In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Amazon Original Special “An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win” will be free to stream on Prime Video in the US beginning today, January 13, and ending at 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, January 16; no Prime membership is required; anyone can watch.
The first of four original “American Girl” specials for Prime Video stars Marsai Martin as the title character Melody, Frances Fisher as Miss Abbot, Frankie Faison as Melody’s grandfather Frank Ellison, and Idara Victor as Melody’s mother Frances Ellison.
Executive produced by Alison McDonald, Common’s Freedom Road Productions, and Christopher Keenan and Melinda McCrocklin from American Girl, the special is directed and produced by Tina Mabry.
Based in 1963 Detroit during the civil rights movement, “An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win” centers around 10-year-old Melody whose eyes are opened to the racial inequality surrounding her, including the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing. As a result, her belief in the “indivisible” promise of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance comes into question as she challenges her teacher on the validity of this given the horrific tragedy. After an emotional journey of self-reflection, her mother gives her the courage she needs by instilling in her that love brings out the best in everyone; reminding Melody that it’s important to “stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.”
“An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win” recently received 2 NAACP Image Award nominations, including Outstanding Children’s Program and Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture, Television (Alison McDonald). The series also garnered a Directors Guild of America nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programming (Tina Mabry). Additionally, the special is a Humanitas Prize Finalist in the Children’s Live Action Category (Alison McDonald).
“An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win” is part of Prime Video’s growing line-up of award-winning and critically-acclaimed Originals for kids and families. Amazon Original Series and Specials are available to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Video app for compatible TVs, connected devices, including Amazon Fire TV and mobile devices, or online at www.amazon.com/originals.
Watch a trailer for the special below:
