Hallmark Press Release:
HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES
PRODUCTION START FOR
PRODUCTION START FOR
‘AT HOME IN MITFORD,’
A HALLMARK CHANNEL
ORIGINAL MOVIE STARRING
ORIGINAL MOVIE STARRING
ANDIE MACDOWELL AND
CAMERON MATHISON
CAMERON MATHISON
PREMIERES EXCLUSIVELY
ON HALLMARK CHANNEL-
AUGUST 20, 2017.
ON HALLMARK CHANNEL-
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| Photo: AndieMacDowell - Crown Media Family Networks Photo: Cameron Mathison - Crown Media Family Networks |
STUDIO CITY, CA – June 12, 2017 – Hallmark Channel announces the start of production of its newest Hallmark Channel Original Movie, “At Home in Mitford,” starring three-time Golden Globe Nominee Andie MacDowell (“Magic Mike XXL” “Cedar Cove”) and four-time Daytime Emmy Nominee Cameron Mathison (“Entertainment Tonight,” “Murder She Baked”). The World Premiere of “At Home in Mitford” is
“At Home In Mitford” is based on the best-selling novel by Jan Karon. The film tells the romantic and inspirational story of best-selling author Cynthia Copperstone (MacDowell), a woman who’s learning there is more to life and love than completing checklists. With her cat (and muse), Violet in tow, Cynthia leaves Boston to spend some time in her late uncle’s small town of Mitford, North Carolina, in hopes of alleviating some career-damaging writer’s block. Cynthia soon finds the heart and soul of the southern town in Father Tim Kavanagh (Mathison), a pastor in Mitford. As the pair works together to help a young boy Dooley (Nicholas Holmes) who has recently lost his family, Cynthia and Pastor Tim find solace, comfort, even romance.
“At Home In Mitford” is a Mitford Films, Inc. production. Andie MacDowell and Howard Braunstein are Executive Producers. Christian Bruyere is Producer. Gary Harvey directs from an original screenplay written by Margaret Oberman and Pam Wallace. Script is based on the beloved novel of the same name by Jan Karon.
(------END of PRESS RELEASE------)
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My Take:
I am absolutely delighted to see the book At Home in Mitford finally become a movie! (especially a Hallmark Channel movie!) Jan Karon's work is an engaging masterpiece, a grand puzzle of many pieces that fit all together- in the way she beautifully weaves all of these stories to bring together so many of the townspeople, in the fictional town of Mitford, with their unique, run-of-the-mill, yet fascinating everyday lives! It is sincerely amazing! A true gift from God!
Since this is a bestseller, I'm sure many of you are also familiar with these stories. My first introduction to the At Home in Mitford series was from my Momma (several years back!)... who learned about it from Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre! Without any hesitation, after hearing an excerpt on the radio, we ordered the audio set - based on the first book. It was beyond wonderful! In the audio adaption, Dean Jones (popular from the classic Disney Movies, such as: "Herbie, the Love Bug," "Snowball Express," "That Darn Cat," etc...) voices the character of Father Timothy Kavanagh, a single bachelor Episcopal priest. It is certainly more, though, then just a voice... there's a deep warmness in Dean Jones' tone, a gentle spirit, whose faith exudes in his every word. And, then you add in the precocious, abandoned young boy Dooley who winds up at Father Tim's doorstep... well, from there, as you might guess, I was hooked, line and sinker!
For this upcoming Hallmark movie adaptation, I am, however, somewhat surprised by the casting choices. Cameron Mathison has a sweet-tempered quality about him that would fit Father Tim nicely (*However, I agree with comments below - he doesn't fit the age or image we think of for Father Timothy, from the books, who is supposed to be in his 60's and a little over weight) and Andie MacDowell has that honeyed southern charm quality about her that will be interesting to see in the role of author Cynthia Copperstone. (*Not sure, however, how well these two will match up!) (Note: Andie MacDowell is a Southerner and Cynthia Coppersmith (that is her last name in the books) is not. That's why it will be interesting to see Andie portray this non-Southern character in the fictional Southern town/village of Mitford, nestled in the North Carolina mountains.)
Now, I just wonder if Hallmark's famous "Happy the Cat" will portray Cynthia's cat, Violet! In the stories, she is a white fluffy cat, so I don't think that will work, unless they decide to change her character up for the movie, too.
The Mitford book series has been so widely popular... that it has spawned off cookbooks (includes Louella's Cinnamon Rolls, Lottie Greer's Fried Chicken and Country Biscuits, Cynthia's Lasagna, etc...), childrens books (about Violet, Cynthia's cat), plus Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, etc!!! And, now a Hallmark movie!
I hope you will join me in looking forward to seeing "At Home in Mitford" this August on the Hallmark Channel! Please share your thoughts in comments below! I would love to know... Are you new to these books? Or, have you read this series? If so, where did you learn about them? Or, anything else you would like to share about this upcoming Hallmark Movie!
Blessings to you all, Net
Here are some wonderful quotes from the book -
At Home in Mitford:
At Home in Mitford:
“Lord, make me a blessing to someone today.”
― Jan Karon, At Home in Mitford
“Are you reading your Bible?”
"Ah, well...I was."
"And then you quit."
"You got it."
"Then, you can expect to be weak on one of your flanks, and that's precisely where the Enemy will come after you with a vengeance.”
― Jan Karon, At Home in Mitford
“Well, I'm going to church. But I've got to tell you that it's full of hypocrites.”
“My friend, if you keep your eyes on Christians, you will be disappointed every day of your life. Your hope is to keep your eyes on Christ.”
― Jan Karon, At Home in Mitford
Click Here for the Jan Karon Mitford Book Series!
Actor picks for At Home in Mitford seem so completely wrong. But I suppose that shouldn't be surprising since you don't have Cynthia's last name correct in the press release! As a Mitford fan I am thinking this movie will be utterly disappointing.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, in the Hallmark press release it says Copperstone for Cynthia's last name. In the book series it is Coppersmith. It's possible they either made a mistake there or they decided to change it for some reason.
DeleteThank you, Lori, for sharing your thoughts on the cast chosen. I have discussed this with others who feel much the same as you do. Liking Cameron Mathison as I do, I'm inclined to give him a chance here, but, like you, I'm not sure he can possibly depict the Father Tim I have in my mind from reading the books. To be honest, I never considered Father Timothy to be that young or good looking. As for Andie MacDowell, as I said above, she definitely has that southern charm, but I am curious to see how she and Cameron will pair up together.
I agree completely! The ages of the stars are clearly too young for the movie?
DeleteI just wish this movie had been released years earlier so Dean Jones could play the role like he did in the Radio Theater production! By the way, WHO does the press release? It's painfully obvious that the person never even read the books!It's Coppersmith, NOT Copperstone! I wonder who will play Miss Sadie,Uncle Billy, Miss Rose, Emma, and the rest? I still can't wait to check out the movie!
DeleteI wonder if they'll include those characters. In the preview, it almost looks like Cynthia is the main character?? Father Tim is definitely the main character
DeleteThought casting very poor. The age appearance totally off. Meant I could not take it seriously and in fact quit watching before the end. Those people were NOT our characters. Jan, please do not let this continue.
DeleteEverthingwas wrong about this movie especially if you are a fan of the Miford books.I have read them all three times.Even Violet was the wrong color. My vote is to do series like "Cedar Cove" and hav all the characters portrayed
DeleteI haven't read the books but is Cynthia older then Father Tim? McDowell is 59 and Mathison is 47. Seems like a big age difference. Would have liked to seen someone closer to her age. So many great "older" men actors like Henry Winkler, Patrick Duffy, Mark Harom or Beau Bridges.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a little while back since I've read the books, therefore I wasn't readily recalling the characters ages, so I looked it up just now and according to the Mitford wiki site, Father Timothy Andrew Kavanagh (Father Tim) turns sixty in At Home in Mitford!!!
DeleteWith that knowledge, and the basic physical characteristics of Father Tim in the books, you are so right, I must agree, Beau Bridges would have been a much closer pick.
Should be interesting to see how Cameron plays the role. If you follow my site a lot, you probably know I adore him in all of his Hallmark roles... but, in my mind, I always thought Father Tim was more of a Jason Alexander (George Costanza, from Seinfeld) type.
Jan Karon's original pick when At Home in Mitford came out was Anthony Hopkins (think CS Lewis, not Hannibal Lecter). She also thought Blythe Danner would be great as Cynthia. I don't understand this casting at all.
DeleteCameron Mathison as Father Tim? How is he going to portray "the portly priest" in his sixties? Andie MacDowell I can see as Cynthia, but really not sure how Cameron will work.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely THE Question many Mitford book fans are asking! All I can say is, they must be taking certain liberties with the TV movie version.
DeleteThank you, Linnie, for commenting and sharing your thoughts!!! I don't know how this will pan out, but... I guess we shall see!
Exactly, "portly" and in his "60's"...
DeleteCameron Mathison is probably protraying as Uncle Billy or Barnabus.
DeleteSomeone else is protraying as Father Tim in his 60s
No, it states in Hallmark's official press release above that Cameron Mathison is portraying the role of Father Tim. Barnabas is Father Tim's dog.
DeleteThis news just made my day, no, my week;
ReplyDeletemy summer!! Wonderful and exciting news.
Yes, I'm a Mitford/Karon reader; in case you hadn't guessed. And I love the Hallmark movie channel.
I'm so glad this news brought you so much joy, Sharon! I, too, am glad to see a story with such beautiful content of faith, love, community, struggles, and joys will be making it's way to the Hallmark Channel. I hope the story in the movie is just as heartwarming as the stories we find in the books!
DeleteI'm so afraid I'll be disappointed in this. These actors are great in their fields but they sure don't fit the characters in the books. Jam carefully describes her characters in her books and these just don't work. Father Tim is in his sixties and Cynthia is a petite blond.
ReplyDeleteYes, glad someone else remembers Cynthia as blonde and Father Tim in his 60's...very disappointed to see this.
DeleteWhile Cameron Mathison is a good actor, he is not old enough and way to thin to play Fsther Tim. This will not work at all. The movies never match the books. Did the casting director not read the books!!!
ReplyDeleteI think I read somewhere that Andie McDowell got the rights to the books ... so she plays the star. But I have read and reread and listened to the audio books so many times that I am disappointed they are not staying true to the almost 60, sort of portly, thinning hair but with a sweet personality for Father Tim - like Richard Dreyfuss type or. And as for his wife, I would like to see maybe Michelle Pfeiffer. Not sure about Barnabas though!!!
DeleteYes, Andie MacDowell is one of the Executive Producers. Unfortunately, neither Cameron or Andie fit the mold we expect of these characters.
DeleteCan't wait!
ReplyDeleteIf Cameron Mathison isn't portrayed Father Tim but someone else. He is probably portrayed Andie McDowell's Brother.
DeleteThe Hallmark press release shared above states that Cameron Mathison will be starring as Father Timothy. I know... I get it... as much as I like Cameron, he doesn't fit the image we would expect of Father Tim from the Mitford books.
DeleteSquee!! What fun news, and there's only a little over two months to wait for it. Net, in regards to joining you in looking forward to this movie...consider it done!
ReplyDeleteThat's great to know it's being made into a movie. I sort of remember the Focus on the Family audio version, but only caught a bit, so thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteMisty
Completely wrong casting. He is not chubby enough or based enough. And Andie is not right for Cynthia. Andie is too exposed already. Why not give another actress a chance? This couple of actors are very nice people, they're just wrong for this. Another Hallmark mismatch.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to approach films "based on" books is to substitute the words "inspired by" for based on. That way we can all avoid the inevitable laundry list of complaints that will come from purists. This isn't PBS, folks - this is Hallmark Channel. Try to take it for what it is and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! I'm gonna watch before I judge!
DeleteCameron Mathison and Andie MacDowell are very pleasant people, and I am sure very nice people in real life. But they are just not Father Tim and Cynthia. I watched half of it; had to turn it off for personal reasons, and plan to watch the rest of it. But I was so disappointed in the casting. Neither one of them remotely resembles the characters described in the book. Why are producers so reluctant to have stories about older characters in main roles? After all, the Mitford series features two older characters who meet, fall in love, and have a life together. The books are very popular.
DeleteIt is ironic that the Hallmark Channel that features reruns of The Golden Girls ad infinitum won't show a wonderful series about an older couple. Granted, the couple portrayed would seem to be in their 40's, but that is not how they are in the books. (And Andie McDowell seems to have missed the point of the series: it is faith. Father Tim and Cynthia's main prayer is, "If it be thy will.")
If they wanted a show with these two actors, they should have developed a new story, and left the Mitford books alone.
Thank you for letting me vent.
I so agree. I was SO disappointed. Turned it off. Suffered enough. And Cynthia did not appear until later. And Barnabus was black. And where was Emma and the housekeeper? It was totally botched. And Father Tim was certainly not a chisel faced young guy. What were they thinking
DeleteOh dear, we've wanted a movie about Mitford for so long now but this sounds like a very loose adaptation. I love these actors, just wish we could have had Michael Kitchen as Fr. Tim, or a Mississippi version of him.
ReplyDeleteWe've all hoped for a Mitford Movie!!! Yay!!! These two actors....sigh..... ah well.... that's Hollywood....if Jan Karon approves.... why not.... I'm sure I'll love it just because it's Mitford!!!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. I like Cameron a lot and I'm always looking for a pleasant and clean movie to watch. But this was not Mitford.
DeleteThis is such exciting news!!!!! I love that series of books. They are absolutely wonderful. Can't wait. I am marking my calendar for this one. WOW
ReplyDeleteI love the first Mitford book and the excellent Radio Theatre. Hallmark seems to have rewritten it. They seem to be making Cynthia the focus, not Father Tim. Cameron maybe, Andi McDowell NO! I'll give it a chance but leary about it. Will Hallmark have Father Tim quoting scripture? Or mild platitudes?
ReplyDeleteOh my word! I love this, I read these books when I was younger. I always remember Dooley saying he was going to ride the hair off his horse, lol. I can not wait to see this and I love who they have staring in this as well. Thanks for the info Net. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I am reading the comments now and Hallmark and the casting is...well.
ReplyDeleteThey are Hallmark and I always think they can not get a Brad Pitt or a A list star to act for the money etc.
I give Hallmark a past and over look most of what happens in their movies because I love Hallmark movies.
With that in mind, I say they did the best they could.
I like both of these actors and I too think he is too young but I bet he can pull it off. Looking forward to this any way.
I will say no to Cameron Mathison, he is alright for "Murder She Baked" series but Father Tim is sacred and Cameron does not seem to be able to keep his shirt on,ever. Andie MacDowell is beautiful and graceful and she would be a good fit. I always imagined Father Tim being played by Gerald McRaney and Cynthia played by Delta Burke. I just want them to stick to the story as it is written, no changing it up so much that it is unrecognizable like they did with the Cedar Cove books.
ReplyDeleteI can really see Beau Bridges as Father Tim! Not sure about Cameron
ReplyDeleteMathison even though I love him in Murder she Baked movies. And Andie McDowell is too old for him! I agree with others that this is strange casting. I love The Christmas Ornament movie with Cameron and Kellie Martin, but they hardly ever show it anymore. Will have to hope Hallmark does Mitford justice!
No...no...no. This is my favorite book series, but this casting is all wrong. I love Cameron Mathison, but he is way too young, tall and thin. Richard Thomas (yes John Boy) would have been a much better choice.
ReplyDeleteDo you know where they are filming?
ReplyDeleteYes, they are currently filming "At Home in Mitford" in British Columbia until June 30th.
DeleteThe worse casting ever. Did they actually read the books? If you are going to adapt such a belioved series at least do it well. So very disappointed.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I have all the books in fact on my third reading. I love Cameron Mathison but Father Tim, he is not...not even close. Andie is a beautiful dark haired woman. Cynthia is a blue eyed blonde. Ages all wrong. I have hoped someone would make movies from these books but the casting director needs to be fired! Obviously he or she hasn't read the books or doesn't love the books like we do. I will definitely watch but have no doubt that it will be way off from the book.
DeleteI felt much the same way during the years of the "Love Comes Softly" movies, as the stories continually drifted farther and farther away from the characters I had grown to love from Janette Oke's book series.
DeleteMost of those movies ended up being rather nice, and I always enjoy pioneer era films, but they were definitely not the same characters from the books.
Thanks! So they are not filming at all in Blowing Rock, North Carolina?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, no. For tax purposes a lot of films are done in BC or Vancouver.
DeletePlease correct Cynthia's last name. It is Coppersmith not Copperstone. And did anyone in casting actually READ this book before casting these actors?? Cynthia is supposed to be petite and blonde. Father Tim is losing his hair and described as "portly." These two actors do not fit the roles.
ReplyDeleteI know, you are right, jgirl. Cynthia's last name in the Mitford series is Coppersmith, but the press release direct from Hallmark above, says Copperstone. I don't know, yet, if they made a mistake or if they decided to change it for some reason. I'm sure we will find out soon.
DeleteI noted in "My Take" above that Cynthia's last name was not the same.
And what about Dooley? He was a rough urchin when the story started and that kid was oh so saccharin. Absolutely no personality at all. I wanted to see Miss Sadie and Luella, and more of the Main Street Grill gang. What a hoot that would have been. But no, they wrecked it.
DeleteStill trying to come to terms with this! WHYYYYYYYYYYY???
ReplyDeleteAt Home In Mitford
ReplyDeleteTV Movie
06-12 to 06-30
Andie MacDowell, Cameron Mathison, Nicholas Holmes, David Lewis, Ken Tremblett, Sarah Edmonson, Kehli O'Byrne, Chris Cope
Wonderful news that there will be a movie of the beloved Mitford--though I love these actors, not sure they fit the characters. I always wanted to see Michael Tucker as Father Tim and Blythe Danner as Cynthia.
ReplyDeleteWas so excited to find out about the Mitford movie..... until I saw the casting. I like both Andie MacDowell and Cameron Mathison - but not as the characters in Jan Karon's books. Now I'm disappointed.
ReplyDeleteHaving read the series some years ago, too, I completely understand how you feel. I also like the actors... unfortunately, they don't fit the physical features of the characters Jan Karon created in the beloved Mitford book series.
DeleteI am watching it now and I never dreamed Jan Karon would allow this. Her books are so wonderful and so far this is not like her book. It could be a pretty good movie with out trying to follow Jan's book. I have everyone of the Mitford books and I think I will just pull out the book and read it instead of watching it. Good luck Hallmark
DeleteSad to see a favorite ruined!! I have been waiting for a movie or TV mini-series of these stories, because they have such depth and vulnerability. We don't need more romantic tripe!! But that's what Mitford was reduced to. I received calls from Mitford loving friends, HORRIFIED with disappointment. And you had a huge fan base ready to love this story!! "Badly done, Emma!" Knightly's famous line from Jane Austen's book!!!!!!
DeleteInteresting and wow!!! I have read most all of these books in the "Mitford Series!", I am looking forward to watching this movie/recording it.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite parts in the first book(I hope I don't spoil part of the upcoming movie) is when Father Tim speaks scriptures to a dog and he sits.
That is so exciting to see one of your book series made into a movie.
I was introduced to Mitford by the FOF audio drama, which was excellent in every way. That was about three years ago, then a dear friend gave me a Mitford book and I zoomed through as many as I could, I was hooked. Now, about the movie: So glad there has been one made, however, I wish the casting was more on point with the story. The Mitford series is ripe for a movie series and the stories are beautiful, encouraging, and the characters are real. So, I will watch just because it will be something I can watch without the typical fodder. It may be hard to get by true Jan Karon fans, but maybe it will create more.
ReplyDeleteJust was browsing the Hallmark schedule on its site and noticed they have this movie now listed as premiering after Chesapeake Shores on August 6 at 10PM ET! I wonder what that means for the rest of August's Summer movies.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this schedule update! This is, indeed, an interesting change in scheduling. For now, it looks like all the other Summer Nights movies are staying put on their premiere dates, but now there is an opening on August 19th!!!
DeleteI have noticed they have played previews for all the Summer Nights movies except this one. I was wondering if they were cancelling it since it seems to be getting a lot of negative remarks. Maybe they feel it will be better after Chesapeake Shores. The headline says August 10th, but that is a Thursday. Did they mean the 6th? They must be keeping all the other movies on the Saturday slot causer they have played previews and had dates shown except for Mitford.
DeleteYes, this movie- "At Home in Mitford" is the last one to receive any previews for the "Summer Nights" movies!
DeleteI wonder - if they were expecting to receive bad reviews and any negativity, would they want that on the same night as the Chesapeake Shores Season 2 premiere?
As for the time, it is currently listed as August 6th at 10pm EST. That's the latest any NEW movie will end on the Hallmark Channel - at midnight! That's unfortunate, since families enjoy watching these movies together. Thank goodness for recording devices!!! :)
And now it looks like the Hallmark webpage for the movie itself has it listed as August 19 again! And yet the schedule has a gaping hole for the 2 hours after the Chesapeake Shores premiere and for August 19 at 9. So strange!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to guess they'll just put on Golden Girls reruns on the 6th and move Mitford back to the 19th. But we'll see!
Yeah, I saw that, too! I put unknown - in the right side panel earlier today and I just updated the post above with "currently unknown" until we find out.
DeleteI've contacted Hallmark, so I'm awiting official word now, but I'm guessing it will be the 19th, too... however, like you said - we'll see!!! :)
Update: Just wanted to make sure anyone reading this line of comments knows the premiere date for "At Home in Mitford" is officially Sunday August 20, 2017 at 10pm following a new episode of Chesapeake Shores.
DeleteOh, my....I found an interview with Cameron Mathison today and was floored that he is playing Father Tim...and like so many of you, I really like him as an actor...however, he is just not the right fit to play Father Tim...I am on the third read of the Mitford books as they have been my favorite series...and as I read, I had hoped that someday someone would make a film of the books..and voila, it is happening...What happened to our 60 year old Father Tim?? and where is our blonde Cynthia Coppersmith?? Now I wonder what other characters will be changed from the books?? I will watch it and do look forward to seeing those books come to life and all the wonderful people who inhabit Mitford...Am truly hoping that no one else gets changed so dramatically...Did Hallmark think that no one would watch the film if older actors played the parts?
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your comment, Diane. As well-loved as these characters are, and since Jan Karon created so many wonderful books around the town of Mitford - it is hard to imagine, even actors we like, in these roles, who don't look anything like the characters described in the books. I'm sure this Hallmark movie will be nice, but I must agree, it will be rather difficult to imagine them as our beloved portly Father Tim and blonde Cynthia.
DeleteThis was my favorite book series ever. The movie was all wrong and I'm very disappointed in the casting of the two main characters. I love them both as actors, but they are all wrong for their parts. There are so many little things from the books that were missing that I don't know where to begin. I wish it would become a series with the casting corrected and the so so important details remembered.
DeleteIn the preview, it almost looks like Cynthia is the main character?? (Father Tim is definitely the main character!) Maybe Hallmark thinks people will want to see younger actors, but that simply not true for Mitford fans. Oh well, I recently cancelled my satellite service and will have to wait for it on Netflix:(
ReplyDeleteI am imagining the movie will be a younger take on the characters we love so much. There is no way Cameron Mathison is the Father Tim we know and love from the books. This will be a "based on" the books movie.
ReplyDeleteJust finished the series and LOVED them! I ran across the movie tonight by accident. Sooo excited to watch it. Will there be more movies?
ReplyDeleteMovie does not follow the book at all. I can't watch the rest of it. I will continue to use my imagination as what the characters look like. They have made up characters that are not in the book.....and Dooley is nothing like he is portrayed in the book. Worst adaptation of a book ever!! Especially when they messed up my favorite books!!
ReplyDeleteJust happened to catch this movie this evening. This movie is not the Mitford books I read. Not. at. All. It's been made into a typical, Hallmark sentimental piece of fluff. I honestly don't mean to be harsh, but am just so disappointed that the movie bears little resemblance to the books or the characters.
ReplyDeleteI am watching this right now and I think someone who had not read the Mitford books would probably enjoy this, but at an hour in, it has already deviated from the book so much, that as a Mitford fan I am so disappointed. There are additional characters, and some characters are totally not the same as they are in the books. Beyond the age (too young) of the actors in the main roles, there's not hardly any of the quirky-ness of Mitford and it's people. No Miss Sadie, no Esther and no orange marmalade cake. And Dooley doesn't have red hair! I will never understand why movie producers feel the need to so change the story and characters from best sellers. There's not a mention of the movie on Jan Karon's Facebook page recently and Hallmark certainly didn't promote it, at east not like they do other movies/shows (Chesapeake Shores, which also deviates greatly from the book series), so I wonder if Hallmark knew true Mitford fans would not be happy?
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice movie. I enjoyed it. But it is not at all like the book, that disappointed me.
ReplyDeleteI was excited to have Mitford come to life. But when I saw the casting, my heart sunk. After 15 minutes of watching it I switched the channels and started reading the book, again, just to clear my head of the images of the clearly miscast actors.
ReplyDeleteOne, the book is about Father Tim, a soon to be 60 year old priest who is struggling with how well is he ministering toward his 200 congregants. His image is so clearly stamped into my brain that when Mathison's face was revealed as the soon to be 60 year old Father Tim, it was a jarring experience and not a pleasant one at that!
Two, Cynthia was not the main character in the book (I guess Hallmark felt McDowell should be Mitford's face and not Father Tim!) but a very integral part of who Father Tim becomes during his walk with God. She was a blond, not a brunette, and she didn't almost run Father Tim over on his bike, which he didn't own in the book! He had an aging Buick sitting in his garage that never saw daylight!
Three, Dooley is a ragtag, dirty, grubby boy from the mountains. He wasn't dropped off with Father Tim by a grandfatherly figure who himself was clean and neatly trimmed. This version of Dooley doesn't even remotely resemble the weak character they have in the movie.
Four, Barnabas is described as a large black mutt who always jumps on most people but who Father Tim controls through quoting scripture! He literally ran at Father Tim and licked his face clean as Father Tim attempted to get inside the church early in the morning. It wasn't love at first sight.
As for the other characters, I cannot say as I couldn't tolerate the movie past the 15 minute mark.
Poor acting with the usual cast of faces that Hallmark always offers up. This cast was chosen for their popularity factor only. None of the actors my poor eyes saw even remotely resembled the characters in the books.
Mitford is described as a small town, and not bustling like they show in the movie. The Mitford in the books doesn't resemble the town I saw in the first 15 minutes of this poor version of the book. Of course, here I can say it may well do so, but as I stated, after 15 minutes I turned the channel.
Jan Karon should of been the one to write the script. She didn't, that is clear. Her failure to make sure Hallmark or whoever she sold the rights to, kept true to the book, is disappointing.
If you never read the books, you'd never know the difference. The millions that did will either accept Hallmarks version of it or they will do as I did, turn it off and never view it again.
#Hallmark, you lost a great opportunity to bring people my age to your channel. I'm tired of the same plaster faces, bad acting, rushed filming, and the same story line. Hallmark, Hallmarked this movie!
No wonder many I know have turned away from their movies. It's the same stamp on each. Only saving grace for this channel are the mystery movies.
Looking forward to the next book coming out. I have preordered it and I know it will help to free my brain of the images in this movie.
I get everyone not liking this not following the books, and I get it cause if you have ever read the Aurora Teagarden series (which I have) the movies featuring CCB are very different. In fact a Bundle of Trouble book has a major life changing ending that the movie did not have. And I hear you with the cell phones, cause the Teagrden books were before cell phones and that actually played a big role in what happened in the A Bundle of Trouble. I was mad about this at first cause I LOVE the books, but I just decided to treat the movies as "based" on the books. The Chesapeake Shores show and books, 2 totally different things too. The O'Briens of the beloved book series are red heads. Abby, is a red head. Bree buys a flower shop. I guess this is what happens when they make movies out of books, you feel disappointed but you have to just realize they wont be the same.
ReplyDeleteWatched the Hallmark Mitford movie last night & loved it. I realize it wasn't exact but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought they did a good job. Hope there will be a sequel.
ReplyDeleteI'm appalled that this movie would dare to call itself At Home in Mitford. It is a travesty. If I were Jan Karon I would be horrified. The characters are not even recognizable as being from the book and neither is Mitford. It IS supposed to be in the South ya know. Might have helped if the producer, director etc., had actually read the book!
ReplyDeleteOverall I'll have to say it was a let down experience--so not Mitford. Moved very slow and lacked the lovable charm of many of Mitford's favorite characters.
ReplyDeleteI have read all of the Mitford and Father Tim books and have loved them all. It didn't bother me that the age and size of Father Tim in the movie didn't match up with the books. I would love to see the whole book series turned into a tv series, or each book turned into a movie. Good, wholesome tv. I'll have more please.
ReplyDeleteVery disappointed in the choice to play Father Tim. Totally changes the feel of the movie from the book. Dooley isn't right either. Sad.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know if they're planning more Mitford movies- I hope NOT!
ReplyDeleteTerrible adaptation of a wonderful book. Andie McDowell is much older than Cameron. That age diffetence was not in the book. Doesnt work in the movie. Not like book at all. Watched about 15 minutes
ReplyDeletePlease no sequel.
ReplyDeletePlease, please, NO sequel! Enough damage has been done already.
DeleteI just watched At Home in Mitford last night. This is one of my favorite book series. Andie McDowell looks like she has a headache the whole time. I actually turned her off after about 10 minutes, but then later watched the rest, only because of my faithfulness to the book series. It was painful to get through. Cynthia has a sparkling personality with a strong will, someone like Lori Laughlin or Lauren Holly.
ReplyDeleteSomeone like Treat Williams should play Father Tim. Cameron is wonderful and handsome, but too young. Even Dooley was completely miscast. He should have red hair. Did the producers even read the book? I will not be watching for the sequels of this wonderful book series.
I loved At Home in Mitford and looking forward to the sequel. I am a huge fan of the Midford books and a huge fan of Cameron Mathison. I especially liked him in the movie. Awaiting for the sequel
ReplyDeleteThus far, there has not been any word of there actually being a sequel made. The movie was not well-received by many viewers who understandably didn't like the way the book changed so much for this movie version. Due to this reaction, I'm not so sure there will be any more.
DeleteWhy on earth would they cast the movie like this? Everything is wrong!! I'm so disappointed.
ReplyDeleteThey are drawing in young people, or hope to. Only those who read the books would understand why fans of the series are upset by Hallmark's interpretation of them.
DeleteI partially blame Jan Karon and her representative who helped to sell the books. She should of had been given the right to make sure any script written kept true to her books.
Sad. I'll not ever watch the movies should they make more. It's a personal boycott of a badly made movie.
Does anyone know what mix of breeds Barnabas is? Sure missed seeing the reason his name was chosen: Father Tim quoting scripture to make him behave!
ReplyDeleteBarnabas (in the movie) is a Caucasian Ovcharka. I thought both Barnabas and Violet, in the film, stole the show for me!
DeleteWatched the whole thing, but I should have turned it off. VERY little resemblance to the books! I actually went to the FB page for the show and rated it as low as I could! Why did they even want to make it if they were going to change it so much?! What was the point? Very disappointing!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I enjoyed the movie, as I do all Hallmark movies, one thing bothered me. A priest can't get married but a pastor can. It's all about the religious beliefs. Other than that I enjoyed it. I look forward to watching all new and old movies.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand, since Father Tim is an Episcopal Priest it is okay for him to be married.
DeleteAlthough I've always enjoyed Andie MacDowell and Cameron Mathison in other movies. I also quit watching after about 20 minutes in. Casting is all wrong. For a woman of 60 ish she is lovely. She just looks substantially older then he. For a man of 47 ish he looks substantially younger. Just couldn't connect to a romance.
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of the Mitford series, which I've read many times over, it was very distressing to see this movie take away the very essence of what Mitford has come to represent to myself and millions of readers. When one becomes so enthralled with a fictional world that you feel you've been there it feels so very wrong to see not only small details changed, but some of what I feel are essentials completely discounted. Casting was not true to the books' characterizations, and when Dooley was introduced as a clean cut little guy whose parents were deployed I had to turn it off. I'm sure this movie would work for someone who had not read the books, but as a lover of the Jan Karon series it was one disappointment after another. I lasted about 25 minutes and had to stop.
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t get past the first 10 minutes. The characters were cast wrong and the town was not the Mitford in my head. As an ardent fan, I was greatly disappointed that Hallmark allowed the casting to be done to suit the main actress (who didn’t pull Cynthia off at all!) who claimed she wanted to do justice to the book. Anything but justice was done. The characters were DOA and lacked such depth that even those who never read the books should wonder why they even were created!
ReplyDeleteI did make one mistake in my first review. After going back and reading the first book again, I saw that Father Tim did indeed have a scooter. But if figured so loosely in the story line after he had his car fixed up and running that the scooter was forgotten!
But I am more disappointed in the fact that Jan Karon didn’t make sure that Hallmark and the production company would staryed true to her story before selling away her rights to it. Yes. Many times books are bought and stories changed, but some have stayed true to the book as the author wouldn’t sale without that assurance. Hallmark missed a clear opportunity to move away from its typical slush of movie plots and bringing in something refreshing and new.
I’ll not watch it or any movies stemming from it. Mitford is dead on Hallmark but lives clear as day in my readers mind! Still adore the series.
Well ... I have not read the books as many of you have so my comments are coming from a different place.I do just love Cameron so I totally accepted him in this movie but I did not think think Andie was a good match for him.Something seemed sort of off about the pairing.Also the ending seemed rushed maybe or odd in some way.I guess maybe it was a bit of a let down because it bothered me that they didn't seem like a good match.
ReplyDeleteI encourage you to read the books. This will shed light on why fans of the series were so disappointed in Hallmarks adaptation of the first book. You’ll get lost in the Mitford world and see the characters as they were written to be!
DeleteI’m really surprised at the choice for Lead characters
ReplyDeleteMcDowell and Mathison little odd
Just saw this advertized. Really somewhat appalled at Cameron Matheson playing Father Tim-that is so wrong. Andie McDowell as Cynthia is somewhat better but she doesn't seem to be quite right. Have to assume since it's only been on once it wasn't well received.
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