Billy Graham—almost certainly the most famous and iconic evangelist of the past century—turns 90 years old this fall, a landmark that will be celebrated in true Hollywood style. Releasing on October 10 to coincide with Graham's birthday, Billy: The Early Years will tell the first chapter of Graham's story, beginning with his childhood and leading up to his Christian conversion, his call to evangelism, and his meeting of his beloved Ruth.

The movie, billed in a press release as a "coming-of-age" story, is directed by Golden Globe nominee Robby Benson (who voiced the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast) and stars Veronica Mars actor Armie Hammer in the title role. Martin Landau and The Bionic Woman's Lindsay Wagner also star. Country music star Josh Turner will also appear as gospel legend George Beverley Shea.

Meanwhile, the film's official website has been unveiled, including a trailer that reveals quite a bit of footage from the film, offering glimpses of all the actors at work and revealing a tone that suggests a combination of drama and good-natured comedy. The footage gives a peek at Graham's conversion at a youth rally, his first call to preach the gospel, his disciplined practice at the craft of preaching, setbacks and disappointments, and early flirtation with future wife Ruth, to name just a few prominent scenes.

The film's marketing plan will include "more than 50 VIP screenings in key markets, a soundtrack highlighting Christian and country music artists, key events built around Graham's 90th birthday, a novel of the work published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and an upcoming home entertainment DVD release."

The press release quotes two of the movie's producers as saying, "We are extremely excited to be surrounded with such an amazing team and have tremendous confidence in their ability to market this distinguished and touching new film."

In other movie news:

Hairspray sequel on the way (Variety)
John Waters, New Line developing follow-up to the hit musical

Golden Compass sequels unlikely (The Independent)
Christian boycotts cited as one possible reason

The Dark Knight still No. 1 at box office (AP)
Batman sequel hits $300 million, breaks more records

LaBeouf booked for DUI after late-night wreck (AP)
Indiana Jones 4 star injures hand and knee in accident

Terminator: Salvation clip unveiled (AP)
4th film deals with post-apocalyptic world

Alice in Wonderland adaptation planned (Hollywood Reporter)
Tim Burton to helm pic in Disney Digital 3-D

Darren Aronofsky to reboot RoboCop (Hollywood Reporter)
The Fountain director to "reinvent" the classic film

Twilight Zone returns to the big screen (Hollywood Reporter)
Leonardo DiCaprio attached to the project

Special Relationship examines Blair-Clinton friendship (LA Times)
From the writer of The Queen; Stephen Frears to direct?

Anchorman sequel on the way (Entertainment Weekly)
Ferrell, McKay fast-forward to the '80s for sequel, in development

Peter Berg to direct Hercules adaptation (Variety)
Hancock director brings "fresh take" to famed hero

Life of Brian star wants ban on film lifted (BBC)
Sue Jones-Davies—now mayor of Aberystwyth—on crusade

© 2008 Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

Read more  'News'

				Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today FREE! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Christianity Today as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

Subscribe to the FREE CT at the Movies Newsletter:    RSS Feed   RSS Help