PBS Premieres MARTIN LUTHER: THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, Today

With the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation near, PBS premieres MARTIN LUTHER: THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD nationwide on Tuesday, Sept. 12th at8:00pm/7:00 central. The two-hour film brings to life Luther's 16th century quest to reform the churchajourney that would profoundly reshape western civilization.

"Luther really was the original celebrity," said writer/producer Michael Trinklein. "He was the first to figure out how to use the media to popularize a cause." LUTHER tapped the Twitter of his day (quickly-printed tracts) to sidestep the powerful and appeal directly to the people. The film chronicles how Luther's fame helped him propagate a range of revolutionary ideassparking the breakup of thechurch, the rise of individualism, a boon in universal education, and even improved opportunities for women.

Starring Padraic Delaney(The Tudors, Knightfall)in the title role, the film follows LUTHER through theemotional highs and lows that marked his eventful life. Hugh Bonneville(Downton Abbey)narrates.

Luther stepped onto the world stage in the fall of 1517, as he nailed his 95 Theses to thechurch door in Wittenberg, Germany. At first, the Theses had little impact. But once they were set in type on the newly-invented printing press, the modern media age began. "It was the striking of a match, creating a bonfirethe flames of which are still burning," said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

"Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World" follows this thread, and others, to offer an engaging lookat the dramatic moments that shaped Luther's life: the massive lightning storm that nearly killed him, thebleak self-punishment of his time in the monastery, the corruption that unleashed his anger, his trial beforethe most powerful man in Europe, and the staged kidnapping that helped him escape the death penalty.

In a quest for authenticity, every word of Luther's dialogue in the film was taken verbatim from his actualwritings and speeches. Similarly, all filming was done in the castles, monasteries, and ancient churches ofeastern Europechosen for their undisturbed 16th century heritage.

The film also documents his continuing legacyincluding the surprising story of an Atlanta pastor whotoured Luther's home in the 1930s. Inspired by Luther's drive to fight oppression nonviolently, the pastortook the bold step of changing his name, from Michael King to Martin LUTHER King, Sr.

It's just one of many ways a penniless 16th century monk continues to shape the American landscape.

Trailer atLutherMovie.link/trailer

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