Hallmark Channel acquired hit miniseries Comanche Moon and two Stone
Cold movies with Tom Selleck in a Sony Pictures Television deal that
also brings 18 classic musicals to Hallmark Movie Channel.
Based on a Larry McMurtry prequel to his Lonesome Dove, Comanche Moon (with Val Kilmer and Steve Zahn) was a big hit for CBS in early 2008, averaging 15.75 million viewers for the first of its three nights. Stone Cold, a detective flick based on a Robert B. Parker series, also was a hit for CBS, in 2005.
Deal terms weren't cited in a press release. Michelle Vicary, SVP of acquisitions and scheduling at Hallmark Channel, said in the release: “Based on the performance of the first Stone Cold franchise, we’re
thrilled to be adding all of the movies in this mystery/thriller
series, and Comanche Moon is a natural addition to our popular
Western library. Musicals also make sense for us, especially as we
grow our audience for Hallmark Movie Channel with distinctive content
that is timeless in its appeal. Most importantly, each
movie in this hugely important deal perfectly fits our family-friendly
brand enabling us to attract new advertisers and spur even greater
distribution for both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel.”
Both channels are owned by Crown Media Holdings.
The musicals headed to Hallmark Movie Channel include Bye, Bye Birdie, Funny Lady, Oliver! and the original Pennies From Heaven, starring Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. HMC will run them as part of a franchised block.
