It’s not every day Hollywood stars come to St. Louis, though on Oct. 2, actors William H. Macy, John Corbett and Joel Courtney graced the city for the red carpet premiere of their new movie, “Soul on Fire,” at the recently renovated Powell Hall.
Also in attendance was Sperreng Middle School sixth grader Norah Morley, who played “Scout #1” in the inspirational film about St. Louis-native John O’Leary’s life. At just nine years old, O’Leary survived a fire, escaping with burns on 100% of his body.
“It was really cool getting to meet all these people and learn all their stories, especially John O’Leary’s story because it’s really inspiring,” Norah said. “I know everybody would say that, but it truly is really amazing how he pulls through and he continues to survive through the roughest times, which kind of inspires me to keep pushing when it’s hard. The things that I’m going through — I just have to remember that there are people that are going through worse.”
Norah auditioned for the film through a tape recorded at home, though she luckily did not have to travel far for shooting after booking the role, as “Soul on Fire” was shot right here in St. Louis. Filming occurred in 2023 despite the ongoing 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike; filmmakers were granted an interim agreement to allow the film to be made. The movie is also notable for being the first feature film to utilize the Missouri State Film and Television Incentive, established in 2023, after a decade without such a program.
Norah played a Girl Scout in the movie and even had a few speaking lines: “How did you do it?” and “If you could go back and change it, would you?” Her scene was filmed on the very first day of shooting, Nov. 6, 2023, and she laughed that her voice sounded high compared to now due to the two years that have since passed.
“I auditioned for the little sister, but I was a little too old for that because I was the same age as the main character’s younger version. I was a little too young to play the older sister. I was right in the middle, so they cast me as a Girl Scout,” Norah explained. “I was just happy I made it in.”
Though focusing on school and Sperreng theater for now, Norah Morley will surely be one to watch as she continues to grow in her acting career.
“We’re just really proud of her and glad that she feels confident to pursue her dreams,” Norah’s mother, Rebecca Morley, said. “She’s just a joy to be around and fun to watch.”
Editor’s note: It was stated in The Call’s Oct. 9 print edition that filming occured on Nov. 3, 2023. After clarifying, it was found that filming occured on Nov. 6, 2023, and the table read was held on Nov. 3, 2023.
