Robert Redford's Movie Begins Filming in Savannah

Lights, camera, action. Downtown Savannah has been transformed into the 1860's as filming begins on Robert Redford's "The Conspirator."

The movie follows the extraordinary trial of Mary Surratt, the lone woman among those charged with conspiring to kill Abraham Lincoln.

"Rolling, rolling, no flashing please," movie crews are all business.

It's a front row seat at the filming of the latest Robert Redford movie, "The Conspirator"

Tourists line up with cameras.

"I was taking pictures of houses and I thought it was another square renovation so I had my camera in hand and next thing I know this is a movie set and I'm, you know so Robert Redford is here so I was trying to check him out," says Marian Nadybal, who’s visiting from Atlanta.

Locals like Gene and Dara Nees walk down the streets checking the progress each day.

"We're just movie groupies,” says Dara.

It's a trip back in time when you look down Taylor Street or across Chatham Square. Cobblestones and pavement are covered in dirt and actors dressed in civil war attire.

"The fact that we live right here on Taylor Street makes it even more interesting for us. I love the idea. I love the set that they've made. It's just fun," exclaims Gene.

Locals say they hope Redford will get to do more than just work on his movie set while he's here in Savannah. They hope that he's able to get out and about and attend several of the local events; perhaps the film festival at the end of the month, or

"We have the Historic Savannah Foundation gala in 2 weeks right here. I hope he's getting invitations to these things," adds Gene.

Invitations or not, neighbors are showing that Redford, cast and crew are more than welcome in the hostess city of the south.

"I think it's wonderful. It's exciting. I can't wait to see the movie," adds Dara.

Jay Self, Savannah's film commissioner says the movie is expected to draw $8-$10 million for the Savannah economy.

The movie is supposed to wrap filming on December 15th.

To learn more about "The Conspirator," click here.