Hallmark Channel to Premiere Movie "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" September 26  9/9/10

GLOBAL FILM DARLING 'HACHI: A DOG'S TALE' WILL HAVE US TV PREMIERE ONLY ON HALLMARK CHANNEL, SEPTEMBER 26

EMMY(R) AWARD NOMINEE AND GOLDEN GLOBE WINNER RICHARD GERE, ACADEMY AWARD(R) NOMINEE JOAN ALLEN, AND EMMY(R) AWARD NOMINEE JASON ALEXANDER STAR IN LASSE HALLSTR?M'S REMARKABLE FILM ABOUT A FAITHFUL DOG WHO SHOWS THE WORLD THE TRUE MEANING OF LOYALTY

Based on the True Story of Hachiko, the Faithful Akita from Shibuya

Hallmark Channel has acquired exclusive TV rights to the much sought after film that has become a global theatrical sensation, "Hachi: A Dog's Tale," and announces the film's US Television Premiere will be seen only on Hallmark Channel, Sunday, September 26 @ 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8c. Based on a true story, and starring three-time Emmy(R) Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Richard Gere, three-time Oscar(R) nominee Joan Allen, seven-time Emmy(R) Award nominee Jason Alexander, and directed by three-time Oscar(R) nominee Lasse Hallstr?m, the remarkable film chronicles the life of a dog who faithfully returns for his master every day for 10 years after the man has died.

Richard Gere has no explanation as to why the critically acclaimed film did not get a US theatrical window, but he says in this statement, "I can tell you this: we're all really thrilled that Hallmark Channel stepped up to put this movie on television so it can finally be seen by everyone."

Michelle Vicary, Senior Vice President, Scheduling & Acquisitions, Hallmark Channels said, "I saw this film at the LA Film Festival and was immediately drawn in. Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Jason Alexander and Lasse Hallstr?m are such gifted, talented artists and filmmakers. "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" is a perfect fit with the Hallmark brand, and we expect audiences will be tremendously moved by Hachi's story."

In "Hachi: A Dog's Tale," Richard Gere ("Chicago," "And the Band Played On") stars as Professor Parker Wilson, a distinguished scholar who discovers a lost Akita puppy on his way home from work. Despite initial objections from Wilson's wife, Cate (Joan Allen, "Georgia O'Keefe," "Nixon"), Hachi endears himself to the Wilson family and grows to be Parker's loyal companion.

One day, as the Professor heads to the train station to go to work, Hachi follows. Wilson orders the dog home, but is astonished to find him waiting at the train that evening. This becomes de rigueur for Professor Wilson and Hachi.

As their bond grows deeper, a spirited relationship unfolds that extends and develops beyond life's unexpected tragedies: Like the day Parker Wilson has a sudden heart attack and dies. Devastated, Cate and the children sell the home and move away.

Hachi, unaware his master has died, devotedly and stubbornly follows the routine dog and master have become accustomed to ? he goes to the train station every single evening. Hachi's devotion inspires the small New England community, including station master Andy (Jason Alexander, "The Fairly Odd Parents," "Seinfeld) who feeds and cares for him. As Hachi continues his increasingly grim journey to the train station, a one year vigil turns into 10, until Hachi also dies. The film's touching parable is as much about the emotional fallout of death as it is Hachi's remarkable devotion.

"Hachi: A Dog's Tale" is an Inferno Production and Grand Army Entertainment in association with Opperman Viner Chrystyn Productions. Jeff Abberly and Julia Blackman are Executive Producers. Sam Frankel and Tom Lusa are Co-Executive Producers. The screenplay is by Stephen P. Lindsey. The film is based on the motion picture Hachiko Monogatari which was written by Kaneto Shindo. The film is directed by Oscar nominee Lasse Hallstr?m ("The Cider House Rules," "My Life As A Dog").

Source: Hallmark Channel Press Release