Dorothea’s Shoppe becomes opening scene of the film “Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer.”
Lights, camera, action! Folsom’s magical historic district is once again being used on film , as Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe, a longtime treasure on Sutter Street known for spreading holiday cheer year-round, has become a filming location for an upcoming Christmas-themed movie. The project is based on the children’s book Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer by local author and filmmaker Dänna Wilberg. The movie carries the same title.
The short film, co-produced by Wilberg and fellow filmmaker Tim Walton, is a magical holiday tale with a twist. It follows a young boy named Danny, who, bullied at school, finds comfort in the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The plot thickens when Danny is mysteriously transported back in time to the Victorian era, where he teams up with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to foil Professor Moriarty’s plot to ruin Christmas. Together, they set out to rescue Father Christmas and save the holiday for children worldwide.
One of the most enchanting moments of the film takes place at Dorothea’s Shoppe, where the young protagonist discovers a magical book that kicks off his time-traveling adventure. Dänna Wilberg, the film’s writer and director, shared how the store’s festive atmosphere inspired her to choose it as the opening scene’s location. “I walked into the store and was blown away,” Wilberg said. “I asked the owner, ‘Has anyone ever filmed in here before?’ and when he said they had done a couple of things but nothing major, I knew we had found the perfect spot.”
Jim Metzker, who owns and operates Dorothea’s with his wife Sherry, was thrilled to have his store chosen for such a pivotal scene. “I can’t wait to see the finished film,” said Metzker. “They were great with us, and they have a real passion for this project.” Metzker’s excitement grew when members of his own family got a chance to be part of the magic. His son and grandchildren filled extra roles in some of the scenes. “They loved it,” Metzker added with a chuckle. “Granted, it was around a hundred degrees outside at the time, but that doesn’t stop Christmas around here!”
Dorothea’s, with its year-round Christmas spirit, proved to be the ideal setting for the movie’s magical beginning. In the film, the young boy is drawn into the store, mesmerized by the endless rows of Christmas decor. There, he meets the shopkeeper, played by one of the film’s actors, who gifts him a special book, Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer. “That’s where the magic starts,” Wilberg explained. “The shop is the gateway to an incredible adventure. The boy becomes one of the characters in the story and embarks on a journey to save Christmas.”
The short film isn’t just about holiday cheer, though. It’s also a fundraiser for Baker Street West, a small community theater group in nearby Amador County. The theater, known for its Sherlockian-themed productions, lost its venue when their rent was doubled, forcing them to close. Now, the filmmakers are hoping that proceeds from the film will help Baker Street West find a new home.
“We started this as a passion project to help the theater group,” Wilberg said. “The people of Baker Street West were incredibly generous to let us film at their venue before it closed. We’ve had so much support from the community, and everything from the actors’ time to the filming locations has been donated.”
Wilberg and Walton’s collaboration with Baker Street West began long before the current project. The duo had previously won international awards for their short film Sherlock Holmes and the Headless Bishop, which was also filmed at Baker Street West. The unique set design and historic ambiance of the theater, which resembled a Victorian-era movie set, attracted attention from filmmakers around the world.
This time around, they’re aiming to make an even bigger splash. The filmmakers are hard at work to complete the project by November 30, in time for a December premiere at Jackson Cinemas in Amador County. After the premiere, the film will be submitted to international film festivals in hopes of gaining further recognition and raising more funds for Baker Street West.
“We’ve been fortunate to have such an amazing team working with us,” Wilberg said. “Hollywood editors have donated their time, and we’ve even had actors like Jeffrey Weissman, who played in Back to the Future, volunteer to be part of the project. Jeffrey plays Moriarty in this film, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his involvement.”
The film has been shot at multiple locations throughout Amador County, including Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, where scenes of the young boy’s time-traveling adventure were captured. “We had to pay for a monitor on the train because it’s a museum piece,” Wilberg noted. “But other than that, everything has been generously donated.”
Wilberg hopes that Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer will not only entertain audiences but also highlight the importance of community support for the arts. “This project has been a labor of love for everyone involved. From the local businesses to the theater group, it’s been an incredible journey, and we’re excited to share it with the world,” she said.
The film’s storyline will resonate with anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas—and the power of storytelling. “The story is all about preserving that sense of wonder,” Wilberg said. “It’s about a young boy’s love for Christmas and how that love takes him on an unforgettable journey. And in many ways, that’s what we’ve experienced with this project. It’s a true community effort, and it’s been magical from start to finish.”
As for Dorothea’s Shoppe, the holiday magic continues. The store, a beloved local destination, is thrilled to have played a role in such a heartwarming film. The owners and their family even got involved in the project, with Jim Metzker allowing his son and grandchildren to make cameo appearances in the film.
The premiere date for Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer is still being finalized, but Wilberg said the magic will begin just in time for the holiday season. “We’re aiming for late November or early December,” she said. “But regardless of the date, we can’t wait for audiences to see it.”
In the meantime, you can help support the project and Baker Street West by visiting BakerStreetWest.com to donate. “Every little bit helps,” Wilberg added. “This film is about keeping the spirit of Christmas alive—and helping a small theater group do the same.”
Stay tuned for the film’s specific release date and times, and keep an eye out for the magic that starts at Dorothea’s Shoppe in Historic Folsom. You don’t have to wait until December to get in the holiday spirit however, Dorothea’s has plenty of it and is open seven days a week in Historic Folsom at 801 Sutter Street.
© Folsom Times, All Town Media LLC.
