A Penn State Schuylkill professor is producing a feature-length documentary about John O’Hara, the Pottsville-born author whose Schuylkill County upbringing influenced his writing.
Documentary Explores John O’Hara’s Life and Work
Catherine “Cathy” Fiorillo, a teaching professor of theatre and communication arts and sciences, is producing Carrying the Torch for John O’Hara.
Fiorillo hopes the documentary will introduce new audiences to O’Hara’s novels, short stories and screenwriting while creating a resource that can be used in educational settings.
“O’Hara’s life and work connect small-town America, Hollywood, Broadway and the mid-20th century,” Fiorillo said.
Who Was John O’Hara?
Born in Pottsville in 1905, O’Hara drew heavily on his hometown and Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region throughout his writing career. He transformed Pottsville into the fictional community of Gibbsville, which became a recurring setting in his novels and short stories.
O’Hara became known for his detailed portrayals of class, social status, relationships and small-town life. His best-known novels include Appointment in Samarra, BUtterfield 8 and Ten North Frederick.
Ten North Frederick received the 1956 National Book Award for Fiction. O’Hara also wrote short stories, plays and screenplays during a career that connected his Schuylkill County roots with New York, Hollywood and Broadway.
Filming Highlights O’Hara’s Schuylkill County Roots
Filming has taken place at several locations connected to O’Hara and his hometown, including his childhood home on Mahantango Street, the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts Center, the Schuylkill Country Club and downtown Pottsville.
Fiorillo and student production assistants have also filmed at Penn State’s University Park campus, including Paterno Library and the Eberly Special Collections Room.
Additional filming is planned at the Cambridge, Massachusetts, home of O’Hara’s daughter, Wylie Delaney O’Hara.
Penn State Students Gain Production Experience
The project gives Penn State students hands-on experience working behind the scenes on a feature-length documentary. Fiorillo has included five students as production assistants in her projects, allowing them to apply classroom lessons to filming and production work.
Documentary Premiere Planned for 2027
Fiorillo’s goal is to complete the documentary and hold its world premiere at Penn State Schuylkill in spring 2027. A premiere date has not been announced.
