Unlike many movies on Lifetime, the female characters in this production are not tragic victims. They are, however, survivors. The characters of Jill and Amanda have a strong mother/daughter relationship. The relationship has not been typical, however, as Amanda was forced by her mother's illness to take on the role of caregiver at a young age. Once the operation is completed, their roles and relationship start to change. Both mother and daughter come to a turning point in their lives in this film.
Says Frank von Zerneck, executive producer of the film, "This very special mother-daughter relationship is at the core of this story. But we also deal with what it is like to experience something as dramatic as a heart transplant and getting a second chance at life."
The film is based on Claire Sylvia's book "A Change of Heart." A real life heart/lungs transplant recipient herself, Sylvia noticed that some of her attitudes, habits and tastes changed after her surgery. Believing her dreams were giving her clues about her donor, she began a search for the donor's family. This experience, and the research she conducted on cellular memory, led to her memoir, "A Change of Heart."
The book was adapted for television by Joan Taylor ("Fools Rush In") and Peter Silverman ("Hill Street Blues" and "Moonlighting"). Dick Lowry ("Atilla") directs.
Any film that raises public awareness about the important of organ donations deserves support. The film is sentimental at times but not overly so, at least not for your typical Lifetime Original Movie. Fans of Jane Seymour and heartfelt programs should enjoy it.
"Heart of a Stranger" premieres on the Lifetime Television for Women cable network on Monday, December 9. For more information, please see http://www.lifetimetv.com.
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