One of The Citizen’s columnists is having her novel released as a movie this week.
UP, America’s favorite channel for uplifting entertainment, presents the UP Original Movie “The Town That Came A-Courtin’,” starring Valerie Harper (“Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Rhoda”), Lauren Holly (“NCIS,” “Motive”), Cameron Bancroft (“24,” “Beverly Hills: 90210”) and Lucie Guest (“Heath Nutz,” “Blackstone”).
The film is produced by Odyssey Media Inc. and directed by David Winning (“XIII: The Series,” “Andromeda”). “The Town That Came A-Courtin’” is based on best-selling author and syndicated columnist Ronda Rich’s novel and loosely based on an experience that she had during a book tour.
Sheryl J. Anderson (“Charmed”) wrote the adapted script. “The Town That Came A-Courtin’” premieres exclusively on UP Jan. 19 at 7 p.m, with encores at 9 and 11 p.m.
Abby Houston (Lauren Holly) is a smart, beautiful, successful author and fiercely independent Southern woman.
When we meet her, she is curiously being kept captive in a remote cabin in the woods by an obsessed fan, Walter (Toby Hargrave). Days earlier, Abby and her publicist Jamie (Lucie Guest) were visiting the lovely town of Bliss, Mississippi on her most recent book tour. In Bliss, local Magnolia Blossom B&B owner Charlotte (Valerie Harper) and their well-meaning prayer chain have big plans for Abby – as the perfect match for their widowed Mayor Spencer Alexander (Cameron Bancroft), a single dad of two. A series of collisions, several bouquets and numerous good words later, Abby relents to having dinner with Spencer and finds a handsome, earnest man.
Eagerly encouraged by the entire town, they embark on a whirlwind, public romance. But just as they are about to share a first kiss, Spencer is reminded of his late wife and abruptly pulls back. Hurt and sad, Abby is determined to leave Bliss behind, only to find her obsessed fan waiting.
With phones buzzing and the town mobilized, what happens next will determine her future.
“UP is thrilled to have the always inspirational Valerie Harper as part of our talented The Town That Came A-Courtin’ cast,” said Leslie Glenn Chesloff, executive vice president of programming, UP. “Joined by Lauren Holly, Cameron Bancroft, and Lucie Guest, this uplifting, sometimes bumpy romance showcases how a community’s spirit and good will can help people connect and find each other.”
