Fathom Events and Nashville Public Television Announce the Release of "Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl"

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Jan 06, 2023, 12:53 ET

Definitive Documentary on the Legendary Comedian Hits Theaters Nationwide on February 6^th for One Day Only

DENVER, Jan. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl delves into the life of groundbreaking female comedian Sarah Cannon and her humorous alter ego – Minnie Pearl. With her signature "How-deee" greeting and price tag dangling from her straw hat, Minnie Pearl became a country culture icon who was actually far different from the serious and well-educated woman who created her.

View Trailer HERE.

Born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, Minnie Pearl rose to fame as a comedic performer on the Grand Ole Opry, where she became known for her hilarious sketches, self-deprecating wit, and trademark catchphrase. Despite her success, Pearl faced many challenges throughout her life, including personal tragedy and the changing tides of the entertainment industry.

Exclusive to the Fathom Events' presentation are country stars Kathy Mattea, Rodney Crowell and Ketch Secor, gathering in an intimate setting, to swap stories about their personal experiences with Minnie Pearl – and with Sarah Cannon.

Tickets are on sale now at Fathom Events or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations, visit www.fathomevents.com (theaters are subject to change).

"Sarah Cannon (aka Minnie Pearl) left an indelible mark in country music and beyond. What a privilege to share her story," said "Facing the Laughter" producer Barb Hall. "She created her own path that left a legacy of laughter, gratitude and goodwill for those who followed to 'pay forward.' My hope is that audiences will be intrigued by her story and want to learn more."

"Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl" delves into Pearl's humble beginnings, her rise to stardom, and her lasting impact on the world of comedy and country music. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with those who knew her best, "Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl" is a heartfelt and entertaining tribute to a true American icon.

The film features interviews with the Colley family (Pearl's relatives) as well as Minnie's friends and colleagues including country stars Garth Brooks, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Anderson, k.d. lang, Brenda Lee, Reba McEntire, Jeannie Seely, Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, Chely Wright, Dwight Yoakam along with Alabama's Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen. Fellow comedians interviewed in the documentary are Henry Cho, Trae Crowder (The Liberal Redneck), Ray Stevens, actor Paul Reubens, "Hee Haw" star Barbi Benton and more.

"After Ken Burns' 'Country Music' series – which was enormously popular on Nashville Public Television – we realized that there were many stories within his series that deserved full-length documentaries. The story of Minnie Pearl was one of them," said Becky Magura, Nashville Public Television's president and CEO. "Minnie Pearl was one of the most beloved and popular figures in country music and NPT is honored to be share her groundbreaking story."

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry as one of the top distributors of content to movie theaters in North America. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom operates the largest cinema distribution network, delivering a wide variety of programming and experiences to cinema audiences in all the top U.S. markets and to more than 45 countries. For more information, visit FathomEvents.com.

About Nashville Public Television: Nashville Public Television, Nashville's PBS station, is available free and over-the-air to nearly 2.4 million people throughout the Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky viewing area. NPT's four broadcast channels are NPT, the main channel; secondary channel NPT2 (WORLD Channel); NPT3, a 24/7 PBS Kids channel; and NPT4 (Create TV). NPT is also available to anyone in the world through its array of NPT digital services, including wnpt.org, YouTube channels and the PBS video app. NPT provides, through the power of traditional television and interactive digital communications, quality educational, cultural and civic experiences that address issues and concerns of the people of the Nashville region, and which thereby help improve the lives of those we serve. Join the conversation at facebook.com/nashvillepublictelevision, on Twitter @npt8 and on Instagram @nashvillepubtv.

SOURCE Fathom Events