Because her children were young when their father died, they would often ask their mother to tell them about him. "Those discussions were recorded, and we have, as members of the family, more of an idea of what that personality is."

Historians with the LDS Church have formed a somewhat one-dimensional, devotional picture of Emma, producers acknowledged. "In the making of this film, we've had some people critical, and they thought some things should be stricken from the script because they had no record of it," Kennedy said. Yet the family has the data that historians didn't know about otherwise.

Church officials are cooperating with the producers, he said, not only allowing them to use the film studios, but also providing unused footage from the film "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration," which the church shows daily to visitors at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

The new film can and will incorporate that footage, Kennedy said, because the same actors will portray Joseph, Emma and other characters.

The film isn't about "anyone's personal gain," he said, adding all proceeds from its theatrical release will go to the Smith Historical Society, which is a registered non-profit corporation, to fund ongoing programs. Donors have put up the funding for the project, he said, adding that without the LDS Church's support through use of its studio and footage, the film wouldn't be financially viable.

He hopes the film will dispel "some important misperceptions about Emma that still circulate" in both the LDS community and the Community of Christ. "We need to unravel that and find some common ground."

Producers said the film is scheduled for release next spring.

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com