mount is the current national radio voice for Old Navy. He also has done TV and radio work for Subway, Verizon, Burger King and Time Warner Cable, among many others. He most recently worked as a voice actor for Rockstar Games’ “Red Dead Redemption” video game.
To learn more about Mr. Mount, visit his website, www.jamesmount.com.
For more information about the film, visit www.lebanonpamovie.com.

