A Smile as Big as the Moon

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A Smile as Big as the Moon
A Smile as Big as the Moon - Tubi poster.jpg
Promotional image
Genre Drama
Based on
A Smile as Big as the Moon
by
  • Mike Kersjes
  • Joe Layden
Teleplay by Thomas Rickman
Directed by James Steven Sadwith
Starring
Music byMark Adler
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
Cinematography Roy H. Wagner
EditorMichael Ornstein
Running time96 minutes
Production company Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
Original release
Network ABC
ReleaseJanuary 29, 2012 (2012-01-29)

A Smile as Big as the Moon is a 2012 American drama television film directed by James Steven Sadwith and written by Thomas Rickman. The film debuted on ABC on January 29, 2012, as an episode of Hallmark Hall of Fame . [1]

Contents

John Corbett stars in this film based on the 2002 memoir by teacher Mike Kersjes and Joe Layden. [2] The movie shows the challenges Kersjes faced as he worked to bring out the best from his special education students by taking them to Space Camp, which had, until that time been perceived as a program best suited to advanced science and math students, well beyond the reach of special education students. Several actors playing students in the film have a disability themselves. [3]

Plot

Ben, a student with Down syndrome, in Mike Kersjes's Forest Hills Northern High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan, special education class, dreams of becoming an astronaut. Kersjes, who is also a football coach is inspired to pursue Space Camp for his students. Obstacles mount as school administrators object to the expense and Space Camp officials have no experience with special-ed students. Teacher Robynn McKinney supports Kersjes's efforts. [1]

Eventually the trip is approved by the necessary parties, and Kersjes faces another set of challenges: fundraising, preparing the students for their trip with science and physical education, and battling bullying and belittling from other students. Kersjes engages the football team in these endeavors. [1]

Filming

The film was shot primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina and at United States Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. [4] One scene used Sky Theater inside Ingram Planetarium of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, which was adapted to appear as a planetarium would have in 1988. Filming took place there September 28, 2011. [5]

Cast

References

  1. 1 2 3 Cargill, Sarah (January 8, 2012). "'A Smile As Big As the Moon' Airs ABC January 29th" . Retrieved February 2, 2012.
  2. "A Smile as Big as the Moon". Library of Congress Online Catalog. Library of Congress. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2012.
  3. Serba, John (January 22, 2012). "TV movie 'A Smile as Big as the Moon' tells inspiring story of Grand Rapids students' Space Camp experience" . Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  4. "'A Smile as Big as the Moon' starring John Corbett airs at 9 tonight on ABC (Video)". January 29, 2012.
  5. Palisin, Steve (January 22, 2012). "N.C. planetarium has starring role in upcoming TV movie". The Sun News . Retrieved January 25, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]