Production Begins on Hallmark Hall of Fame Original THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN

Hallmark Channel announces the highly-anticipated original film, THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN, a HALLMARK HALL OF FAME presentation, starring Dermot Mulroney ("Shameless," "My Best Friend's Wedding"), Kimberly Williams-Paisley ("Darrow & Darrow," "Father of the Bride"), Emmy(R) Award-winner and two-time Oscar(R) nominee Joan Cusack ("Shameless," "Toy Story 4"), and four-time Emmy(R) Award nominee Danny Glover ("Lethal Weapon") begins production today and will have its exclusive World Premiere on Hallmark Channel, Saturday, November 25 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C). "The Christmas Train" is a Crown Media Productions original movie and is based on national and international bestselling author David Baldacci's novel of the same name.

In "The Christmas Train," disillusioned, globetrotting journalist Tom Langdon (Mulroney) must get from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles in time for Christmas. Forced to take the intercontinental trip by train, and determined to chronicle his adventure, Tom finds himself westbound with a variety of characters. On the train is renowned movie producer Max (Glover), Max's script doctor and protégé Eleanor (Paisley), and Agnes (Cusack) who occupies the cabin opposite Tom's and seems to know his business better than he does. While all passengers on the Christmas train appear to be headed for the same destination, Tom has no idea that the rugged locomotives taking him across America will instead detour straight into his heart - into rude awakenings, his wildest hopes and dreams, and toward the opportunity for love Tom thought was lost forever.

"It is said, you don't take the Christmas train to get somewhere fast -- you take it for the journey," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks (home of Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama, and Hallmark Movies Now).

"TV viewers will embark on the most spectacular, romantic journey filled with characters who have all packed their bags with wisdom, mischief, love and courage, and powered by David Baldacci's timeless story, 'The Christmas Train' is sure to become an instant classic for holiday movie fans," Vicary concluded.

"The Christmas Train" is a Crown Media Productions original film. Karen Spiegel is Executive Producer. Harvey Kahn is Producer. Ron Oliver is Director. David Baldacci's The Christmas Train is adapted for television by Tippy & Neal Dobrofsky.