New film 'Lawless' has ties to Branford

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A film called 'Lawless' is now out on the big screen, and it has ties to Connecticut.
 
News 8 is got the inside scoop on what inspired the story.

Branford and the Bondurant brothers, and a moonshine ring out of Franklin County, Virgina; who would think they'd go hand in hand.

Branford's Shirley Bonyai is the daughter of Howard Bondurant, who is portrayed by Jason Clarke in the film. He's one of three brothers who headed up a notorious operation making whiskey during the Prohibition years.

"No one would ever know that I was related," Bonyai said laughing, "so maybe we shouldn't do this interview."

Born in 1936, she was born after Prohibition in Franklin County, Virginia, where the movie is set.

The Bondurant father she remembers was reserved.

"I can't remember ever actually having a real conversation with my dad," Bonyai said. "That's strange right, but he just wasn't a talker."

She left home at 18, came to Connecticut, and had a family.

"I'm proud 'cause how many people can say that they have a tie to history somehow like that, but at the same time it's a little sketchy you know," said Bonyai, "saying 'oh that explains it.'"

The family thinks Hollywood sensationalized the operation.

"I think they're making it a lot worse than it actually was," she said.

"Although there are some things that are definitely true that my mother knows are definitely true, the shoot out on the bridge...the throat slitting business. I think it's really blown out of proportion," said Kendra Boshea, granddaughter of Howard Bondurant.

They also had their own Hollywood magic at the house.

That is one thing Bonyai remembers. Moonshine jars around the family home.

"I remember it being in my house," Bonyai said laughing, "my father would drink it."

News 8 caught up with the family after the movie Friday night and they said that overall the movie was accurate and they are happy with how it turned out.