Mary-Louise Parker to Star in "Christmas in Conway," New Hallmark Hall of Fame Production

Filming begins Aug. 5 in Wilmington, N.C.; Premieres on ABC Later This Year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 12, 2013) - Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, Red) stars in the newest Hallmark Hall of Fame production, Christmas in Conway, which begins filming Aug. 5, 2013, in Wilmington, N.C.

Parker plays Suzy Gainsborough, whose husband decides the perfect Christmas present for his beloved - but ailing - wife is a ride on a real-deal Ferris wheel, set up in their own back yard. Why? Because it was while riding one many moons ago that Duncan asked Suzy to marry him.

The neighbors are not amused as the 100-foot-high mechanical monstrosity arises in the couple's back yard. But love is in the air, and not just between Suzy and Duncan. Suzy's nurse, Natalie, and a young landscaper who's helping Duncan assemble the giant Ferris wheel also fall under the intoxicating spell of romance.

Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker (for Weeds and Angels in America) appeared in three previous Hallmark Hall of Fame movies: Cupid & Cate (with Peter Gallagher and Bebe Neuwirth), Saint Maybe (Blyth Danner, Edward Herrmann) and A Place for Annie (Sissy Spacek).

Christmas in Conway will be directed by John Kent Harrison (The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler, When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story). This will be his 8th Hallmark Hall of Fame film. The script is by Stephen P. Lindsey and Luis Ugaz. Brent Shields (Remember Sunday, The Makeover) is Executive Producer.

Christmas in Conway will become the 250th presentation of the Hallmark Hall of Fame when it premieres on ABC later this year.