I’m not really a “made for TV” movie kind of person. I don’t while away the hours on a long weekend watching Lifetime Movie Network and Hallmark Channel movie marathons. That said, even I had heard of the Lifetime Original Movie Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story. I never got a chance to watch it, but I was intrigued and curious.
The movie first aired in April of 2003, and when I searched for the movie, I found the extras page, and I thought that I was going to be able to watch it on the Lifetime site, but it turns out that it was only Based on a True Story clips featuring the actors (Kelly Lynch and Thora Birch as mother and daughter) and Liz Murray herself.
However, after reading Breaking Night (linked to my review), I wanted to see the movie–the first venue that Liz Murray used to tell her story. So, I kept searching, and actually came upon it posted on YouTube, in several parts. You can see when the next time Lifetime will be showing it by checking the Homeless to Harvard page on myLifetime.
It’s rare that a movie lives up to the standard that a book sets, especially if I’ve read the book first. But this movie had exactly the same feel as the book. There are scenes and lines and narration that comes directly from the book, so I’m not exactly how that is since Liz Murray isn’t credited as a writer of the movie. There are mentions in the movie that alluded to events that were shared with more detail in the book that I probably would not have understood had I not just read the book.
Regardless, Liz Murray’s story is inspirational. Watch the movie. Read the book. Find out about what she’s endured and how she forgave and overcame.
I’m glad I did both.
If given the chance, Jennifer Donovan could give in to her slothful nature and become a couch potato, with either remote or book (or both) in hand. Fortunately she chooses to invest in her kids and other interests, about which she blogs at Snapshot.
Just Mom says
I’ve been wondering since your post about the book what you thought of the movie. Now I know! And, the link you provided is great – I can Tivo the next showing and be all set.
Melissa says
Okay, which is best first…the book or the movie???
Jennifer says
I’d read the book first. There were slight mentions in the movie that I wouldn’t have really understood without the more detailed info in the book.
Sometimes watching a movie after just pales in comparison, but these are both very good depictions of this courageous woman’s life!