Filmmaker James Jones Jr. to Release 'Tricky Sam' Trilogy

An estimated one person interviewed in the new trailer described being absolutely terrified of their cousin, a detail that captures the mix of fear and fascination surrounding the legend of Tricky Sam. That cousin was Milton Covel, a man who went by different names in different parts of eastern North Carolina.

For generations, families in the region passed down stories about Covel. Some accounts describe unexplained events, such as a car that supposedly ran without an engine. Others tell of spiritual encounters that left listeners frightened. Now, those oral histories are moving from the family table to the screen.

James Jones Jr., an award-winning filmmaker from eastern North Carolina, wrote, directed, and produced the project. He first heard the stories as a child from his grandfather, who was Covel's second cousin. Jones said the tales made his hair stand on end, blending his childhood fear with a curiosity to learn more about the man behind the rumors.

The production company, Bearhug Productions, released the trailer on October 23. The series is titled 'Tricky Sam.' It will be released in three parts. The company announced that the theatrical premiere is scheduled for April 10, 2027. Venue and ticket details will be announced later.

The film uses interviews with relatives, eyewitnesses, and longtime residents to piece together the man's life. One witness noted that people in Belhaven and Washington knew him as Duke Buddy, not Tricky Sam. Jones said he sought out daughters and first cousins in their 80s who could recount specific events they saw with their own eyes.

One of the most persistent stories involves a car with no motor. Witnesses said that when Covel was stopped for speeding, officers looked under the hood and found nothing. Some claimed they saw a chicken under the hood instead. Jones presents these differences as part of the folklore, noting that the stories changed as they were told.

Brad Boyd, an Aurora native and co-producer, portrays Covel in dramatic reenactments. Boyd said he grew up hearing the stories but never met the man. He described separating his own identity from the character when filming. The trailer ends with the question: 'What would the devil pay you for your soul?'

The documentary also examines the spiritual traditions connected to the legend, including rootwork and hoodoo. Jones links these practices to the history of African Americans and the impact of enslavement on religious beliefs. He argues that many people in churches are practicing elements of these traditions without fully understanding their origins.