'Duck Dynasty' prequel 'The Blind' makes box office splash, sparks impromptu baptisms

"Duck Dynasty" couple Phil and Kay Robertson's big screen story made a box office splash during its opening weekend.

"The Blind" finished No. 5 overall and No. 4 among movies opening for the first time, generating $4.4 million in ticket sales despite being shown on just half the number of screens as the other films in the top five.

Willie Robertson, the couple's son who produced the movie with his wife, Korie, told USA Today Network the film about his father's early infidelities, struggles with alcohol addiction and ultimate redemption through his Christian faith inspired baptisms and impromptu post movie gatherings of fellowship and worship.

"The response has been phenomenal," Willie Robertson said. "Stories are starting to pour in of standing ovations, baptisms and post movie gatherings all over the country.

"We feel with our limited theaters and hardly any push from mainstream media we are doing great. It’s been a real grassroots effort from everyday people who are getting the word out that 'The Blind' is an inspirational message of hope. It’s awesome that so many people are coming out to theaters to see this incredible redemption story.”

The movie begins with scenes from Phil's childhood in Dixie, a small town north of Shreveport, before showing the couple meeting at North Caddo High School. Phil's and Kay's romance advanced while he was a quarterback at Louisiana Tech University before the couple were married.

After college, Phil's life began spiraling out of control. He lost a teaching job in Junction City, Ark., and then got lost in booze working at a bar before the couple separated, with Kay fleeing to West Monroe with their children.

But the story is ultimately about redemption, triggered by the former pastor of the West Monroe White's Ferry Church of Christ visiting Phil in Junction City during his darkest hour, planting a seed that eventually sprouted and saved the family.

“We’re grateful that thousands are leaving theaters with renewed hope and a sense that it’s not too late to turn their lives around," Robertson said. “We’ve been flooded with stories of people watching 'The Blind' and realizing their marriages and their children aren’t beyond hope. I want everyone to know what that’s like.

“Everyone loves a good origin story and a great redemption story. This one’s got it all: action; drama; love; ducks. If not for what happens in this movie, my life would have looked completely different. My parents are living proof of the power of the Gospel. With Jesus, anyone can change.”

More: 'The Blind' movie tells the stormy story of Phil Robertson before 'Duck Dynasty'

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. 

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: 'Duck Dynasty' movie prequel 'The Blind' makes box office splash