Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts Offers Sneak Preview of 'Have a Little Faith', 11/18

The Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts will present a FREE Exclusive Sneak Preview Screening of author Mitch Albom's "Have A Little Faith," a HallMark Hall of Fame movie. The film is based on the latest best-selling book by Mitch Albom ("Tuesdays with Morrie," "Five People You Meet in Heaven"). The screening will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. at the Saban Theatre; 8440 Wilshire Boulevard; Beverly Hills, CA 90211. KABC 790 AM is a promotional partner on this event.

The movie stars Emmy Award and Tony Award winner and Academy Award nominee, Laurence Fishburne ("What's Love Got to Do with It," "Two Trains Running") as Reverend Henry Covington; Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") as Mitch Albom; Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (DREAMGIRLS, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE) as Reverend Henry Covington's wife, Annette, and Academy Award winner Martin Landau ("Ed Wood," "Entourage") as Rabbi Albert Lewis. Under the direction of Emmy Award nominated Jon Avnet ("Fried Green Tomatoes," "BLACK SWAN," "The Starter Wife"), the free movie screening will be followed a panel discussion with special guests led by Rabbi David Baron.

Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. No advance reservations will be taken. Parking is available in nearby parking lots and on streets surrounding the theatre. For further information, please visit the website, www.templeofthearts.org. Later in the month on Sunday, November 27, 2011 the HallMark Hall of Fame film will premiere on ABC.

The story depicts the lives of Henry Covington (portrayed by Laurence Fishbourne), a Detroit preacher who overcame a life mired in drugs and crime, and his wife, Annette (Anika Noni Rose). Mitch Albom, the writer of the screenplay, is portrayed in the movie by Bradley Whitford. Albom met the reverend-in-recovery while he was writing newspaper columns about homeless people and homeless shelters. Covington's I Am My Brother's Keeper Church in Detroit, MI provides food and a place for homeless people to sleep. The other central character in Albom's book and movie is New Jersey Rabbi Albert Lewis, his childhood rabbi whom he rekindles his relationship with when the rabbi asks Albom to write his eulogy.

On the surface, these two larger-than-life characters - the charismatic African-American preacher and the feisty, funny rabbi - could hardly be more different. But each has - in his own way - has a profound affect on the writer. Mitch Albom vividly recalls his many encounters with the two men. "I thought to myself," he says, "If I can find a common thread between a 90-year-old suburban New Jersey rabbi, and a 53-year-old African-American Christian pastor who's a ex-con and recovering drug addict - well, there's got to be a way for faiths to coexist! We define ourselves by our differences. But the truth is, when the rubber meets the road, we're all the same."

Laurence Fishburne describes, "Have A Little Faith" as "incredibly inspirational, incredibly moving. The fact that it's true is really mind blowing. When I was presented with this role, I was powerless. I had to take it!"

Martin Landau explains: "Albert Lewis was an amazing man, in many ways. He grew his synagogue from a tiny place to a huge place, and he was there for 40 years. He truly gave himself to others. He loved life, and people who love life have fun. He had a great sense of humor, which he used to put people at ease."

On working with his actors, executive producer and director Jon Avnet says: "Laurence Fishburne is the man. He's got gravitas. He's got truthfulness. He's got soul. Martin Landau is an acting legend. It's a testament to how good he is that he teaches at The Actors Studio. He teaches others how to act! I thought that Bradley Whitford would be perfect to handle the nuanced skepticism that lies at the heart of the Mitch Albom character in our story. Anika Noni Rose is so smart, she's got great instincts as an actor."

Mitch Albom's "Have A Little Faith" is from HallMark Hall of Fame Productions, Inc. Starring roles in the film are portrayed by Laurence Fishburne (Henry Covington); Bradley Whitford (Mitch Albom); Anika Noni Rose (Annette Covington); Mykelti Williamson (Donnie); Deanna Dunagan (Sarah Lewis); Melinda McGraw (Janine) and Martin Landau (Albert Lewis). Brent Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard," "The Lost Valentine"), Mitch Albom and Jon Avnet are executive producers. The film is produced by Andrew Gottlieb ("Front of the Class," "The Russell Girl"). It was filmed on location in Detroit, MI. The HallMark Hall of Fame movie, "Have a Little Faith" will air on television on Sunday evening, November 27, 2011 on ABC.

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