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Actor and filmmaker Val Kilmer is bringing Mary Baker Eddy and Mark Twain to the screen. Kilmer will visit the Library to discuss his film project and how the distinctive geniuses of Twain and Eddy made them giants of their era.

Contemporaries and equally well-known in their time for their influence on society, Mary Baker Eddy and Mark Twain's worlds intersected in a battle of ideas. Their voices stood out in a culture going though dramatic change. Twain was fascinated by Eddy, and Eddy was committed to bringing liberation to the human condition that Twain so expertly satirized.

In the December 14, 2009, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel, Kilmer was asked why Eddy's life is worthy of a big cinematic production. He enthused, "Her life was so dynamic. It so uniquely represents this crucial time in America's history and in the world's history" ... (and) ... "a kind of robustness and strength of character. She's an American heroine."

Together with Mike Davis, library researcher, and Chet Manchester, who also has written a screenplay on Eddy, Kilmer will discuss the development of his upcoming film on Thursday, February 11 at 7 p.m.

This program is a part of the Mary Baker Eddy Centenary Series, "Strength of Spirit—Engaging with Mary Baker Eddy 100 Years Later". Admission will be $15 for seating in the Hall of Ideas and $8 for overflow seating or $10/$5 for Friends of the Library. For reservations, please visit our Web site at www.marybakereddylibrary.org/events/programs/val-kilmer. Seating is limited and reservations will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking for this event is available in the underground garage on Christian Science Plaza, with more information available online. For more information, please call 617-450-7200 or email us at librarymail@mbelibrary.org.