WHEN CALLS THE HEART: Maggie Grace, Stephen Amell Help Launch New Hallmark Series

The Hallmark Channel launches their new original series, When Calls the Heart, with a 2-hour movie event on Saturday, October 19 at 8/7c.

Based on the Canadian West series by Jeanette Oke, When Calls the Heart follows young teacher Elizabeth Thatcher (newcomer Poppy Drayton) as she takes her first post at a school in a coal mining town in Western Canada in the late 19th century. The movie introduces viewers to Elizabeth, her family who are reluctant to let her go teach in the wilds, and young Edward, freshly graduated from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy and on his way to accept his own post in the West.

Elizabeth’s decision to take this post, offered after she rebuffs the advances of a rather sleazy Superintendent who has the power to give positions in preferred schools to young women who are willing to reciprocate with certain “favors”. He isn’t overt, but the insinuation is clear and Elizabeth is horrified by the suggestion. She graduated at the top of her class and received notice for her presentation on modern teaching methods; on top of that, she’s a woman of integrity and refinement. Elizabeth flatly rejects the Superintendent’s overtures and is given a post in the Canadian wild West instead of at the progressive, modern, local school he dangled in front of her at first.

Her family is not happy about the prospect of Elizabeth moving so far away, especially her sister Julie. The Thatchers are wealthy and refined, not used to roughing it in the least, and Elizabeth herself is the least adventurous member of the family. Elizabeth has her own misgivings, but when she chances upon an old diary belonging to her namesake, her Aunt Elizabeth, she finds inspiration.

Here the movie switches to flashbacks with Maggie Grace as Aunt Elizabeth and Stephen Amell as Wynn Delaney, leaving behind his Oliver Queen persona to play a slightly bashful farmer. Aunt Elizabeth also went West to teach, and chronicled her experiences in her diary. At first, Elizabeth is distressed by her Aunt’s account of her first days at the rustic schoolhouse. Stories of mice and mud and nearly burning down the schoolhouse undermine her confidence, but soon Aunt Elizabeth finds her balance and becomes a part of her new community.

Aunt Elizabeth’s story of trial and triumph and romance lead her niece to decide to leave her safe, sheltered life and embarks on the long journey West. Adventure awaits her on the trail, as does romance, and when she finally arrives in Coal Valley, she is surprised by what she finds.

When Calls the Heart is the launch for the series by the same name, coming to The Hallmark Channel in January 2014. The series will continue the story of Elizabeth (Drayton), Mountie Edward (Daniel Sharman), and the town of Coal Valley. Lori Loughlin and Jean Smart co-star as mothers determined to provide the best education possible for their children.

As with all things Hallmark, When Calls the Heart is family friendly and faith-oriented. I read Oke’s series some years ago and this production does a fine job of bringing it to screen. The quality of the production is solid, with detailed costumes and sets that immerse the viewer in the period. The flashbacks, with the more experienced actors, establish a strong foundation for young Elizabeth’s story and allow the viewer to become emotionally invested in both her decision and her success.

This is Drayton’s first big role, and her inexperience shows; however, she is charming and becomes more confident in her portrayal as the movie progresses. She has the look of an idealist, fresh out of school, and we’re sure she will make a few wrong steps along the way, but she also has a tangible strength of will and integrity that ought to serve her well. I’m looking forward to watching Drayton in this role.

When Calls the Heart, the movie, premieres Saturday, October 19 at 8/7c on The Hallmark Channel.