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Franklin Graham Criticizes Film About His Dad Franklin Graham Criticizes Film About His Dad

But his older sister says Billy: The Early Years is faithful to their father.

Mark Moring | posted 8/21/2008 10:13AM

When Franklin Graham made a recent statement that somewhat criticized Billy: The Early Years—an upcoming movie about his father—Franklin's oldest sister came to the film's defense and questioned ...

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K	Posted: August 31, 2008 4:18 PM

In declining to take perhaps any issue with perhaps any inaccuracies that the article mentions regarding the film, Billy and Ruth Graham's daughter, Gigi, is being gracious. If I had the authority to make the decisions in the film, whether or not the filmmakers call it a documentary, I would like to think that I would not think (as perhaps the filmmakers do not) that Gigi's graciousness absolves me of my preference and ability to make adjustments for unnecessary inaccuracies. For example: replacing a couple's ball playing, if the two never engaged in the activity, with an activity that they did sometimes engage in. And why not? Authenticity is generally at least as interesting and satisyfing in the long run. From this article, Franklin's perspectives appear to me as understandable and respectable as Gigi's responses are understandable and gracious.

Katie

Posted: August 27, 2008 8:26 AM

I don't think Gigi Graham should have publicly disagreed with her brother Franklin. She should have gone to him privately and discussed her concerns, perhaps encouraged him to make a more positive statement about the movie if she felt this strongly about it. It sounds a bit like public ridicule. I sensed that Franklin was justs feeling a little protective of his Father and wanted more acurracy in the movie. IT appears that Gigi liked the more gentle side of Mr. Graham portrayed, which is fine, but she could have left her opinion about her brother out of her comments. It causes family discord.

lauralee

Posted: August 23, 2008 12:43 AM

Same thing done with Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series. The movies were very good, but nothing-- after the first one-- compared to the wonderful Christian modeling in the books. The books had some excellent life related experiences including one young woman who married out of jealousy a disturbed young man who eventually killed her. My mother, whom I prayed for 45 years came to know the Lord through the specific use of modeling and Scriptural application. Wish producer would remake the movies and be more true to the originals. Anyone who hasn't seen the movies, please do, but reading the books is even better. Let's pray that movie makers can be true to the original stories rather than trust their own improvisations. Sounds like we should pray for the Graham siblings to present a united front, although different children in a family may see things differently, the key issue is veracity. Ruth Graham would have something to say about this if she were here.

strut2k

Posted: August 23, 2008 12:14 AM


I would think Franklin Graham has more important things to do than play an amateur Ebert & Roeper going cluck cluck about a movie script. It's a movie, a story based on a real life events. Franklin only diminishes himself when he behaves like a controlling scold.

Scott

Posted: August 22, 2008 9:31 PM


Dr. Bob Jones III is the former president and current chancellor of Bob Jones University. The current president of Bob Jones University is Stephen Jones, Ph.D.

John Hale

Posted: August 22, 2008 4:58 PM


Evidently it's not only Franklin Graham who needs to get his facts straight. The current president of Bob Jones University is not Bob Jones III, but his son, Stephen Jones. In defense of Bob Jones, Sr., he may have "yelled" at Graham senior more from concern that a talented but immature student was limiting his potential by leaving for a lesser opportunity, rather than just being "miffed."

Susan

Posted: August 22, 2008 3:47 PM


isnt Billy Graham a freemason? or is he? if he is this speaks loudly because they are not christians, you cannot serve 2 G-ds, baphomet and jesus

Jean Stein

Posted: August 22, 2008 3:20 PM


It appears to me that Franklin Graham was speaking primarily as an officer of the Association, with regard to the BG Association's policy re endorsements....... and that Gigi's comments took the issue to another level. (I intended giving this a 1-star rating, but made an error which could not be corrected.)

jan sterling

Posted: August 22, 2008 12:57 PM


seems to me i would be happier with a film about bily graham produced by his association -

Bob #2

Posted: August 22, 2008 7:55 AM


Did I see Lindsay Wagner's name at the end of the trailer? As in the Bionic Woman?

Ephrem Hagos

Posted: August 22, 2008 2:37 AM


To say that the film honors both the LORD and the Grahams is merely wishful thinking. I do not know which but it's is either one or the other depending on who owns the territory. Such honor is mutually exclusive!

Vern	Posted: August 21, 2008 7:42 PM


Why do Christians have to fight about everything?

Jim Sparks

Posted: August 21, 2008 7:07 PM

One comment that Gigi Graham is reported in this article to have said several times is "who cares", if the film fictionalises certain parts of Graham's life (was Graham in Alabama when Gigi was born; did Graham and his wife play catch). Put another way, "who cares if it is the truth, just so long as it is a good story". We should care, because it is all but guaranteed that Christians and non-Christians will take this film as "Gospel" on Graham's life. And, it is reasonably certain that Christians will start writing books and preaching sermons using "playing catch" as an illustration - for something. Why do film makers feel the need to "fictionalise", when the truth is right at hand and just as interesting?

woody

Posted: August 21, 2008 4:10 PM

Reading this article I remembered what I first marveled at when I was a new Christian in 1977. I had had a disagreement with the Preacher at a meeting and was talking to him after the meeting. A brother came up to us and asked if we were all right. Brother Roy said "sure we're fine". "We don't have to agree all the time. We don't even have to like each other all the time. But we do have to love each other. And we do." God bless y'all. In Him, Woody Kingston, TN

Francis Ssuubi

Posted: August 21, 2008 3:21 PM


We should respect both Franklin and Gigi 's opinions.They have first hand information concerning their father,but from different perspectives-Like a coin has two sides,while i am looking at one side you may be looking at the other side,and we will have different things to say concerning the sides each of us is seeing! Francis Ssuubi -Uganda

Pastor Johnson

Posted: August 21, 2008 2:40 PM

I understand Franklin's concern but his father, Billy Graham is open to scrutiny just like all over christians. We are not perfect human beings, that's why Jesus had to be the scapegoat for GOD's creation. I would rather be remembered for who I am than what my family wanted me to be because who or what I represent. Nevertheless Billy Graham has nothing to be ashamed of. God send his Son to die for sinners. How in the world could we as christians ever win souls for the kingdom if the whole life of man is not open. According to Philippians 1:6 we are being perfected by his Holy Spirit every day of lives. God bless Billy Graham, I have watched since I was a young child. He, in my opinion is the epitome of a God fearing man. I await the release. YIC Pastor Johnson

Dakotahgeo

Posted: August 21, 2008 2:03 PM


I am not really surprised that Franklin is miffed. I agree totally with Bob's post. Franklin may almost have his Dad's gift of preaching but he certainly is miles from Billy's gift from the heart. Franklin should have thought a little into the future when he was riding his 'cycles and seein' the world! The movie could have been a whole lot worse! GMMelby, Pastor

Pete Benson, editor UNITYINCHRIST.COM

Posted: August 21, 2008 1:51 PM


Boy, I can't wait to see it, and also buy a CD copy of it when they come out!!! Between Gigi and Franklin, gotta remember, Gigi is thinking out of both sides of her brain, Franklin (a guy) is only thinking out of one side, no disrespect intended. Agape & Shalom, Pete

Ed	Posted: August 21, 2008 1:45 PM

Does this film honor Billy Graham and point people to Christ? If so, Franklin should be thankful for these people investing their energies and dollars to further the Kingdom rather than whining about details like throwing a baseball. Billy Graham loved to play baseball and if given the chance would have played for a living. It could have happened. Seems Franklin Graham has another agenda and it does not involve supporting others who might benefit from the name Billy Graham. Let's all go to the movie and vote for ourselves!

Jim	Posted: August 21, 2008 1:26 PM


It appears that even Franklin does not know everything about his father e.g. the Bob Jones quote. I am not sure if Mark DeMoss even knows what Franklin is saying. Nonetheless, if the film portrays Christ correctly, even these minor detail should be overlooked. There is a world out there desperately needing Jesus Christ lets not spend time arguing over trival issues.

Deb	Posted: August 21, 2008 12:52 PM

If they were making a movie about my life, or someone important to me, I'd be flipping out if they weren't accurate. I understand why it is upsetting to him. I think he feels like it is an integrity issue, not an entertainment one. I could NEVER make a movie about someone's life. I'd be so intent on making it ACCURATE, it would be BORING. Even so called "Reality Shows" (don't worry, I don't watch them, I've caught clips or occasionally been up at 2 a.m.--they are horrible!) are NOT reality, but gimmicky. We've really lost the ability to be satisfied with the wonder of how things really are!

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