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Carole Mikita Reporting "The Work and The Glory", the last in a film trilogy premieres tonight. In three parts, this is the biggest Latter-day Saint film venture ever.
Based on the best-selling novels of Gerald Lund, businessman Larry Miller spent millions and hired Hollywood actors to bring those stories to the big screen. The last installment in the film series follows early Latter-day Saints from the dedication of their first temple in Ohio to confrontations with mobs in Missouri.
This cast has had an unusual experience, having spent two and a half years together, they now consider themselves family.
Alexander Carroll, "The Work and The Glory III": "I play in a basketball league with Eric Johnson. Sam and I, we get together once a week, we have lunch, whatever. Brenda's having us all over for Thanksgiving."
46 acres in western Tennessee served as the multi-state set with no expenses spared. It's a Hollywood quality production.
Larry Miller has invested millions in this film series so the question is, what's the measure of success? Does it simply boil down to ticket and DVD sales?
Elder Gerald Lund, Author, "The Work & The Glory": "I worry about anyone that puts forth that kind of investment, but Larry's commitment from the beginning has been to the project. He said up front, 'I'm not in this to make money.'"
Sam Hennings, who plays Benjamin Steed, feels success has come through letters and e-mails from audience members.
Sam Hennings: "Parents, adult men, come up to me and say, 'I can't tell you how much you've helped me with my children.' Well, that has to land in the heart and it makes it all worthwhile."
As the third film in a trilogy, cast and crew hope it lives up to its subtitle, "The Inspiring Final Chapter".
"The Work & The Glory III" premiers tonight at 7:00 at Jordan Commons and in Utah theaters Nov. 22nd. The cast members hope there will be more, but word from Larry Miller through publicity is that the film trilogy will likely be it.
