His Way

Veteran director Ken Annakin (“The Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines”) starts production late this month in Ohio on “Joseph and Emma,” the story of Mormon church founder Joseph Smith--and the Church of Latter-Day Saints would like to see the script. But Annakin, calling the project “a big love story and a wonderful piece of American history,” said he’s proceeding on his own, without church involvement.

“We’ve approached the production about offering them technical assistance,” said Keith Atkinson, California public relations director for the church. “Our only concern is historical accuracy. We don’t want to come in and be judgmental, but when phone calls aren’t returned, we have to wonder why.”

Annakin brushed aside Atkinson’s concerns, noting that actor Gordon Jump, a Mormon in the cast, had felt the script “objective.”

With a $5-million budget, “Joseph and Emma” will star David Hoxsby, an American with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Ellen Wheeler (“All My Children”) in the title roles. Dorothy McGuire will portray Emma at 65.