In NYC? Go See Hannah Free

If you are in the New York City area, check out Hannah Free, the wonderful indie film starring Sharon Gless and Taylor Miller. Miller, who is returning to ALL MY CHILDREN in January for the soap's 40th anniversary, plays Marge, a conservative grandmother who is the daughter of Rachel, Sharon Gless's lifelong female lover. Gless plays Mary Hannah Freed but she goes by Hannah Free. Both ladies are confined to a nursing home and Marge will not let Hannah see Rachel, who is unconscious and close to death.

The film effectively uses flashbacks to when Hannah and Rachel were younger with different actresses playing the roles. They became friends as little girls in Michigan and stayed friends their entire lives. Hannah becomes an adventurous, unapologetic lesbian and Rachel a strong but quiet homemaker. Gless herself plays one of the younger Hannahs.

While Gless brings her usual mix of gruff, vulnerability and wit, it is Miller who is a revolution. Marge could not be any more different than Nina Cortlandt. Even her physical appearance has been changed with dirty brown hair and a really bad hairdo. It was a real treat to see Miller become Marge. Other standouts included Jacqui Jackson, who played Marge's lesbian granddaughter who helped Hannah see Rachel.

Many of the cast and crew were at the showing We Love Soaps attended on opening night last night including Miller. An afterparty was held at The Town Tavern and it was clear that this entire project has brought a lot of wonderful people together who have formed real relationships. That shows through during the film itself.

WHAT: The award winning indie film, Hannah Free, starring Sharon Gless and Taylor Miller. The film is playing in New York City through Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009. Every day shows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 p.m.

WHY SOAP FANS WILL LOVE IT: Not only is it a good story told over time featuring Taylor Miller, but there is also a reference to AS THE WORLD TURNS in the film. Hannah hears the soap playing down the hall and gripes that Rachel always watched it and had to know what was going on in the lives of Lisa, Nancy and Dr. Bob every day.

BOTTOM LINE: If you like a good love story, this movie tells one from beginning to end. It may be an indie film but the music is fantastic and the cinematography is excellent. Fans of "Otalia" and VENICE will especially appreciate the themes presented in the film.

VERDICT: Go see this movie if you're in New York or if it screens in your time. Support from fans is the only way it can be successful. If you're in New York City, click here for tickets. Check out the film's website here.