Educational Video from Classic Luther Film

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Memorable scenes from the classic 45-year-old movie "Martin Luther" are being used to highlight a new educational video on the 16th century German reformer.  Lutheran Film Associates (LFA), a partnership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, has released "Luther Legacy," a four-part series.
     "Over the years we discovered that the 'Martin Luther' movie served educational purposes far beyond its long tenure as a cinema feature and television movie," said Robert E.A. Lee, former head of LFA, who produced and directed "Luther Legacy."  "Churches of many denominations were able to use it as a teaching tool, first in 16mm form and then on video."
     "This new production is simply a way of making it convenient for teachers and pastors to present the film's dramatic moments for discussion. Many who know little about Martin Luther's role in history as a theological giant may discover that his legacy has a relevance to their faith today," said Lee.
     Bill Whitney of CBS News is a member of Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA), Wyckoff, N.J., and hosts the new video's 15-minute segments -- "Who was Luther and What Was Driving Him?" "How 95 Arguments Triggered a Revolution," "A Rebel on Trial: 'Here I Stand'" and "The Protestant Movement Under Way."  A leaders' guide accompanies the tape.
     Louis de Rochemont Associates produced "Martin Luther" in Germany for U.S. Lutherans in the early 1950s.  Niall MacGinnis, a British actor, portrayed Luther from a script by Allan E. Sloane in association with Lothar Wolff, the producer, and two Luther scholars, Theodore Tappert and Jaroslav Pelikan.

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