September 4, 2003

MULTIPLE EMMY AWARD-WINNER KIRSTIE ALLEY AND WILL PATTON STAR IN "A MATTER OF FAMILY," A NEW TELEVISION MOVIE THAT HAS COMPLETED PRODUCTION IN CALGARY, FOR BROADCAST ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

A MATTER OF FAMILY, a new television movie starring multiple Emmy Award-winner Kirstie Alley ("Veronica's Closet," "Cheers") and Will Patton ("The Agency," "Armageddon"), has completed production in Calgary, Alberta for broadcast on the CBS Television Network. In this movie based on a true story, a woman regarded by her neighbors as a devoted mother and pillar of her community is accused of heinous crimes, including being the mastermind of a crime family for more than 20 years.

In her upscale neighborhood of nice homes and manicured lawns, Brenda Geck (Alley) is considered a model citizen. She is a devoted mother and wife who opens her home to foster children, runs a successful real estate business, regularly attends church with her family and generously volunteers her time to local organizations. Even the mayor and local police applaud Geck for her good deeds and acts of kindness. The last thing her neighbors would think is that their local society matron is, in fact, hiding many secrets in her house.

It is not until one woman, Marie Devereaux, comes forward with the truth -- that behind Geck's public persona is an evil sociopath -- that Geck's reign of terror finally comes to an end. The Geck family took in Marie and her mother when Marie was just an infant. But finally, after years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Brenda and her family, Marie finds the courage to escape and turns to assistant attorney general Philip Rothman (Patton). She confides her incredible story of what really went on in the Geck household, including robbery, rape, arson, insurance fraud and kidnapping.

Now, Rothman begins the investigation of his career -- seeking to prove the allegations against Brenda Geck and her children, who did their mother's bidding under threats of violence if they refused, and show that anyone can fool everyone if they project the right image.

A MATTER OF FAMILY is being produced by Sony Pictures Television. Susan Levitan, Bettina Viviano ("Strange Hearts") and Ricka Fisher ("New Suit") are executive producers. Graeme Clifford ("Profoundly Normal," "Mario Puzo's The Last Don II") is directing the movie from a script by Donald Martin ("Shadow Lake," "Butterscotch").

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Press Contacts: Diane Ekeblad           323/575-2029            diane.ekeblad@tvc.cbs.com
                        Jayna Pakman            212/975-3163            jpakman@cbs.com