Gavin MacLeod is known for piloting 'The Love Boat' to a loyal fan base and strong ratings for more than a decade -- but if you ask the iconic TV star who's behind the wheel these days, he's not likely to mention his beloved alter-ego Captain Merrill Stubing. Today, when he tells Fox News, "I know who my Admiral is," he's referring to that big skipper in the sky. As in God.Now 79 and a born-again Christian, MacLeod is embarking on a new chapter in a 50-year career that has seen him star on successful TV shows such as 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'The Love Boat' and share the screen with legends like Moore, Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. With his latest film 'The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry' (in select theaters now), MacLeod is plunging headlong into the burgeoning Christian film industry.
In the film, MacLeod portrays the titular elderly widower who, in the summer of 1970, uses Biblical teachings to help a 12-year-old boy and his friends cope with a bully, a secret crush and just growing up in general. And despite the fact that there's no one named Moore or Grant starring opposite him in the movie, Gavin confesses, "The biggest honor I have ever had was to play the role of Jonathan Sperry in this simple but special film."
MacLeod is not alone in expressing these sentiments, as it is becoming progressively more apparent that there is a viable market for Christian cinema and a new breed of Christian filmmakers who are tired of complaining about Hollywood's lack of faith-affirming output and looking to fill the void. Following in the footsteps of the Kendrick brothers, who scored a surprise box office hit with last year's faith-based Kirk Cameron-starrer 'Fireproof,' twins Dave and Rich Christiano co-wrote 'Secrets' (which Rich also directed and produced) and eschewed the usual Hollywood tactic of scoring a big-name distributor in favor of turning directly to churches for financial support.
The film debuted in 118 theaters on September 18 and will gradually roll out through November, with 240 theaters committed to play it so far. That's not unusual for an independently financed film. What is unusual -- and, frankly, fascinating -- is that each venue that screens the movie is sponsored by a church or group of church members who ponied up $2,000 of their own money to get the film into the theater. If 'Secrets' grosses upwards of $4,500 in that location, the church gets their investment back in full. That's what you call an act of faith.
Reader Comments (72)
Sally G at 6:13AM on Sep 26th 2009
For a church to be able to pay $2000 for a single screening implies a REALLY BIG budget/congregation. Most royalties for nonprofits are MUCH less than this, in my experience.
Lisa Beckham at 6:50AM on Sep 26th 2009
Actually Sally G, it does not require a big congregation with a big budget to sponsor a movie such as this. Our church, though small in number, stepped out on our faith to try to sponsor this movie as an outreach in our small community right outside of Houston. During a Sunday evening bible study the pastor brought this sponsorship to our attention and immediately the 15 to 20 people there responded by stepping out on faith to start an outreach fund that night with a beginning balance of $2,500. The very same night we let the people know that we wanted to sponsor this movie in a local theatre, only to find out that a bigger church would be given the chance to sponsor it. But this has not made our faith dwindle, we are using this outreach fund to find other ways to reach out in our community. We at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Porter, TX will continue to step out on faith until Jesus comes to take us home!
Dawn Petry at 9:55AM on Sep 26th 2009
Our Church (New Hope in Inwood, WV) of approx. 150 people was able to be a sponsor for this movie in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It is not about the size of the congregation to be able to afford the money, it is about doing what Christ has commanded us to do. We are a mission driven body and what better way to reach many people with God's message than being able to sponsor such a wonderful movie with a wonderful message about Christ. We have to be able to reach people in a way they understand. Someone will go to a movie before they will step foot into a church. By reaching someone in this way, they will hear about God and a seed will be planted. It is up to the Lord to work on this person's heart. Our church family was also there at the theatre for every showing passing out a copy of the book of John to everyone as they left the theatre. This copy of the Book of John was to reinforce the lessons taught in the movie. We hope that the movie was able to plant a seed and the booklet (God's word) will help water the seed. God is amazing and can do amazing works in all those willing to accept and receive His free gift of Salvation. First, acknowledge you are a sinner (Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God), ask Him for forgiveness of these sins (Romans 10:13 - For whosever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved), and dedicate your life to serving Him (Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.)We are to serve with our whole heart, mind, and will to reach the lost. Please go see the movie and take a lost friend. The cost of one ticket is nothing compared to that friend spending an eternity in Hell, separated from Christ.
LIinda at 11:58AM on Sep 26th 2009
Sally - actually our church is a VERY small church. so the $2K was not only an act of faith, but of love. It is a wonderful movie is a quiet town setting. Reminds me of the town I grew up in. go see it, but bring a tissue. It was sold out in the 1st 2 nights I tried to see it. But the 1st showing on Sunday (1pm) was not as busy.
Jack Jack at 9:24PM on Sep 26th 2009
2000 dolllars is a small amount to pay say if you have 20 members that is 100 dollars each. Most really good outreach events that last one day cost at least half of thsi or 1000. The movie will run in most locations for at least a week and longer if more people see it. 2000 is a small amount to pay for reching the lost or hurting in the world today and changing lives.
Jimmie at 6:19AM on Sep 26th 2009
What a refreshing change of pace! I look forward to taking my grand daughter to see this. (You can't say that very often these days!)
Dani at 10:13AM on Sep 26th 2009
I totally agree. What a refreshing change from the 'norm' coming out of Hollywood these days. Takes me back to a 'gentler,kinder' era of movie making and Hollywood. Guaranteed no sex, violence or foul language in this one. Will be a pleasure to watch with the granddaughters!
MorningGirl at 6:54AM on Sep 26th 2009
I look forward to seeing this film with my family.
Cheryl at 6:59AM on Sep 26th 2009
I seen this movie last Saturday. I absolutely LOVED it!! It was the sweetest little movie with the BIGGEST message. I laughed, I cried but most importantly, I went away a better person for have seeing it. I encourage everyone to see it and especially take your children between the ages of 8 and 15. It will impact their lives and change them for the better.
Deb at 7:31AM on Sep 26th 2009
I saw this movie last weekend as well. It was filmed partially in my town. It is a fantastic, small budget film with a GIANT message to us all. Bring your kleenex, I guarantee you'll have a tear or two in your eye. Great job Mr. Christiano and cast and crew!
Charla at 7:03AM on Sep 26th 2009
I cannot wait for this film to come here, and hope it does. 'Fireproof' was a big hit here.
Cheryl at 7:48AM on Sep 26th 2009
Yes Charla, go see it at the theater and don't wait until the dvd comes out. It really felt special while seeing it with other Christians there. Afterwards while the credits started rolling we all stood up and clapped. It was sweet fellowship!
Suzanne at 7:01AM on Sep 26th 2009
Reenodok, will this tape be one of those things you'll be happy you spent time on when the end is near. If you're not sure, take some time now to consider what that really means. Some believe we are shown 2 movies when we die. One is of our life as we lived it, the other is our life as we could have lived it. Use your energy to do something good and meaningful, so when you are taking your last breath, you'll be at peace when you look back at your life.
charla at 7:06AM on Sep 26th 2009
WHO CARES!!
Tom at 7:28AM on Sep 26th 2009
Intelligent people do.
Cheryl at 7:44AM on Sep 26th 2009
We care and you might care if you go see the movie. I dare you to go see it and the write who cares afterwards. I don't think you could. God loves you!
cynharrelson at 2:07PM on Sep 26th 2009
Charla...@ 7:03 am your comment was a positive one. Now @ 7:06 am, you write "Who cares" Sounds like you have a monkey on your back. Go see the movie...Then come back with an intelligent comment.
About Time at 1:38PM on Sep 26th 2009
to see two off the wall comments and 8 postive ones shows me Christains still have the upper hand. I to look forwoard to seeing this movie with my family. In todays world we need more movies that gives us hope and teaches moarls and values at the same time. I say Thanks to the ones who made this movie.
Strawmanslave at 7:53AM on Sep 26th 2009
I have no dea why the Auther of this article is acting like MacLeod has just became a Chritian because he has been born again for at least over 20 years and has had his own Christion TV show for just as long.
sharon at 7:59AM on Sep 26th 2009
Gag me.