Hallmark Entertainment (USA): 11

King Solomon’s Mines (2004) became the fifth film adaptation of Henry Rider Haggard’s 1885 novel. The story follows a wealthy businessman, Mr. Bitter, on a safari in Africa with his guides Allan Quatermain and Bruce McNabb. Despite Mr. Bitter’s desire to kill a family of elephants, Quatermain objects but is betrayed and overpowered by McNabb when they open fire. The mother elephant later wreaks havoc on their camp, ultimately leading to Bitter’s demise and her own death as Quatermain prepares to put her out of her misery. Meanwhile, Samuel Maitland, an affluent British explorer, sends a letter ...

In the Beginning (2000), an American biblical miniseries directed by Kevin Connor, follows the journey of Abraham’s tribe in their travels and challenges. Originally airing on NBC, this narrative takes place around 2000 B.C. As depicted in Genesis 12, God instructs Abraham and his followers to leave their country for a new land promised to be rich and bountiful. To uplift his followers during their journey, Abraham shares a sermon summarizing God’s creation of the universe. Through the use of stock footage and special-effects shots, the producers aim to connect ancient sermons with modern ...

Based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote (2000) is a television film produced by Hallmark Entertainment and distributed by TNT. Directed by Peter Yates and written by John Mortimer, this adaptation follows the story of an hidalgo who obsessively reads chivalry novels and eventually loses his sanity. Believing himself to be a knight named Don Quixote de La Mancha, he embarks on imagined adventures with his loyal squire, the simple farmer Sancho Panza. Together, they rescue damsels in distress and battle giants ...

The American made-for-television Biblical drama film, Mary, Mother of Jesus (1999), shares the story of Jesus from his mother’s perspective. While not all events depicted in the film can be found in the New Testament, it highlights Mary’s significance in Jesus’ life. For instance, it suggests that his parables were inspired by stories told to him by his mother during his childhood. Additionally, the film portrays the risen Jesus appearing to Mary privately. In the closing scene, Mary encourages the disciples to continue spreading Jesus’ teachings and emulating his love and way of life even after his death.

Grace and Glorie (1998) is an American television play that aired as part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame series on CBS. When a solitary former New Yorker takes up residence with a senior in the countryside to serve as a hospice worker, they appear to have little in common at first. Yet, over time, they discover a strong connection, even sharing a common experience of losing a child. As their relationship grows, they also gain insights about life.

The American Western CBS TV miniseries, True Women (1997), is based on a 1993 novel by Janice Woods Windle and directed by Karen Arthur. It follows the story of sisters Euphemia Texas Ashby and Sara McClure. Euphemia returns home from picking flowers to find that Sam Houston is visiting. As Santa Anna approaches, they are forced to flee east in the Runaway Scrape. Sara suffers a miscarriage and her son Little Johnnie dies in Euphemia’s arms while attempting to cross a river. Along the way, many other Texans, both ...

The made-for-television drama film, Mandela and de Klerk (1997), was written by Richard Wesley and directed by Joseph Sargent. In a highly publicized trial on June 12, 1964, Nelson Mandela and several other political detainees received life imprisonment sentences, making it the most famous treason case in South Africa’s history. Their imprisonment on Robben Island became a powerful symbol of the fight against apartheid and the quest for freedom for black South Africans. Nearly three decades later, on February 2, 1990, President F.W. De Klerk announced the ...

The miniseries Invasion (1997), adapted from Robin Cook’s novel, featured Luke Perry, Kim Cattrall, and Rebecca Gayheart. Touching small rocks that fall from the sky activates a hidden virus within humans, transforming them into aliens. With their collective mindset, these beings are fiercely committed to converting every human on the planet at a rapid pace. However, there is a limited group of individuals with medical expertise who can create antibodies to counteract ...

The Sunshine Boys (1996) is an American comedy TV film, helmed by director John Erman and based on Neil Simon’s eponymous 1972 play. The story follows Al Lewis and Willy Clark, two cantankerous comedians who were once part of the famed duo ‘Lewis and Clark’, also known as the Sunshine Boys. However, after a successful 43-year run, they went their separate ways with a bitter falling-out and have had no contact since. Now, a major network is planning a reunion for a comedy history special.

The American drama film, My Brother’s Keeper (1995), was helmed by director Glenn Jordan. It follows the story of twin brothers, Bo and Tom Bradley, who are both beloved teachers in the Long Island school district. When Tom is diagnosed with HIV, they are presented with an opportunity for a life-saving bone marrow transplant. However, just before the surgery, their insurance company denies coverage, prompting them to take legal action in hopes of saving Tom’s life.

Blue River (1995), an American made-for-television action film directed by Larry Elikann, depicts the tumultuous bond between two brothers. The story follows a young teenage boy, Edward, as he navigates his relationship with his troubled older brother. This emotional journey is told through an extended flashback, with the present-day reunion of the two siblings fifteen years later serving as bookends. Edward is growing up in a broken family, abandoned by their father and controlled by their mother’s newfound Christian beliefs. Adding to the chaos is the self-righteous school principal who has taken an interest in ...