September 23, 2004

BY JAE-HA KIM Staff Reporter

Born and raised in Aurora, Rodney Lee Conover was 18 when he left the western suburbs for Los Angeles. He worked as a stand-up comic. He had bit parts on TV and in films. But like many entertainers -- both struggling and otherwise -- what he really wanted to do was make his own films.

His romantic comedy "BachelorMan" marks not only Conover's first foray into filmmaking, but his return to the area.

"The best thing about the movie is it allowed me to come back to Chicago," says Conover. "It took a long time for me to get some success, but I got to ride [the momentum of] 'BachelorMan' back home."

Since graduating from West Aurora High School in 1977, Conover hasn't been back except to visit friends and family. Now, he has a place in downtown Chicago and is enjoying the city's fine night life.

He dates, but doesn't have a steady girlfriend. And he's not afraid to admit he looks forward to the day when he can look back fondly on his years as a single man. "I would give up my bachelor days in a second if I met the right woman," says Conover. "I am always looking for Ms. Right, and when I find her, I'm going to give up all this nonsense. I'm looking for a woman who I think would be a good mommy and someone who wants to go on a really wild adventure ride for the rest of their life."

BACHELORMAN / *** (R) Ted: David DeLuise Heather: Missi Pyle Gordie: Rodney Lee Conover Films on Tap presents a film directed by John Putch. Written by Rodney Lee Conover, Jeffrey C. Hause and David Hines. Running time: 90 minutes. Rated R (for sexual content and language). Opening Friday at local theaters.

Laughing, he adds, "With me, I mean."

"BachelorMan" was shot in three weeks in Los Angeles last year, but Conover said he toyed with the idea of shooting it in Chicago. Since he was living in Los Angeles at the time, it made fiscal sense to keep it on the West Coast.

"A lot of people assume it was shot in Chicago because they know I'm such a strong supporter of the city," he says. "I wish it could've happened. But it's funny how things work out because I had to leave Chicago to get my career started. But hopefully that won't be the case for other local filmmakers here.

"Ideally, movies can be made here not just because [they're] set in Chicago, but because it's an attractive place to make a film. I'd like to show the world this is where it can happen."

You can help that, he says, by flocking to theaters this weekend. Not Monday or Tuesday, but Friday and Saturday.

"If the opening box office weekend is big enough, it'll help 'make' this film," Conover says. "And if that happens, I promise I'll just keep making more movies for you right here in Chicago. We don't need no stinking L.A."

The art -- and laughter -- of the chase

Ted Davis is the ultimate player. He's cute, but not too good-looking. He's charming without being overly smooth. As he notes early in "BachelorMan," Ted knows he's not God's gift to women, but is just optimistic enough to think they're God's gift to him.

Co-written and produced by Chicagoan Rodney Lee Conover, who plays one of Ted's immature butt-munch friends, the film is a funny (and sometimes crude) look at how the male mind operates when it comes to pursuing females.

As a woman approaches, Ted scans her measurements and ring finger, and begins thinking of lines that may help him get her into bed. He fantasizes about being a super-dating stud: BachelorMan, if you will. He is full of helpful tips: Just before a date comes to your place, turn off the answering machine. Spray furniture cleaner around your doorway to give the impression that you've cleaned for her. If all else fails, try honesty -- or something that passes for it.

A pretty woman moves in next door, and he's both titillated and annoyed when he overhears her having sex. Without him. It's obvious he's drawn to her because she wants nothing to do with him. Will she snub him forever? Will he give up his BachelorMan alter ego to reach the altar? Or will he end up with the entertainment exec who's trying to sell the network he works for new reality series like "Celebrity Breast Exam" and "Ouch, My Balls!" -- featuring men who've been hit in their privates. You can guess the outcome, but you'll still enjoy the ride.

The role of Ted could've been a caricature, but David DeLuise (yes, Dom's kid, pictured at left) adds just the right amount of subtlety. At the end of the film, which has a surprise I never saw coming, Ted offers his No. 1 bachelor tip: Never take tips on love and romance -- especially from him.

Now those are words to live by.

Jae-Ha Kim