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Rookie Producer Hits Paydirt at 98 With Powerful Christian Movie

Rookie Producer Hits Paydirt at 98 With Powerful Christian Movie

By Rick Beyer, Dartmouth Alumni Magazine

Larry Jaffe’s first motion picture, THE GIRL WHO BELIEVES IN MIRACLES, hit theaters earlier this year. The 98-year-old certainly stands out as the only movie producer at his Gainesville, Florida, retirement home. Most of his friends spend their time looking back on their lives.

“I’m the only one who’s looking forward,” he says. “I am so taken with the idea that you’re never too old to try something new and to succeed.”

An economics major whose time at Dartmouth was interrupted by a stint in the Marines during the last days of World War II, Jaffe is long retired from a career in marketing. His transformation to movie producer was its own miracle. A friend was ready to give up getting his original screenplay produced. Jaffe offered to help. Twists and turns led them to an established Hollywood screenwriter, and they decided to try to produce his script instead.

Veteran director Rich Correll was skeptical when approached about the project.

“He is 96,” Correll thought to himself. “How can this guy possibly be functioning as a producer?”

Once he connected with Jaffe, Correll was impressed. “He knew what he wanted to do, and I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll give it a shot.’ ”

The faith-based film tells the story of a young girl who discovers she has divine healing powers. It features Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, Peter Coyote, and Austyn Johnson, who plays the lead. “Being involved became a full-time job,” says Jaffe, who arranged financing, cut deals with talent and crew, and exercised script and casting approval. He talked to the director daily. He even had a cameo in the film alongside his son and grandson.

Jaffe plans to use the profits to help disadvantaged communities. And he wants to make more movies.

“I would be happy to work with him again,” Correll says.

Note: This article originally appeared in the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. It is reprinted with permission. 

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.