Word on the Street: Hallmark announces next Hallmark Hall of Fame movie + updates on upcoming Hallmark films

On March 3, 2019 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

I know that I’ve been talking a lot about movie news relating to Hallmark. However, there’s been a lot of Hallmark movie updates that need to be talked about. One of these things is the next Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. When Hallmark’s Winter TCA Event took place last month, I was so disappointed when there were no announcements about an upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame film. As the weeks went by, I wondered if we were going to get a Hallmark Hall of Fame project outside of the Christmas line-up at all. According to a synopsis I found on Hallmark Channel’s website, we are indeed going to receive another Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. Besides the new Hallmark Hall of Fame film, I found confirmations for other projects that have been confirmed as Hallmark productions. I even found some tidbits that could lead to a Hallmark Christmas movie! Since you’ve been patiently waiting, let’s start sharing these pieces of movie news!

Cinema Festival Poster — Movie night image created Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Macrovector – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/cinema-festival-poster_2875637.htm’>Designed by Macrovector</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Yesterday, I came across a title on Hallmark Channel’s website called Love Takes Flight. While reading the film’s synopsis, I discovered that it was the next production from Hallmark Hall of Fame. When I found this piece of movie news, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. The title itself, Love Takes Flight, does not sound or feel like a Hallmark Hall of Fame title. If anything, it feels like a title from a generic Hallmark Channel movie. I was also disappointed in the synopsis, which you can read here:

“In the Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation, single-mom Lizzie Beauman is encouraging when her young daughter unexpectedly befriends a widower named Walter as part of her Mission: Find a Friend”. – From Hallmark Channel’s website

As I’ve pointed out in my Hallmark Hall of Fame Reading Challenge, a good amount of Hallmark Hall of Fame movies have been based on pre-existing novels. While it’s unknown, at this time, if Love Takes Flight is based on a book, this story just sounds and feels like a generic Hallmark Channel movie. However, I am curious about what “Mission: Find a Friend” is. Maybe it’s a program to help military veterans or an anti-bullying initiative?

The last thing that I am disappointed about is the starring cast. While Nikki DeLoach is a really good actress and while I’ve enjoyed her performances in Truly, Madly, Sweetly and The Perfect Catch, I was hoping that the creative team behind Love Takes Flight would have cast an actress that has never starred in a Hallmark movie before. In last year’s film, Christmas Everlasting, Tatyana Ali starred in not only her first Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, but also her first Hallmark movie ever. Rebecca Romijn made her debut in the Hallmark community through her appearance in the film, Love Locks. The casting for Love Takes Flight does remind me of the casting for The Christmas Train. The two lead actors in The Christmas Train were Kimberley Williams-Paisley (who is a Hallmark Hall of Fame alumni) and Dermot Mulroney (who had been cast in Northpole: Open for Christmas prior to starring in The Christmas Train). Nikki DeLoach (who has starred in several Hallmark Channel films) and Jeff Hephner (who starred in the Hallmark Hall of Fame film, The Water Is Wide, back in 2006) will be the leads in Love Takes Flight. However, because Hallmark’s audience is used to seeing Nikki appear in more light-hearted and romantic focused movies from Hallmark Channel, this Hallmark Hall of Fame movie feels no different from a typical Hallmark Channel project. As of March 2019, Love Takes Flight is scheduled for an April 27^th release.

Here is the link to the synopsis of Love Takes Flight: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/love-takes-flight

PaperPlane-01 — Paper airplane image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/paper-plane-in-cartoon-style_766478.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/paper”>Paper vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Another title that I discovered yesterday was Easter Under Wraps. On the website, Creative BC, I saw a title on the “In Production” page listed as “Undercover Easter”. This project will be in production until March 20^th. According to Hallmark Channel’s website, “Undercover Easter” changed its name to Easter Under Wraps. The official synopsis for the film has also been posted on Hallmark Channel’s website, which you can read here:

“Erika goes undercover at her family’s chocolate plant to see why sales are down when she meets head chocolatier, Bryan, who has new ideas on how to update the Easter product line” – From Hallmark Channel’s website

While I’m happy that Hallmark is finally making an Easter themed movie, I’m disappointed by the sound of this synopsis. No matter how many Christmas movies they make, Hallmark always focuses on the Christmas holiday with a sense of reverence and respect. For Easter Under Wraps, however, it seems like the corporate side of Easter will be focused on more than the holiday itself. The lead actors that have been attached to this film are Brendan Penny and Fiona Gubelmann. I have enjoyed watching Brendan’s and Fiona’s performances in Hallmark productions in the past, so it will be interesting to see if they have any on-screen chemistry. As of March 2019, Easter Under Wraps is scheduled for an April 20^th release.

Here is the link to the synopsis of Easter Under Wraps:

https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/easter-under-wraps

Here is the link to Creative BC’s “In Production” page:

https://www.creativebc.com/crbc-services/motion-picture-services/in-production/films.php?type=mow

239533-P3O6GC-634 — Cute Easter image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

In a Word on the Street story last month, I announced an upcoming Hallmark movie called “Message In A Bottle”. Within this post, I shared that Bethany Joy Lenz and Andrew Walker would star in the film and that the film would premiere during Hallmark Channel’s “Spring Fever” line-up. Recently, Hallmark Channel posted the official synopsis of the film, which can be read here:

“After being stood up, Abbey gets inspired to open her heart in a letter, put it in a bottle and toss it out to sea. Months later, a man fishing discovers it and opts to reach out” – From Hallmark Channel’s website

Even though there are probably going to be some “Hallmark movie clichés” within this story, I think this movie sounds interesting. From what I can remember, Hallmark has never really told a story like this before. I’m really liking the creativity that could be incorporated into this film! This would possibly explain how the winery in one of the photos from the Instagram account, joylenznews, is included in the overall narrative. It’s also important to note that the film has changed its name to Bottled with Love. I like this title more than “Message In A Bottle”, as it sounds more creative. As of March 2019, Bottled with Love is scheduled for an April 13^th release.

Here is the link to the synopsis of Bottled with Love:

https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/bottled-with-love

Message in a bottle on beach. — Message in a bottle image created by Rawpixel.com at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/tree”>Tree photo created by rawpixel.com – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

While looking on Instagram to find any information about upcoming Hallmark projects, I came across the hashtag, #aringforchristmas. When I clicked on this hashtag, Hallmark was referenced in the descriptions of a few of these photos. Also, on Instagram, I found a post from a business called Clipper Family Chiropractic. In this post, it is announced that “Hallmark is filming scenes for “A Ring for Christmas” in our building this weekend”. Even though these posts on Instagram mentioned Hallmark in their descriptions, Hallmark has not confirmed that “A Ring for Christmas” is their movie. However, a potential Hallmark film that I have talked about has been confirmed to be a Hallmark film! Two months ago, I reported that a Hallmark Christmas movie was filming in Stonington, Connecticut. An article from The Day has recently revealed that the movie is a Hallmark Channel movie called “Holiday for Heroes”! If this title sounds familiar, that’s because this project was announced as an official Hallmark Christmas film in an article from Entertainment Weekly! None of these films currently have a release date.

If you want to check out the references that I incorporated in this Word on the Street story, you can visit the Instagram account of Clipper Family Chiropractic (@clipperfamilychiro), visit the photos on Instagram with the hashtag #aringforchristmas (type #aringforchristmas into Instagram’s search bar), or visit these links:

https://www.theday.com/article/20190215/NWS01/190219672

https://ew.com/tv/2019/02/08/hallmark-christmas-movies-2019/

Story tale- cover — Adorable Christmas card image created by Rawpixel.com at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-greeting-card-vector_2824854.htm’>Designed by Rawpixel.com</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Rawpixel.com – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

How do you feel about these pieces of movie news? Are you excited to see any of these movies? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Introducing the Hallmark Hall of Fame Reading Challenge

On March 1, 2019February 27, 2019 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Happy National Reading Month! When this time of year comes around, I usually don’t do anything to celebrate the occasion. As a reader, I have felt bad about not doing anything to acknowledge it. But, now that I have a blog, I have the opportunity to commemorate National Reading Month! Over the years, I’ve observed how many Hallmark Hall of Fame movies are based on pre-existing literature. This inspired me to create the Hallmark Hall of Fame Reading Challenge! As I was researching the history of Hallmark Hall of Fame, I discovered that there are a lot of plays, short stories, and novels that were adapted into films. Honestly, there were so much pre-existing literature associated with Hallmark Hall of Fame, it took me several days to complete this list. Even though this reading list is very long, you do not have to complete this reading challenge within the month of March. In fact, you can complete this challenge whenever you want! Also, you can read as many or as few books as you like! If you want to watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies that these literary works were adapted into, that is completely optional. Now, I’ll explain the set-up of this reading challenge list!

Starting on the left, each book is listed in the chronological order of the film’s release. For instance, even though Richard Paul Evans’ book, The Locket, was published in 1998, the movie adaptation was released in 2002. The title of the book and the book’s author are listed next. After that, the title of the film is placed within parentheses. There are times when a film adaptation does not share the same title as its respective piece of literature. A recent example of this is The Second Sister being the basis for Christmas Everlasting. Feel free to scroll through the list and find your next piece of literature for the Hallmark Hall of Fame Reading Challenge!

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Hallmark Hall of Fame Reading Challenge

2018 – The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick (Christmas Everlasting)

2018 – The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe (The Beach House)

2017 – The Christmas Train by David Baldacci (The Christmas Train)

2017 – Love Locks by Cory Martin (Love Locks)

2016 – A Heavenly Christmas by Rhonda Merwarth (A Heavenly Christmas)

2012 – Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas (Christmas with Holly)

2012 – A Smile as Big as the Moon by Mike Kersjes with Joe Layden (A Smile as Big as the Moon)

2011 – Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom (Have a Little Faith)

2011 – Nobody Don’t Love Nobody: Lessons on Love from the School with No Name by Stacey Bess (Beyond the Blackboard)

2011 – The Last Valentine by James Michael Pratt (The Lost Valentine)

2010 – The November Christmas by Greg Coppa (November Christmas)

2010 – The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough by William G. Borchert (When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story)

2009 – A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid (A Dog Named Christmas)

2009 – Irena Sendler: Mother of the Children of the Holocaust by Anna Mieszkowska (The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler)

2008 – Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen with Lisa Wysocky (Front of the Class)

2008 – Sweet Nothing In My Ear: A Play In Two Acts by Stephen Sachs (Sweet Nothing In My Ear)

2007 – Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff (Pictures of Hollis Woods)

2007 – The Valley of Light by Terry Kay (The Valley of Light)

2006 – Candles on Bay Street by K.C. McKinnon (Candles on Bay Street)

2006 — If Nights Could Talk: A Family Memoir by Marsha Recknagel (In from the Night)

2006 – The Water is Wide by Pat Conroy (The Water Is Wide)

2005 – Silver Bells by Luanne Rice (Silver Bells)

2005 – Riding the Bus with My Sister by Rachel Simon (Riding the Bus with My Sister)

2005 – The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel (The Magic of Ordinary Days)

2004 – Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler (Back When We Were Grownups)

2004 – Plainsong by Kent Haruf (Plainsong)

2004 – The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Toibin (The Blackwater Lightship)

2003 – Fallen Angel by Don J. Snyder (Fallen Angel)

2003 – A Painted House by John Grisham (A Painted House)

2003 – Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland (Brush with Fate)

2002 – The Locket by Richard Paul Evans (The Locket)

2002 – My Sister’s Keeper: Learning to Cope with a Sibling’s Mental Illness by Margaret Moorman (My Sister’s Keeper)

2001 – Love and War in the Apennines by Eric Newby (In Love and War)

2001 – Follow the Stars Home by Luanne Rice (Follow the Stars Home)

2001 – The Flamingo Rising by Larry Baker (The Flamingo Rising)

2000 – The Runaway by Terry Kay (The Runaway)

2000 – Looking for Lost Bird: A Jewish Woman Discovers Her Navajo Roots by Yvette Melanson with Claire Safran (The Lost Child)

2000 – Cupid and Diana by Christina Bartolomeo (Cupid & Cate)

2000 – Atticus by Ron Hansen (Missing Pieces)

1999 – A Season for Miracles by Marilyn Pappano (A Season for Miracles)

1999 – Caleb’s Story by Patricia MacLachlan (Sarah, Plain and Tall: Winter’s End)

1999 – Durango by John B. Keane (Durango)

1999 – Night Ride Home by Barbara Esstman (Night Ride Home)

1998 – Grace & Glorie: A Play in Two Acts by Tom Ziegler (Grace & Glorie)

1998 – Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler (Saint Maybe)

1998 – Thunderwith by Libby Hathorn (The Echo of Thunder)

1998 – The Love Letter by Jack Finney (The Love Letter)

1997 – Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons (Ellen Foster)

1997 – What the Deaf-Mute Heard by G.D. Gearino (What the Deaf Man Heard)

1997 – For the Roses by Julie Garwood (Rose Hill)

1997 – The Wild Palms by William Faulkner (Old Man)

1996 – Calm at Sunset, Calm at Dawn by Paul Watkins (Calm at Sunset)

1996 – Lily Dale by Horton Foote (Lily Dale)

1996 – The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin (The Boys Next Door)

1995 – Journey by Patricia MacLachlan (Journey)

1995 – Redwood Curtain by Lanford Wilson (Redwood Curtain)

1995 – The Piano Lesson by August Wilson (The Piano Lesson)

1994 – The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy (The Return of the Native)

1994 – Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler (Breathing Lessons)

1993 – To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay (To Dance with the White Dog)

1993 – Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan (Skylark)

1992 – A Shayna Maidel by Barbara Lebow (Miss Rose White)

1992 – O Pioneers! by Willa Cather (O Pioneers!)

1991 – Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (Sarah, Plain and Tall)

1990 — Decoration Day by John William Corrington (Decoration Day)

1990 – Father’s Arcane Daughter by E. L. Konigsburg (Caroline?)

1989 – The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher (The Shell Seekers)

1988 – The Tenth Man by Graham Greene (The Tenth Man)

1988 – April Morning by Howard Fast (April Morning)

1988 – Stones for Ibarra by Harriet Doerr (Stones for Ibarra)

1987 – Foxfire by Susan Cooper (Foxfire)

1987 – The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden)

1987 – Pack of Lies by Hugh Whitemore (Pack of Lies)

1987 – The Room Upstairs by Norma Levinson (The Room Upstairs)

1985 – Love Is Never Silent by Joanne Greenberg (Love Is Never Silent)

1985 – The Corsican Brothers by Alexandre Dumas (father) (The Corsican Brothers)

1984 – La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas (son) (Camille)

1984 – The Master of Ballantrae by Robert Louis Stevenson (The Master of Ballantrae)

1983 – The Winter of our Discontent by John Steinbeck (The Winter of our Discontent)

1983 – Thursday’s Child by Victoria Poole (Thursday’s Child)

1982 – Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie (Witness for the Prosecution)

1982 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

1981 – Dear Liar: A Biography in Two Acts: Adapted from the Correspondence of Bernard Shaw and Mrs. Patrick Campbell by Jerome Kilty (Dear Liar)

1980 – A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (A Tale of Two Cities)

1980 – Gideon’s Trumpet by Anthony Lewis (Gideon’s Trumpet)

1979 – All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (All Quiet on the Western Front)

1978 – Stubby Pringle’s Christmas by Jack Schaefer (Stubby Pringle’s Christmas)

1978 – Homely Girl, A Life: And Other Stories by Arthur Miller (“Fame” is included within this book) (Fame)

1977 – The Court-Martial of George Armstrong Custer: A Novel by Douglas C. Jones (The Court Martial of George Armstrong Custer)

1977 – The Last Hurrah by Edwin O’Connor (The Last Hurrah)

1976 – Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

1976 – Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (Beauty and the Beast)

1976 – Meeting at Potsdam by Charles L. Mee Jr. (Truman at Potsdam)

1976 – Works of George Bernard Shaw by George Bernard Shaw (“Caesar and Cleopatra” is included within this book) (Caesar and Cleopatra)

1975 – The Rivalry by Norman Corwin (The Rivalry)

1975 – Valley Forge by Maxwell Anderson (Valley Forge)

1975 – Eric by Doris Herold Lund (Eric)

1975 & 1974 – Paul Gallico’s The Small Miracle by Paul Gallico and Bob Barton (Something Wonderful Happens Every Spring & The Small Miracle)

1975 – If Only They Could Talk & It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet by James Herriot (All Creatures Great and Small)

1974 – The Gathering Storm by Winston S. Churchill (The Gathering Storm)

1974 – Still Life by Noel Coward (Brief Encounter)

1974 – Crown Matrimonial by Royce Ryton (Crown Matrimonial)

1974 – The Country Girl by Clifford Odets (The Country Girl)

1973 – The Borrowers by Mary Norton (The Borrowers)

1973 – Lisa, Bright and Dark by John Neufeld (Lisa, Bright and Dark)

1973 – Peanuts & You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown)

1972 – The Man Who Came to Dinner by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart (The Man Who Came to Dinner)

1972 – The Hands of Cormac Joyce by Leonard Wibberley (The Hands of Cormac Joyce)

1972 – Harvey by Mary Chase (Harvey)

1971 – A Death in the Family by James Agee (All the Way Home)

1971 – The Snow Goose: A Story of Dunkirk by Paul Gallico (The Snow Goose)

1971 – The Collected Works of Paddy Chayefsky: The Stage Plays by Paddy Chayefsky (“Gideon” is included within this book) (Gideon)

1971 – The Price by Arthur Miller (The Price)

1970 and 1953– Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Hamlet)

1970 – The Greatest Story Ever Told by Fulton Oursler, Henry Denker, and Warren Parker (Neither Are We Enemies)

1969 – The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell (The Littlest Angel)

1969 – The File on Devlin by Catherine Gaskin (The File on Devlin)

1968 – Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi (Pinocchio)

1968 – The Works Of J. M. Barrie by J. M. Barrie (“The Admirable Crichton” is included within this book) (The Admirable Crichton)

1968 – Elizabeth the Queen by Maxwell Anderson (Elizabeth the Queen)

1967 – Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw (Saint Joan)

1967 – A Bell for Adano by John Hersey (A Bell for Adano)

1967 – Anastasia by Marcelle Maurette (Anastasia)

1966 – Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward (Blithe Spirit)

1966 – Barefoot in Athens by Maxwell Anderson (Barefoot in Athens)

1966 – Lamp at Midnight by Barrie Stavis (Lamp at Midnight)

1965 – Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee (Inherit the Wind)

1965 – The Magnificent Yankee by Emmet Lavery (The Magnificent Yankee)

1964, 1954, 1953, 1952, and 1951 – Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti (Amahl and the Night Visitors)

1964 – Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill (The Other World of Winston Chuchill)

1964 – The Romancers by Edmond Rostand (The Fantasticks is loosely based on “The Romancers” (The Fantasticks)

1964 and 1958 – Little Moon of Alban by James Constigan (Little Moon of Alban)

1964 – Abe Lincoln in Illinois by Robert E. Sherwood (Abe Lincoln in Illinois)

1963 – Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw (Pygmalion)

1962 – Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand (Cyrano de Bergerac)

1962 – The Teahouse of the August Moon (play by John Patrick, novel by Vern Sneider) (The Teahouse of the August Moon)

1962 – Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring (Arsenic & Old Lace)

1961 – Victoria Regina by Laurence Housman (Victoria Regina)

1961 – Jean Anouilh: Five Plays by Jean Anouilh (“Time Remembered” is included within this book) (Time Remembered)

1960 and 1954 – Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Macbeth)

1960 – Lost Horizon by James Hilton (Shangri-La)

1960 – Captain Brassbound’s Conversion by George Bernard Shaw (Captain Brassbound’s Conversion)

1960 and 1956 – The Cradle Song and Other Plays by Gregorio Martinez Sierra (The Cradle Song)

1960 – The Tempest by William Shakespeare (The Tempest)

1959 – A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (A Doll’s House)

1959 – Winterset by Maxwell Anderson (Winterset)

1959 – Ah, Wilderness! by Eugene O’Neill (Ah, Wilderness!)

1959 and 1957 – The Green Pastures (play) by Marc Connelly and Ol’ Man Adam an’ His Chillun by Roark Bradford (The Green Pastures)

1959 – Berkeley Square: A Play in Three Acts by John L. Balderston and The Sense of the Past by Henry James (Berkeley Square)

1958 and 1956 – The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare (Kiss Me, Kate and The Taming of the Shrew)

1958 – Johnny Belinda by Elmer Harris (Johnny Belinda)

1958 – Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott (Dial M for Murder)

1958 – Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge (Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates)

1957 – Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Twelfth Night)

1957 – On Borrowed Time (play) by Paul Osborn & L. E. Watkins and On Borrowed Time (book) by Lawrence Edward Watkin (On Borrowed Time)

1957 –Yeoman of the Guard by W. S. Gilbert (The Yeoman of the Guard)

1957 – There Shall Be No Night by Robert E. Sherwood (There Shall Be No Night)

1957 – The Lark by Lillian Hellman and Jean Anouilh (The Lark)

1956 – The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman (The Little Foxes)

1956 – Works of George Bernard Shaw by George Bernard Shaw (“Man and Superman” is included within this book) (Man and Superman)

1956 – Born Yesterday: Comedy in 3 Acts by Garson Kanin (Born Yesterday)

1956 – The Corn is Green by Emlyn Williams (The Corn is Green)

1955 – Dream Girl by Elmer Rice (Dream Girl)

1955 – Works of George Bernard Shaw by George Bernard Shaw (“The Devil’s Disciple” is included within this book) (The Devil’s Disciple)

1955 – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)

1954 – Moby-Dick, or, the Whale by Herman Melville (Moby Dick)

1954 – Richard II by William Shakespeare (King Richard II)

1953 – Imaginary Conversations by Walter Savage Landor and Charles George Crump (Aesop and Rhodope)

1953 – Favorite Poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (“The Courtship of Miles Standish” is included within this book) (The Courtship of Miles Standish)

1953 – Of Time and the River: A Legend of Man’s Hunger in His Youth by Thomas Wolfe (Of Time and the River)

1953 – The Imaginary Invalid by Jean Baptiste Poquelin Moliere (The Imaginary Invalid)

1953 – The Trampling Herd: The Story of the Cattle Range in America by Paul I. Wellman (McCoy of Abilene)

1953 – The Story of the Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke (The Other Wise Man)

1953 – Lincoln’s Little Correspondent by Hertha Ernestine Pauli (Lincoln’s Little Correspondent)

1952 – The Small One: A Story for Those Who Like Christmas and Small Donkeys by Charles Tazewell (The Small One)

1952 – Father Flanagan of Boys Town by Fulton Oursler (The Vision of Father Flanagan)

1952 – Mistress of the White House: The Story of Dolly Madison by Helen L. Morgan (Mistress of the White House)

1952 – Finding Providence: The Story of Roger Williams by Avi (The Story of Roger Williams)

1952 – Doctor Serocold by Helen Ashton (Doctor Serocold)

Will you be participating in the Hallmark Hall of Fame Reading Challenge? Which piece of literature from this list would you be interested in reading? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

Have fun reading!

Sally Silverscreen

Round 2 of voting for the Gold Sally Awards is here!

On February 23, 2019February 22, 2019 By 18cinemalane3 Comments

Today starts day one of the Gold Sally Awards’ second round of voting! The two categories that are now posted are the Best Story from a Hallmark Channel Movie and Best Story from a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Movie! Like in the first round, you can vote for as many movies as you want. Also, like in the first round, you are only allowed to vote once per person. However, as I said in my post titled “An Update on the Gold Sally Awards”, you can place your votes in the comment section. So, if you’re interested in voting in this round of polls, please place your votes in the comment section below. Round two of the Gold Sally Awards begins today, February 23^rd, and ends on March 5^th. Now, let the voting begin!

18 Cinema Lane’s official logo! Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

Best Story from a Hallmark Channel Movie

Royally Ever After

Cooking with Love

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa

Christmas Everlasting

Pearl in Paradise

Love, of Course

Wedding of Dreams

Christmas at Pemberley Manor

A Gingerbread Romance

Entertaining Christmas

Best Story from a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Movie

Once Upon a Christmas Miracle

Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane

Christmas Bells are Ringing

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Disappearing Game

Darrow & Darrow: In the Key of Murder

Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill

Garage Sale Mysteries: The Mask Murder

Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery

Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas

Northern Lights of Christmas

Have fun voting!

Sally Silverscreen

The First Annual Gold Sally Awards have finally arrived!

On February 9, 2019February 9, 2019 By 18cinemalane16 Comments

The day has finally come for the start of the Gold Sally Awards! It is also 18 Cinema Lane’s first anniversary! In honor of these two special celebrations, I have posted the first two polls, which recognize ten movies from Hallmark Channel and ten movies from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries! For each round of voting, you can vote for as many movies as you want. However, you are only allowed to vote once per person. This round of polls will run from today, February 9^th to February 19^th. Now, it is time for reveal which movies have been nominated!

In case you’re wondering, this is my new logo for 18 Cinema Lane! Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

Best Movie from Hallmark Channel

Cooking with Love

Royally Ever After

Wedding of Dreams

Love, of Course

Pearl in Paradise

Christmas Everlasting

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa

Christmas at Pemberley Manor

A Gingerbread Romance

Christmas Joy

Best Movie from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Disappearing Game

Darrow & Darrow: In the Key of Murder

Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill

Garage Sale Mysteries: The Mask Murder

Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery

Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane

Christmas Bells are Ringing

Northern Lights of Christmas

Marrying Father Christmas

Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas

What is the best Hallmark Channel movie of 2018?

Cooking with Love

Royally Ever After

Wedding of Dreams

Love, of Course

Pearl in Paradise

Christmas Everlasting

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa

Christmas at Pemberley Manor

A Gingerbread Romance

Christmas Joy

Created with PollMaker

What is the best Hallmark Movies & Mysteries from 2018?

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Disappearing Game

Darrow & Darrow: In the Key of Murder

Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill

Garage Sale Mysteries: The Mask Murder

Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery

Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane

Christmas Bells are Ringing

Northern Lights of Christmas

Marrying Father Christmas

Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas

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Have fun voting!

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Introducing the 1st Annual Gold Sally Awards

On January 24, 2019 By 18cinemalane2 Comments

On 18 Cinema Lane, I talk about Hallmark movies quite a bit. Also, Hallmark has made a lot of movies as time goes on. Because of this and because my blog’s first anniversary is approaching this February, I’ve decided to celebrate the occasion by hosting my very own awards! Earlier this month, in my post called “2019: Looking Back and Planning Ahead”, I briefly mentioned these special awards and said that Hallmark would be the overall theme. What I meant by that is, for the Gold Sally Awards, all of the nominations will be Hallmark movie related. I will be choosing which movies and actors get nominated. However, you, the readers and followers, get to choose which movies and actors actually win the Gold Sally Awards! Right now, I’ll talk about each voting category and what you can expect when it’s time to choose a winner!

Hand holding trophy — Hand holding gold trophy image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by macrovector – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Best Movie from Hallmark Channel and Best Movie from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

This category is pretty straight-forward. Ten movies that were released in 2018 will be nominated for each category. However, half of the movies will be Christmas films, while the other half of the nominations will be given to films outside of both Christmas line-ups. As this title suggests, movies from both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will be recognized.

Best Hallmark Channel Story and Best Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Story

This category will focus on the stories within movies from both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Sometimes, a film’s story is one of the components that makes a Hallmark movie good. However, some of the movies in these two categories will not be in the Best Movies categories. This is because I tried my best not to have as many re-peat nominations as possible.

Best On-Screen Couple from a Hallmark Channel movie and Best On-Screen Couple from a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie

The on-screen chemistry of twenty on-screen couples will be celebrated in both of these categories. When it comes to Hallmark movies, the on-screen chemistry between the on-screen couples can either make or break that production. However, when the on-screen chemistry in a Hallmark movie is good, it can help that project be as enjoyable as possible for its respective audience. This is especially important since a significant amount of Hallmark movies are romantic-comedies.

257408-p4tv5g-508 — Star on red carpet image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

The Acting Categories

All of these eight categories are also pretty straight-forward. Each category will recognize the lead and supporting actors from both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. These categories are:

Best Hallmark Channel Actress
Best Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Actress
Best Hallmark Channel Actor
Best Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Actor
Best Supporting Hallmark Channel Actress
Best Supporting Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Actress
Best Supporting Hallmark Channel Actor
Best Supporting Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Actor

Like the Best Movies categories, there will be ten nominees in each category. Five nominees will be actors and actresses from Christmas movies, while the other five will be from movies outside the Christmas season.

Best Ensemble from a Hallmark Channel movie and Best Ensemble from a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie

When it comes to actors and actresses within a Hallmark movie, there are bound to be some performances that get overshadowed by other performers in that particular movie. These two categories will recognize the entire cast from twenty Hallmark films. The categories themselves were created to recognize that every member of a Hallmark cast is equally important. Like I’ve said before, half of the nominated casts will be from a Christmas movie and the other half will be from a non-Christmas movie.

Hallmark Star of the Year

This category is the most interactive out of all these categories. For Hallmark Star of the Year, you, readers and followers, get to pick who gets nominated for this award. All you have to do is write a brief but thorough explanation for why your chosen nominee should be crowned the Hallmark Star of the Year. More details about this award will be revealed when it’s time to vote.

award show — Award show image created by Nick Winchester at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Nick Winchester.”

All of these categories will run for a week and a half, with the first category starting on February 9^th, the day 18 Cinema Lane began. Remember, these awards are recognition-only prizes. The Gold Sally Awards are more of a celebration of the best that Hallmark has to offer in terms of entertainment. It’s also a celebration of how far 18 Cinema Lane has come. Please stay tuned for these special awards as they are only two weeks away!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Christmas Everlasting Review

On November 25, 2018 By 18cinemalane1 Comment

If you have visited 18 Cinema Lane before, then you would know that Hallmark’s Hall of Fame’s Christmas Everlasting has been one of the most talked about movies on this blog. I have been looking forward to this movie ever since it was announced during the sneak peek commercial that was shown after the premiere of The Beach House. For about five months, Hallmark had kept their Christmas Hallmark Hall of Fame movie under wraps, even refusing to share any information about the project at their Summer TCA Event. It wasn’t until September when details about this movie were finally revealed. In a Word on the Street story, I mentioned that Ron Oliver, the director of Christmas Everlasting, shared some information about the film, such as the potential title and the film’s production location. In that post, I speculated that the movie could be based on Marie Bostwick’s novel, The Second Sister. In another Word on the Street post, published four days later, I talked about my reasoning for why the film could be based on Marie Bostwick’s novel, referencing photos from Ron Oliver’s Instagram feed as clues to support my speculation. As more of the film’s details were revealed, my anticipation for this movie grew. In fact, it became my most anticipated Christmas movie of 2018! Now that Hallmark Hall of Fame’s newest entry has finally arrived, the time has come for me to review the movie that I have looking forward for quite a while. Let’s get started with this review of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Christmas Everlasting!

HHoF Christmas Everlasting poster — Hallmark Hall of Fame’s *Christmas Everlasting* poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel. Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=&ShowTitle=Christmas+Everlasting

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: The cast of Christmas Everlasting was one of the strongest casts I have seen in a Hallmark movie this year! Everyone in this movie gave a very good performance, portraying their characters with as much believability as possible. I was really impressed by Tatyana Ali’s performance, as she brought so much emotion and versatility to her role! I also liked Dondre T. Whitfield and Dennis Haysbert’s performances, with both of them giving everything they had, talent wise, into the portrayals of their characters! Before learning more about who would star in this movie, I had no idea that Patti LaBelle was an actress, as her singing career is primarily the reason why I’m familiar with Patti as an entertainer. After watching Christmas Everlasting, I think she did a great job with the acting material she was given! If Hallmark ever decided to cast these actors in more Hallmark productions, I would whole-heartedly agree with that decision!

A compelling story: Two months ago, when I speculated on which book could be the source material for this movie, I mentioned that the synopsis for Marie Bostwick’s novel shared some similarities with The Beach House. While there were some parts of the movie that reminded me of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s previous entry, there were several differences that brought uniqueness to this story. An example is Mr. Freckles, Alice’s cat. The incorporation of Alice’s beloved cat featured a type of pet that is not often seen in a Hallmark movie. Mr. Freckles was also incorporated into the story to help the protagonist and the audience learn a valuable lesson about how certain situations take time in order for them to be dealt with.

The humor: When I first watched the trailer for Christmas Everlasting, I knew there was going to be a certain amount of humor featured throughout the film. However, I did not expect the movie to have as much humor as it ended up having. I believe there was a good balance of comedy and drama in this film. The inclusion of comedy helped give the audience a break from the sadness associated with this story, while the drama helped bring a sense of realism and relatability to the film.

Great messages and themes: There are lots of Hallmarks movies, including those from the Hallmark Hall of Fame branch, that have great messages and themes woven into their stories. While I was watching Christmas Everlasting, I found several messages and themes that were not only relatable, but also worth sharing long after the film’s end credits had appeared on-screen. One example is when one of Alice’s friends compares life to a quilt. This message made me look at quilts differently and gave me a new perspective on life itself.

The mystery: In a Word on the Street post, when I first shared my thoughts on the Christmas Everlasting trailer, one of the things that I was looking forward to was figuring out the mystery surrounding the quilt. I won’t spoil anything for those of you who haven’t seen the film yet, but all I will say is that this specific part of the story was very well-written, leading to a really good plot twist!

OI2OX60 — Essential items of Christmas image created by Moonstarer at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-elements-collection_994917.htm’>Designed by Moonstarer</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Moonstarer – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Patti LaBelle’s limited on-screen presence: Because Patti LaBelle was cast in this film as the main supporting actress and because her picture is prominently featured on the movie’s poster, I expected Patti’s character to have a recurring presence throughout the film. Also, I was excited to see Patti’s performance in this movie, as this was the first time I had ever seen any of Patti’s acting performances. When I watched Christmas Everlasting, however, Patti was only in two scenes within the movie’s last thirty minutes.

stylish snowflakes background for christmas holiday season — Christmas and New Year snowflake banner image created by Starline at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/stylish-snowflakes-background-for-christmas-holiday-season_1384882.htm’>Designed by Starline</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Starline – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

In this review’s introduction, I said that Christmas Everlasting was my most anticipated Christmas movie of 2018. When I look back on this movie, I can honestly say that this film lived up to my expectations! Christmas Everlasting had everything I could want in a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie and was definitely worth the wait! In fact, Christmas Everlasting is, so far, the best Hallmark Christmas movie I’ve seen this year! During the sneak peek commercial that was shown after this movie, however, there was no mention of the next Hallmark Hall of Fame production. I’m guessing that Hallmark is trying something new when announcing their movies within this particular branch, keeping these projects under wraps and preventing the element of surprise from being spoiled for their audience. If you look at the history of Hallmark Hall of Fame, an upcoming movie would usually be advertised during the end credits of a particular film. Whatever Hallmark has in store for the Hallmark Hall of Fame in 2019, I will definitely be looking forward to them and await the arrival of those announcements!

Overall score: 8.3 out of 10

Have you seen Christmas Everlasting? Which Hallmark Hall of Fame movie is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Word on the Street: Movie production updates, a speculation, and a new trailer for upcoming Hallmark movies!

On November 15, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

For this week, I contemplated on what my next blog post should be about. Realizing I haven’t published a Word on the Street story since last month, I decided to write November’s first Word on the Street post. To my surprise, there were a lot of news worthy material relating to upcoming Hallmark movies! So, I thought it would a good idea to share these pieces of movie news with my readers and followers. Within this post, I will talk about almost all of the Hallmark movie news I could find. As the title states, there will be several movie production updates that will be discussed, plus speculation about a potential Hallmark movie and a new trailer for one of Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” films!

On the website, Creative BC, there were several titles listed on their “In Production” page. What caught my attention is how many of them were Hallmark related. Three of these listings were for movies that are a part of an established Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series. According to Creative BC, the first movie on this list is “A Clue To Kill”/ “Aurora Teagarden 10”, which started production on November 3^rd and will wrap up on November 23^rd. The next title is “Hailey Dean Mysteries 7” and the production for this movie will start on November 28^th. The third title is “Morning Show Mysteries: Murder Most Fair”, where production started on October 29^th and will end on November 16^th. One title that caught my eye was “Ruby Herring Mysteries: Silent Witness”. Because of the way the title sounds, I’m guessing this could be the start of a brand-new Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series. However, Hallmark has not made any official announcements about this project. Another title that was listed on the website was “Wedding In The Vineyard”. This project will not only be in production from November 19^th to December 7^th, but is highly likely a continuation of the “In the Vineyard” series starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Brendan Penny. As of November 2018, Hallmark has not made any confirmations about this project.

OKLG790 — Detective work image created by Photoroyalty at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/investigation-background-design_1041877.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Photoroyalty – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

There were two titles on Creative BC’s “In Production” page that allude to what could be in store for next year’s “Winterfest” line-up. The first title is “Snowcoming”, which has already been confirmed to be a Hallmark movie! According to International Business Times, the movie will star Trevor Donovan and Lindy Booth. “Snowcoming” will be production from November 19^th to December 7^th. The second title is “Snow Princess”, which, as of November 2018, has not been officially announced by Hallmark. All that is known about the project is the title, the filming location, and the production dates (which are from November 13^th to December 1^st). Because “Snow Princess” also has the word snow in its title (like “Snowcoming”), I’m guessing that this movie will also be a part of Hallmark’s “Winterfest” line-up. The story could either be another “royal” movie or it could involve a pageant.

80585-OG0LO2-734 — Snowy mountain image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/landscape-background-of-snow-track-and-mountains_968656.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

This week, Hallmark released their official trailer for the Hallmark Hall of Fame film, Christmas Everlasting. As I’ve said before on my blog, I have been anticipating this movie since it was first announced back in April. After seeing Truly, Madly, Sweetly, it increased my level of excitement for Hallmark’s newest Hallmark Hall of Fame entry. Now that I have finally watched this trailer, I can honestly say that I couldn’t be more excited! This movie looks like it has a lot of potential; from the mystery surrounding the quilt to the potential balance of humor and dramatic emotions. To me, the marketing campaign for Christmas Everlasting is much better than The Beach House’s marketing. November 24^th cannot come soon enough!

What are your thoughts on these pieces of movie news? Which project are you looking forward to the most? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to visit the sources I referenced in this post, you can go to these links:

https://www.creativebc.com/crbc-services/motion-picture-services/in-production/films.php?type=mow

https://www.ibtimes.com/trevor-donovan-lindy-booth-tapped-new-hallmark-winterfest-2019-movie-2732199

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-everlasting/videos/preview-christmas-everlasting-hallmark-hall-of-fame

Word on the Street: Hallmark reveals new Christmas movies during their Second Preview Special

On September 30, 2018April 5, 2025 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

After Brian and Jenny exchanged their wedding vows in All of My Heart: The Wedding, Hallmark took the time to announce their upcoming Christmas movies during Christmas: A Second Look Preview Special, the network’s television program where one of the stars of a new Hallmark Christmas movie shares movie clips and behind-the-scenes videos for some of the line-up’s most anticipated films. Because Hallmark aired a Christmas preview special during the “Christmas in July” marathon, the network thought it would be a good idea to air the second preview special closer to the start of “Countdown to Christmas” and “Miracles of Christmas”. After watching this preview special and compared to the preview specials from Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries last year, this presentation was, to me, a let-down. The entire production felt like it was rushed and put together with a “let’s just get this done and over with” attitude. The program was approximately 30 minutes, which wasn’t enough time to present enough content to satisfy a casual Hallmark movie viewer. As much as I respect Kellie Pickler for trying something new and going out of her comfort zone, I will admit that she is not one of Hallmark’s strongest hostesses. Her on-screen presence felt stiff and unnatural, which made her look as if she was uncomfortable on camera. As for the movies that were previewed during this special, the selection of films that were focused on was very underwhelming. During the entire presentation, only four new movies were previewed. These movies are the following:

Christmas Party Ticket Card Template — Christmas themed movie tickets image created by Kraphix at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/movie-tickets-christmas_971544.htm’>Designed by Kraphix</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Kraphix – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Road to Christmas – 3 movies clips and 1 behind-the-scenes featurette – After Kellie described the story for this movie, it increased my interest in this film. I thought that this movie would be very similar to A Christmas Detour, but it appears that Road to Christmas is an original concept. I liked the movie clips and featurette that I saw and the film definitely looks like it has potential!

Mingle All the Way – 2 movie clips – I think the story sounds like an interesting concept, but I wasn’t thrilled with the movie clips that were featured in this special. While the part where Jen Lilley says “So you think I’m impressive” was funny, I didn’t feel like Jen and Brant Daugherty had any on-screen chemistry.

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa – 2 movie clips – Both of the movie clips for the Christmas in Evergreen sequel (yes, Hallmark did confirm this) made the film look like it has potential. However, I’m confused about the movie’s continuity. In this movie, there will be a new protagonist, portrayed by Jill Wagner this time. Also, when Kellie announced this movie during the preview special, she didn’t mention Ashley Williams, who was the lead actress in the first Christmas in Evergreen movie. From what I’ve read, Ashley is still a part of this cast, which makes me wonder how much involvement her character will have in this story.

A Majestic Christmas – 1 long movie clip – I really liked this movie clip that was included in this special because of Jerrika Hinton and Christian Vincent’s performances! They appeared like they had good on-screen chemistry and like their acting talents truly complimented one another! Seeing this movie clip raised my interest in seeing this film.

186734-OXNN2F-951 — Merry Christmas banner created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/merry-christmas-decorative-vintage-background_1359013.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

For the rest of the preview special, Kellie re-capped all of the movies that were brought up during the first Christmas movie preview special. This made it feel like the purpose of the first preview special was totally defeated. Adding to my disappointment about this second preview special, none of the movies from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries were even talked about during this presentation (excluding Marrying Father Christmas because that movie was a part of the first preview special re-cap). For a second year in a row, the Christmas movie for When Calls the Heart was ignored. Even though the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Christmas Everlasting, is still in production, I think there should have been a behind-the-scenes featurette or a video chat segment between Kellie and the director or cast talking about the film. Unlike last year’s preview specials, there was no list of which movies would premiere during both Christmas movie line-ups. As I’ve mentioned earlier, this presentation was a let-down. I understand that Hallmark creates these preview specials for their seasonal line-ups to get their audience excited for the movies to come. If I wasn’t already looking forward to this year’s Christmas line-ups, this second preview special would not have done anything to add to that excitement.

Did you watch either of the Christmas movie preview specials? What is your most anticipated Hallmark Christmas movie? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to learn more about this year’s Hallmark Christmas movies, you can watch the first Christmas preview special by typing “Full Episode – Christmas: A First Look Preview Special” into Youtube’s search bar or by visiting Hallmark Channel’s official Youtube channel, visiting Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ Christmas pages, or by visiting these links:

https://ew.com/tv/hallmark-christmas-movies-2018-air-dates/#heres-when-all-36-new-hallmark-christmas-movies-will-air

https://www.crownmediapress.com/PressReleaseList/Details?SiteID=142&NodeID=144&ID=665

https://www.crownmediapress.com/PressReleaseList/Details?SiteID=142&NodeID=144&ID=667

Word on the Street: Could the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie be based on Marie Bostwick’s novel?

On September 5, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Four days ago, I reported, in the first Word on the Street post for September, on revealed details for the upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, “The Second Sister”. In that same post, I speculated that this movie could be based on one of three novels that share the same name as this HHoF (Hallmark Hall of Fame) movie. Based on two recent Instagram posts from Ron Oliver’s Instagram feed (the same feed I referenced in my aforementioned Word on the Street post), I have a feeling Hallmark’s newest HHoF movie could be based on Marie Bostwick’s novel, The Second Sister. In these two Instagram posts, Ron features his open laptop as the primary focus of the photo. On the screen of the laptop, what is displayed appears to be a short piece of film script. These snippets of script, within the Instagram posts, provide the clues to figure out what this HHoF movie could possibly be about. In the post where Ron features his dog, who I believe is named Crawford, there are two character’s names listed on the laptop screen. One of those names is Lucy. If you read the synopsis for Marie Bostwick’s novel, you would know that Lucy is the name of the protagonist in The Second Sister. In this same post, a quilt is referenced within this small piece of film script. In the synopsis for Marie Bostwick’s novel, quilting is what Lucy’s sister’s friends share in common with one another. The author herself also seems to share a love of quilting, from displaying a “Quilt Central” tab on her website to expressing this love for quilting in her biography. In the Instagram post where Ron references Labor Day, a law firm is mentioned in this small piece of film script. In the synopsis for The Second Sister, Lucy’s occupation is a political campaigner, with her boss, apparently, winning a presidential election.

P0YDNL0 — Christmas book image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/christmas-mockup-with-open-book_1482296.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/mockup”>Mockup psd created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

As of September 2018, there has been no confirmation that this new HHoF movie will be based on Marie’s novel. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were. Like I mentioned in my Word on the Street post where I first talked about “The Second Sister”, it’s not uncommon for a HHoF movie to be an adaptation of a preexisting novel. Even though I’m curious to find out if Marie’s novel will serve as the basis for this film, I am a tiny bit disappointed that this movie might not be based on Claire Kendal’s novel, which is also titled The Second Sister. Because Claire’s novel is a mystery story, I was looking forward to the idea of Hallmark creating an ambitious HHoF project that would be different from the more recent HHoF movies, but still feel a part of the overall collection. However, I’m still looking forward to this new HHoF movie and it is still my most anticipated Christmas movie this year!

204659-P02UXR-453 — Christmas family image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/nice-family-christmas-scene-singing-together_1458033.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What do you think about this Hallmark Hall of Fame movie? If you have read The Second Sister or any of Marie Bostwick’s novels, how do you feel about this possible book-to-film adaptation? Share your thoughts in the comment section below?

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to check out the sources I referenced in this post, visit Ron Oliver’s official Instagram feed (at ronoliver) and these links:

https://www.mariebostwick.com/

Biography

https://18cinemalane.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/word-on-the-street-details-revealed-about-upcoming-hallmark-hall-of-fame-movie/

Word on the Street: Details revealed about upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame movie!

On September 1, 2018 By 18cinemalane1 Comment

When I reviewed the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, The Beach House, I mentioned that a new movie in the HHoF (Hallmark Hall of Fame) collection was announced during the sneak peek commercial that aired after the film. At that time, however, the only detail that was revealed about this upcoming HHoF film was that it would premiere sometime during the Christmas season. Since late April, Hallmark has been pretty secretive about their Christmas HHoF movie. This movie has been kept so tightly under-wraps, that Hallmark didn’t even make an announcement for the film during their Summer TCA Event. Recently, some details about this particular film have been revealed by one of Hallmark’s directors. Ron Oliver, who has directed and written several Hallmark movies (including a directing credit on last year’s HHoF movie, The Christmas Train), has mentioned that he is working on a movie titled “The Second Sister”. In the four Instagram posts where Ron mentions this title, he also mentions the Hallmark Hall of Fame, either in a direct statement or in a hashtag. In two of these aforementioned posts, Ron mentions that he is not only going to Atlanta, Georgia to make the movie, but it also indicates that he is already in Atlanta, Georgia. As someone who has this new HHoF movie as their most anticipated Christmas movie this year, these tidbits of information really don’t surprise me. I’ve already mentioned that Ron directed last year’s HHoF Christmas movie, The Christmas Train. That movie was not only the second highest rated movie during the 2017 “Countdown to Christmas” line-up, it became the third highest rated Christmas movie in Hallmark Channel history! So, it makes sense that Hallmark would want to hire Ron for another HHoF production. Also, as part of what I liked about the movie, I mentioned in my review of The Beach House that the movie was filmed in Georgia, specifically on Tybee Island. The idea of Hallmark wanting to film another HHoF movie in the Peach State does not shock me.

Merry Christmas Card — Blue sparkly Christmas tree image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/frame”>Frame vector created by Macrovector – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/merry-christmas-card_2875396.htm’>Designed by Macrovector</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Upon discovering these pieces of information about this upcoming HHoF movie, there are still some questions I have about the film. In some of Ron’s Instagram posts that mention either Hallmark Hall of Fame or “The Second Sister”, Ron references Tyler Perry Studios. How much involvement will Tyler Perry Studios have in this movie? Will they have any involvement at all? While I was trying to find more information about “The Second Sister” on the internet, I came across three books with that exact same title. It’s not uncommon for a HHoF movie to be based on a book, with both The Christmas Train and The Beach House serving as good examples. While reading the synopsis of each novel, I found myself imagining each of these stories as a HHoF film. Here is a short list of the books I found:

The Second Sister by Claire Kendal – About a woman attempting to find her missing sister. We haven’t really seen a mystery story incorporated into a HHoF movie since 2000’s Missing Pieces, so this would be an ambiguous project for the network.

The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick – About a woman from the big city inheriting her deceased sister’s cottage in a small town. Based on the synopsis, this story does bear some similarities to The Beach House. The themes that I picked up on, such as family and reconnecting with loved ones, are those that have been found in other Hallmark movies, especially those from the HHoF collection.

The Second Sister by Carrie Weaver – About a woman trying to reconnect her family to fulfill her father’s dying wish. This is another story that bears some similarities to The Beach House. It also contains subject material that might be too serious for the typical Hallmark Channel film, but could be explored in a HHoF movie, such as abusive relationships and a broken family dynamic.

At this time, it’s unknown if any of these books will serve as the basis for this HHoF movie or if Ron will write an original screenplay for the film. If “The Second Sister” is based on any of these three books, I hope it’s Claire Kendal’s novel. As I’ve already mentioned, the last time a HHoF movie has had a mystery incorporated into the main plot was in Missing Pieces from 2000 (which was based on the novel, Atticus, by Ron Hansen). Personally, I can picture Claire’s story being set during Christmas, with the clues to the disappearance of the protagonist’s sister possibly correlating with the ‘12 Days of Christmas’. For all of the reasons I just mentioned, this would be an ambitious project for Hallmark. It would also be quite different from the other HHoF movies that have premiered in recent years. Another detail about this film that has not been revealed yet is which actors and actresses have been officially cast in this movie. However, I would, one day, like to see Marguerite Moreau and Laci J. Mailey cast in a HHoF movie where they get to portray sisters. I think Marguerite and Laci look similar enough to each other that their portrayal of sisters would come across as very believable. Also, Marguerite is a Hallmark Hall of Fame alumni, as she starred in The Locket back in 2002. While Laci has never starred in a HHoF movie, she is one of the series regulars on Chesapeake Shores and has appeared in the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series. Seeing one of the stars of their favorite series would be very exciting for fans of Chesapeake Shores and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

What are your thoughts on this movie news story? Are you looking forward to “The Second Sister”? Please tell me your thoughts in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to check out the sources I referenced in this post, visit Ron Oliver’s official Instagram feed (at ronoliver), Ron’s official IMDB page, the official IMDB page for The Locket, Laci J. Mailey’s official IMDB page, and these links:

UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY’s Top 150 Saturday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.25.2017

UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY’s Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.26.2017

http://www.tvtango.com/listings/2014/11/29/hallmark_channel_movie