James Jones Jr. Premieres Documentary on Eastern NC Folklore Figure Tricky Sam

Bearhug Productions has set a theatrical release date of April 10, 2027, for Tricky Sam, a three-part documentary series. The film, written, directed, and produced by James Jones Jr., is scheduled to open in theaters after the production released its trailer on October 23. The project focuses on Milton Covel, a man known in parts of eastern North Carolina as Tricky Sam or Duke Buddy.

Jones, an award-winning filmmaker, began his research into Covel during his childhood. He recalled hearing stories from his grandfather, who described a man with a reputation that left listeners frightened. Jones noted that the tales were so intense that they would make a child's hair stand on end. He later learned that Covel was his grandfather's second cousin, a connection that gave him a personal reason to investigate the family lore.

The documentary highlights the regional variations in how Covel was known. A resident interviewed for the trailer explained that people in Belhaven and Washington referred to him as Duke Buddy rather than Tricky Sam. This distinction reflects how local memories and family connections shaped the narratives passed down through generations. Jones sought out direct relatives, including daughters living in Belhaven and first cousins in their 80s, to gather their specific recollections.

One of the most persistent accounts involves a car that supposedly operated without an engine. Witnesses claim that when Covel was stopped for speeding, officers found no motor under the hood. However, the details of these encounters vary. Jones reported that some people described finding a chicken under the hood, while others insisted the space was completely empty. The film presents these differences as part of the local folklore rather than as established facts.

Relatives of Covel describe a complex mix of affection and fear. One cousin stated that she thought highly of him but avoided hanging around because she was terrified of him. Another family member recalled that her father, who died in 2022, frequently called to report seeing Uncle Buddy walking around. These ongoing reports suggest that the figure remains a living presence in local community conversations decades after the initial stories began.

Jones also explores the spiritual traditions associated with Covel, including rootwork and hoodoo. He connects these practices to the history of African Americans and the impact of enslavement on religious beliefs. Jones argues that many church practices are rooted in these older traditions, noting that the stripping of language and belief systems during the slave trade influenced how communities interpret spiritual experiences. The film examines how these beliefs intersect with the specific stories surrounding Covel.

The production combines interviews with dramatic reenactments to bring the legend to the screen. Brad Boyd, an Aurora native and co-producer, portrays Tricky Sam. Boyd grew up hearing the stories but had never seen Covel, which led him to associate the figure with any unsettling stranger he encountered as a child. Taking on the role required Boyd to separate his own identity from the character, a process he described as turning the character on and off with the lights.

Despite the separation, Boyd acknowledged that portraying a figure surrounded by unsettling stories left an impression. He noted that there have been times when he checked to ensure the character was not riding behind him when the lights were off. The trailer concludes with a question that reflects the darker side of the reputation: What would the devil pay you for your soul?

Bearhug Productions has not yet announced specific venue or ticket information for the premiere. The film aims to preserve the memories of people who knew the stories firsthand while examining the larger community legend that has grown around Milton Covel.