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NASHVILLE — Weeks before America’s most beloved evangelist celebrates his 90th birthday, the independent film “Billy: The Early Years,” is scheduled for theatrical release Oct. 10.
The film’s national release comes three weeks after two of Billy Graham’s grandsons, Basyle and Aram Tchividjian, published their tabletop gift book honoring their grandfather. The book, “Invitation: Billy and the Lives God Touched,” includes stories the pair collected from visitors to their tribute Web site.
The brothers said they decided to write the book after realizing that none of the works on their grandfather were written from the perspective of the everyday people whose lives were transformed by the evangelist.
One of the stories highlights a suicidal woman who changed her mind after accidentally stepping on the television remote and having a Billy Graham special pop up on the screen.
“Perhaps they scan a few words from a crumpled booklet in the half- light of an airplane reading lamp or they hear a clear ringing voice out from the car radio, or they see the flickering image of a man at a podium in a sea of people on the television. And somehow that message breaks through to their deepest need and speaks straight to the ache … that sense of emptiness of having no purpose,” the brothers write.
While the book focuses on the whole of Graham’s ministry, the film chronicles the formational years, including his tent revival salvation experience.
“It captures the true essence of Graham’s life’s journey from an earnest young man at the crossroads of faith and doubt, to ultimately facing the moment of decision that launched one of history’s most influential evangelists,” the movie synopsis reads.
“Starting out with the tranquility of the Graham dairy farm in North Carolina, ‘Billy: The Early Years’ depicts the look and feel of the Depression-era as we accompany Graham to the tent revival where he finally heeds the altar call, and follows him through the struggle of doubt and resolution of the next decade of his life. The film paints a vivid portrait of Graham against the backdrop of his relationship with the evangelical star of the 1940s, Charles Templeton, a gifted young preacher whose faith would not withstand the onslaught of scientific skepticism.”
As the friends part ways, the movie highlights how Graham’s ministry begins as the “rising tide of disbelief” emerges in America.
“The movie’s power lies in its honest portrayal of Graham’s struggle with the ideas represented in Templeton’s eventual unbelief and shows how Graham’s faith, so compellingly represented in the film, goes on to change the face of modern evangelism in the second half of the 20th century.”
No BGEA endorsement
The Billy Graham Evangelical Association, which produces its own films, is not endorsing the film, according to a statement released by Franklin Graham, who now heads the association founded by his father.
“The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has not collaborated with nor does it endorse the movie, ‘Billy: The Early Years,’ ” the younger Graham wrote. “The content lacks my father’s greatest passion: to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the world and point men, women and children to His saving power. While the movie covers many aspects of my father’s early years, it depicts events that never happened or are greatly embellished.
“My father’s life has been documented in many ways, and I have always appreciated those who painstakingly sought to tell his story accurately.’
But Gigi Graham, the oldest daughter of Billy and Ruth Graham, offers an endorsement on the film’s Web site.
“My two greatest concerns before I saw the film were, 1. Would the gospel of Jesus Christ be presented clearly? And, 2. Would this film present Daddy and Mother in a positive way? I was very pleased that yes, the gospel is clearly presented, and my daddy, my mother and the ministry are all presented in a most positive way.”
Striking portrayal
In the film, Graham is portrayed in the film by rising young star, Armie Hammer (“Veronica Mars,” “Flicka”), who will star as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the upcoming film, “Justice League: Mortal.” Producers call Hammer’s performance “an incredibly authentic and poignant Graham, and (Hammer)takes the viewer deep into the heart of this iconic world-renowned, yet humble, figure.”
Hammer, great-grandson of Armand Hammer of Occidental Petroleum, won the role after talent searches in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
“He walked into the room and delivered an audition that almost channeled the young Graham in real life,” the producers said, adding that the young actor watched hours and hours of tape on Graham and read countless sermons in preparation for the audition.
The role of Ruth Graham is portrayed by Stefanie Butler, who has appeared in the CBS dramas “CSI: N.Y.” and “Shark.” Acting veterans Martin Landau and Lindsay Wagner also star.
Making his film debut is multimillion-selling country recording artist Josh Turner, whose rich baritone voice brought to life the role of Gospel Music Hall of Fame member and longtime Graham musical partner, George Beverly Shea.
“It was an easy decision to make, accepting the part of George Beverly Shea. Billy Graham and everyone that took part in making those crusades happen … going all across the world, the people they’ve influenced,” said Turner, whose rendition of the gospel classic “Almost Persuaded-” is featured on the soundtrack. “It’s just unbelievable what they have accomplished.”
Other musical treats featured on the 13-song movie soundtrack (Arista Nashville and Essential Records) are diverse offerings from Roy Orbison to The Blind Boys of Alabama. Other artists include Brooks & Dunn with Mac Powell, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Michael W. Smith with Melinda Doolittle, Josh Turner, Brad Paisley, Brandon Heath and Patty Griffin.
“Anyone who knows me knows of my immense respect for Billy Graham,” Smith said. “I wanted to be a part of this project to, in some small way, pay tribute to him – and to Ruth. There is a very small handful of people who actually impact culture and society. Without a doubt, Billy did that. I hope this project gives people a glimpse into his life and into what made him the man he is.”
For more information on the book, visit www.thankyoubilly.com. For more information on the movie, go to www.billytheearlyyears.com.
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