Northern Lights (1997 film)

Northern Lights is a 1997 drama television film based upon the 1988 stage play of the same name by John Hoffman. Directed by Linda Yellen, the film stars Diane Keaton, Maury Chaykin, Joseph Cross, and Kathleen York. It was produced for the Disney Channel and premiered on August 23, 1997.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} Some sources identify Northern Lights as the first Disney Channel Original Movie,^[7][8] though Northern Lights was not included in Disney Channel's 100 Original Movies celebration that aired in May–June 2016,^[9] and Disney Channel considers 1997's Under Wraps to be the first official Disney Channel Original Movie.^[10][11]

Northern Lights
Film poster
Based on	The 1988 stage play by John Hoffman
Screenplay by	John Hoffman Kevin Kane
Directed by	Linda Yellen
Starring	Diane Keaton Maury Chaykin Joseph Cross Kathleen York John Hoffman
Music by	Patrick Seymour
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
Production
Executive producers	Diane Keaton Robert Lantos Bill Robinson Meg Ryan Nina Sadowsky Laura Pozmantier
Producer	Warren Carr
Cinematography	Joseph Yacoe
Editor	Jan Northrop
Running time	111 minutes
Production companies	Alliance Communications Blue Relief Productions Walt Disney Television Prufrock Pictures[1]
Original release
Network	Disney Channel
Release	August 23, 1997 (1997-08-23TUnited States)

Because her character was depicted as a heavy smoker, actress Diane Keaton thought production of the film was an odd choice for the Disney Channel.^[12]