Smokey Robinson stars in new Lifetime movie ‘Miracle in Motor City’

In “Miracle in Motor City,” Tia Mowry-Hardrict‘s character, a social worker named Amber, explains to her foster daughter, Lily (Markeda McKay), what tradition is and why it’s so important, especially during the holidays.

“(It’s) something you carry with you your whole life because it has a special meaning to you,” She continues. Then she mentions a few: “Decorating the tree, hot chocolate …”

“… Listening to the Motown Christmas album?” interrupts Lily.

Detroit and the presence of one of its greatest musical legends — Smokey Robinson — co-star in this gentle, hopeful movie that premieres at 8 p.m. Sunday on the Lifetime network.

Tia Mowery-Hardrict and Smokey Robinson in a scene from 'Miracle in Motor City.'

In the leadup to Dec. 25, TV schedules are packed with special programs, but “Miracle in Motor City,” has been chosen as one of the best new Christmas movies by TV Guide, stands out as a love letter to a place and the landmark music that it gave to the world.

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Here’s what you need to know about thecable dramedy for people who consider themselves Detroiters, either because they live here or because their copy of “A Motown Christmas” album is nearly worn out from repeated use.

The miracle: Is Robinson actually in the movie? Yes, of course! (And it’s not really a spoiler because he’s shown in the promotional art.) Vanderwal says the project was fortunate that Robinson participated. He is seen in many scenes, and even sings a traditional carol in one. Plus, his classic rendition of “Jingle Bells” with the Miracles provides the background music for the film’s opening and sets the tone that fun and uplifting messages are ahead.

Robinson told Billboard that he wasn’t interested in playing himself in movies, including this one. “But my agent sent it to me and said, ‘Hey man, this is a great script. It’s about a Black family in Detroit at Christmas time and you’re in it — but you have to be you. Before you say no, I want you to read it.’ I read it and I thought it was warm, wonderful and sweet — and I hope it brings some positive feelings for the people of Detroit.”

The story line:It’s almost time for the annual Christmas pageant at the fictional Mount Joy Church in Detroit when Amber Dupont (Mowry-Hardrict) is tasked with taking charge of the event that her late mother used to run. To sell enough tickets to fix the church’s leaky roof, Amber comes up with a bold idea: She’ll convince a Motown icon, Smokey Robinson, to perform.

That’s easier said (and promised to the congregation before it’s confirmed) than done, so Amber’s friends contact her ex-boyfriend, Eddie (Mark Taylor), who has an old family tie to the superstar. When Mark returns to the city from New Orleans to help, the effort to reach Robinson could be an opportunity for Amber and Mark to remember what brought them together in the first place.

More:Soulful sounds from the South were polished for the masses in Motown

Mark Taylor and Tia Mowery-Hardrict star in Lifetime's 'Miracle in Motor City.'
'Miracle in Motor City' stars Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Mark Taylor and Smokey Robinson.
From left: Rothaford Gray, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Mark Taylor, Markeda McKay and Smokey Robinson in Lifetime's "Miracle in Motor City."

The secret to successful holiday movies: Lifetime has become a major player in Christmas content. This year marks its biggest investment yet in It’s a Wonderful Lifetime programming. “Miracle in the Motor City” is among the 30 new movies in 30 days that will air on the cable network from Nov. 26 through Christmas Day.

Lifetime's 'Miracle in Motor City.'

Baraka, who also wrote “Adventures in Christmasing” for VH1 (based on a story by the film’s star, Kim Fields, and airing Monday), says one reason that people crave holiday movies on cable is that they’re a reminder of cherished traditions — like tree ornaments passed down through generations or putting out cookies for Santa or listening to albums like …

“A Motown Christmas”:The two-album set from Motown Records came out in 1973 and has been reissued ever since. Baraka says she grew up listening to its songs just like Mowry-Hardrict’s character, Amber, who passes on a love for Motown music to her foster daughter in the movie, Lily.

More:The 10 best Christmas TV episodes of all time, from ‘The Office’ to ‘Downton Abbey’

There are too many classic on the albums to mention. In addition to Robinson’s rendition of “Jingle Bells,” some of the most unforgettable cuts include “What Christmas Means to Me” and “Someday at Christmas” by Stevie Wonder, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by the Temptations, and “Silver Bells” by Diana Ross and the Supremes. If you’re counting up Motor City miracles, these versions of the familiar Christmas songs deserve a spot near the top.

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