Drew Barrymore at Georgetown Premiere Wednesday Night

Movie includes a real-life White House love story

Drew Barrymore will be walking the red carpet at the AMC Loews in Georgetown Wednesday night for the D.C. premiere of "Big Miracle."

The film, due to be released nationally Feb. 3, is based on the true story of a group of Americans and Russians who, at the height of the Cold War, worked together to save a group of trapped whales in 1988 Alaska.

The movie also chronicles a real-life White House love story. Bonnie Mersinger Carroll (portrayed by Vinessa Shaw) was working in the West Wing when she "met" her husband over the phone. Col. Tom Carroll was leading the rescue operation in Alaska. Some of their wedding photos are featured at the end of the film.

Sadly, Col. Tom Carroll was later killed in a plane crash. Bonnie Mersinger Carroll went on to found the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which comes to the aid of grieving military families.

She and more than 400 surviving families will be attending the premiere as part of TAPS.

Drew Barrymore's co-stars John Krasinski and Kristen Bell won't be in attendance, but Vinessa Shaw, who plays Bonnie, will be there along with director Ken Kwapis.


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