CARTHAGE, S.D. (AP) - Would-be actors lined up over the weekend in hopes of landing a spot as a movie extra in a film directed by Sean Penn.

"Into the Wild" is based on a book by Jon Krakauer that tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who lived in Carthage before going to Alaska. He died there in 1992 after spending time alone in the wilderness.

For a time Saturday, casting director Marty Cherrix worried people wouldn't show up. Carthage has 187 residents.

She stopped fretting shortly after noon, when so many people lined up outside the community center that the session started early.

"I love it," Cherrix said of the turnout. "This is about recreating an actual experience, and I want people who look like regular people look in town."

By 1:30 p.m., all 200 casting applications had been handed out and the Polaroid film was running low.

Cherrix turned to the 50 or so people waiting and offered $100 to anyone who would go on a film run.

Pam McAloon, of Huron, took up the offer and drove the 80 miles round trip back home in search of it.

That meant a wait of at least 90 minutes, so Cherrix told the crowd she would understand if they didn't want to stay.

No one moved.

"It's something to do," said Troy Hamilton, 25, who has acted in community theater in Carthage. "I thought it would be kind of neat. My whole family said I should do it."

Carrie Jo Bornitz, 14, and two friends drove 15 miles from Fedora.

"I thought it would be a good experience," said the Huron Middle School student.

Myrna Adams brought 20 years of experience in community theater with her, while 8-year-old Brenna Roth is just getting her start. Her first role was playing a skunk.

Adams, 35, and Brenna rode together, traveling 60 miles from Ethan with four others.

"It's such a good opportunity," Adams said. "And who knows if I'll ever have the opportunity again. You have to try."

The process was simple: Fill out an application form, pose for a photo, give the application to Cherrix and, if lucky, exchange a few words.

Filming is scheduled to start Saturday. Carthage, Winner and Hot Springs are the three locations in South Dakota chosen by Penn for the movie.