Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell, who previously starred together in the 2019 Hallmark Christmas movie Holiday Hearts, are coming together again for a fall-themed Hallmark movie titled Falling Together.
The movie is inspired by true events in Ashley's life, including her own mother's struggles with Alzheimer's. In an effort to meet more people, Ashley's character, Natalie, volunteers at the Walk to End Alzheimer's.
See details in Hallmark's press release below...
Press Release:
A WOMAN SEEKING COMMUNITY IN A NEW CITY FINDS PURPOSE AND BELONGING THROUGH THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S
ASHLEY WILLIAMS AND PAUL CAMPBELL STAR IN "FALLING TOGETHER," PREMIERING ON WORLD ALZHEIMER'S DAY, SEPTEMBER 21, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
Moving to a new city leads a woman to find fellowship and community through the Walk to End Alzheimer's when Ashley Williams (Notes of Autumn, Five More Minutes: Moments Like These) and Paul Campbell (Magic in Mistletoe, Three Wise Men and a Baby) star in Falling Together, a new, original movie premiering on World Alzheimer's Day, Saturday, September 21 (8 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel as part of the network's annual Fall into Love programming event.
Williams, who has written poignant, personal essays for People and Medium about her own mother's battle with Alzheimer's, serves as executive producer alongside her husband Neal Dodson (Love, Classified). She and her family have a longtime relationship with the Alzheimer's Association going back to when they were navigating their mother's illness, and they've been active in the cause by Williams serving as emcee for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's and hosting the Dance Party to End Alz each year with her family. To ensure the movie's accuracy, the Alzheimer's Association became involved by giving notes on the proper language to use when talking about the disease and advocating for involvement in the Walk, as well as providing the gear to capture the event's joy, color and authenticity.
"When I first moved to Manhattan a few years ago, I threw a 'chili party' in my apartment building to get to know everyone - and no one came. Once I worked my way through the shame...and the copious leftovers...I thought, 'Maybe there's a rom-com here!,' Williams shared. "Turns out this was the perfect leaping off point to reunite with my dear friend Paul Campbell in a hilarious, warm, comedy amongst the autumn leaves. The Alzheimer's Association was instrumental in providing resources for our family when my mother was ill, and getting to tell this story with their support is something I'm really proud of."
"Putting care into the world is a basic tenet of the Hallmark brand, so when Ashley and Neal brought this idea to us we felt it was a perfect fit," began Bart Fisher, Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media. "This is an important cause that affects so many people, whether it's the patient or a family member. We're happy to be able to help shine a light on it while also giving our viewers the kind of heartwarming story filled with romance that they know and love."
ABOUT FALLING TOGETHER
Natalie (Williams) just relocated to Pittsburgh for work and is eager to become part of her new town. While exploring her surroundings, she comes across the perfect opportunity for involvement and joins the Walk to End Alzheimer's as a volunteer. Meanwhile at home, her efforts to bring the building residents together as a community have fallen flat, and Mark (Campbell), the prickly super, advises her to leave well enough alone. As the two spend time together while Natalie continues her quest to win over her neighbors, she and Mark become close and a spark begins to grow. But just when it looks like building harmony has been restored, things unexpectedly unravel. Disheartened, Natalie focuses her time and energy on the Walk which just may be the path to healing and happily ever after.
To round out the viewer experience, Hallmark will make fashion, including wardrobe and accessories from Falling Together, available for purchase through online resale company LuxAnthropy, with all proceeds being donated to the Alzheimer's Association(R).
Falling Together is from Hallmark Media. Neal Dodson and Ashley Williams are executive producers. The movie is produced by Rob Lycar, Gemma Martini, Jamie Goehring and Shawn Williamson. Jonathan Shore serves as supervising producer. Mike Rohl directed from the teleplay by Rick Garman, based on a script by Adam Kulbersh.
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My Quick Take:
As someone who has cared for and watched a family member deal with the cruel illness of Alzheimer's, I hope this movie will be a touching tribute to the disease.
I recently heard the sad statistic that over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's dementia. If you have someone in your family or a friend who has Alzheimer's, please know that my heart and prayers go out to you. I personally know how difficult it is, and I appreciate that Hallmark is shining a light on this.
Please share your thoughts on this new movie in comments below.
Blessings to you all,
Net
I also watched a family go through it. They just called it old age, but I knew.
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope they handle this story well. Ashley and Paul are known for their comedy, so I hope they don’t poke fun at this in any way.
Allie B, I'm so sorry you've dealt with this in your family, too. I know how hard it is.
DeleteI, too, hope this issue is handled well. This sort of drama-style movie that pulls at our heartstrings is the kind of movie that used to air more typically on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, while the Hallmark Channel used to exclusively be the place for lighthearted rom-coms. I have a feeling this movie might be a mix of both, and I agree with you... I sincerely hope there isn't any comedy used around the seriousness and sadness of Alzheimer's.
With Ashley’s mom dying with Alzheimer’s and her and her sister being such big advocates for the disease, I don’t think she will poke fun at it. Don’t know about Campbell though. -Anonymous1
DeleteThis sounds nice if they handle this story with respect and dignity.
ReplyDeleteNeal Dodson is actually Ashley Williams’ real life Husband
ReplyDeleteNeal Dodson was executive producer for “Love On A Limb” starring Ashley Williams & Marilu Henner
ReplyDeleteAs lovely and important as this sounds, the horrid political influence both these actors have had over their movies the last few years has me worried.
ReplyDeleteI might record this, but I'm not touching it unless there's complete confirmation that it didn't go woke. -Maria
Maria, I completely agree. Various actors have a history of implementing certain subjects in their films. We'll see here how this one goes.
DeleteI completely agree with you, Maria! It’s a shame that two of the best/funniest went woke.-Anonymous1
DeleteHi Net,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my family has also gone through this as my mother-in-law died from the disease in January of 2022. I want to watch the movie but I am sure my husband will not be able to get through it. He is a very emotional person and he is still dealing with grief. I adored his mom. She was my surrogate mom because I lost my own mom to breast cancer 22 years ago and she was an angel to me on earth. Now, she is one in heaven along with my own mom. I know the movie will bring up a lot of terrible memories but I also believe it will be a way to celebrate her and help us to continue to heal. Since Ashley has been affected deeply by this awful disease, I am certain she will make a movie that will touch a lot of people. I am very sorry you have gone through the pain of caring for someone with Alzheimer's. It really is tragic. Hugs to you!
Joan, Thank you, honey. My heart goes out to you and your husband. Watching a loved one go through that is beyond difficult. I know the movie will bring up a lot of emotion for so many of us who have been through this.
DeleteI'm so sorry for the loss of your dear mother-in-law. She sounds like she was such a special, wonderful mom for you both.
Hugs to you, too!
Hi Net,
DeleteThank you so much. :-) You are so sweet. Yes, my mother-in-law was very special. She was blessed to know my mom and when my mom passed, she told me "I know I can never replace your sweet mom, but I will be your 'surrogate mom', and I will be there for you always.
Paul Campbell. No thank you. I support the cause but not his views.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a touching movie. These topics can be so hard to watch for some because they have went through it with family members (as you mentioned Net) and some avoid watching because they don’t want to think of the possibility of it happening to a loved one. But I am glad the topic will be discussed, and I love Ashley Williams.
ReplyDelete~Paula
Paula, Well said. It should be a difficult watch either way for us as viewers. I imagine the subject of dementia will be handled with great sensitivity. At least, I hope it will be.
DeleteI remember reading her sister's book about their mother's Alzheimer's journey. I, too, have a family member living with Alzheimer's, so I'm aware of how it can impact a family. I know she will do a wonderful job with this movie.
ReplyDeleteDenise, I'm so sorry to hear about your family member currently dealing with this. Please know, having seen this firsthand myself, I will keep you and your family close in my prayers.
DeleteWe too have had several family members suffer from that horrid disease, it’s nice to see them bringing a movie that is putting it out there, I’ve had several Uncles and two Aunts who suffered from Alzheimer’s 💔🙏🏻~Susan Ann
ReplyDeleteSusan Ann, That is heartbreaking to hear how this disease has affected your family. My heart goes out to you and all of your loved ones.
DeleteI can’t tell exactly from the blurb but it kind of sounds like this movie is not so much a serious drama about Alzheimer's but, more so, a regular romantic comedy with a side story of volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association instead of the typical side story of volunteering to save the town festival or whatever. I think Ashley mentioned it would be “a hilarious, warm, comedy amongst the autumn leaves”. So, I’m hoping we get the usual lighthearted fun and romance we expect with these two stars (minus any woke stuff, of course!); and that they are also somehow able to make the viewers a bit more aware of the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and different forms of dementia, as well as the many needs of individuals and families dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteI, too, like so many others, have dealt with this disease in my immediate family. I’ve also worked in the field. It’s sad and wrenching. And stressful and exhausting(!!). And a whole bunch of other horrible things. But I discovered that you can also find joy and tender sweetness, and lots of laughter and funny situations while walking through this. So, I hope this movie deals with this disease with the seriousness and dignity it is due; but I also hope it can show the joy and the laughter and the hope that is always still a part of life, even if, sometimes, only in small ways. Laughter is great medicine, not only for the caregiver, but also for the person living with dementia. For me, it always helped to try and find the humor in little things and laugh a bit in the midst of the sadness and, never-ending, daily stress. So, here’s hoping the movie helps us smile a bit, either from humor or poignant sweetness. ~~Jane
Jane, As usual, your comment was beautifully expressed. You are so right; dealing with this disease does come with a range of emotions. I remember difficult days and something funny would happen and we would laugh together. For that minute, they weren't labeled by a disease or forgetful, but they were happy and smiling. Even if for a short minute, that joyful moment helped to alleviate the stress of the day.
DeleteThat is wonderful that you worked in the field of helping people with dementia. I can just imagine the incredible patience and kindness you gave to those in your care.
God bless you, honey! Net
Back in the older days(anytime before LGTBQ troubles), I used to love watching these two actors, never saw them together, but they are talented and always give comedy to their movies. But unfortunately they are both for those troubling issues, so I will be unless I hear it’s clean. I hope so, because the storyline sound like it could be a HHofF.
ReplyDeletePraying for all those going through this illness, Papa went through it before he died. But on his deathbed, it was amazing. His disease went away. He came back like he was before and he was able to praise the Lord by playing Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by using a straw!! On tune, pitch perfect! A wonderful way to come to our Savior! It really showed the love our God has for us.
Abigail, Thank you for sharing that very precious story about your Papa. That is wonderful that you had that special moment before his home-going, and "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is such a beautiful, touching song.
DeleteThis movie does sound like one that would've been a Hallmark Hall of Fame back in the day. I sure miss those. I hope this new movie has that same feeling.