A crime thriller with thugs, ‘Malone’ closes downtown streets

North by Northwest Productions of Spokane brought some action to city streets Tuesday in the filming of “Give ’em Hell, Malone.”

First Avenue from Adams to Monroe streets was closed to traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Today, filming will close First from Jefferson to Monroe streets from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Railroad Alley between Madison and Adams streets will also be closed today.

Mischa Jakupcak, line producer, said Tuesday’s closure was needed to film a stunt scene from a fire escape on the Otis Hotel building at First and Madison.

Directed by Russell Mulcahy, “Give ’em Hell, Malone” is an action crime thriller about a private investigator who squares off with gangsters and thugs to protect a valuable secret. Thomas Jane stars as Malone, the investigator. Also starring is Ving Rhames, who plays a character named Boulder.

Jakupcak said filming has taken place at various locations in Spokane over the past month and is expected to continue through Nov. 7. More filming is scheduled downtown at the Paulsen Center and the Spokane Club.

North by Northwest’s schedule through the end of the year includes “Wrong Turn at Tahoe,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. Another production, “Oy Vey,” is expected, Jakupcak said.