Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story(Movie, 1997)

Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story is a 1997 biographical television film directed by Jerry London from a teleplay by Linda Bergman, based on American country music singer Barbara Mandrell's 1990 autobiography Get to the Heart: My Story. The film chronicles the life and career of Mandrell, from her early years in her family's band to her rise to country music fame, and the 1984 car accident that nearly ended her career. It stars Maureen McCormick in the title role, along with Dwight Schultz, Greg Kean, and Lisa Blount in supporting roles. Get to the Heart was produced by Mandalay Television in association with Hallmark Entertainment, and was shot in Los Angeles in and around May 1997. In the film, McCormick plays Mandrell from age 14 through 38, and the actress prepared for the role by reading Mandrell's autobiography and watching tapes of the country singer. McCormick also did research on brain trauma so as to better understand Mandrell's experience in the aftermath of the accident. Although credited as an executive producer, Mandrell said she had little involvement in the making of the film due to her busy performance schedule. The film premiered on CBS on September 28, 1997.... ()