Crossroads Films has optioned film rights to Laurie Kahn-Leavitt'sdocumentary Tupperware!and plans to turn it into a narrative feature charting the history of therevolutionary kitchenware design.

Narrated by Kathy Bates, Tupperware! made its national debut on PBS'sAmerican Experience strand; it traces the rise of reclusive inventor Earl Tupper'shumble plastic bowls to the status of cultural icons.

"The reaction to the film has been amazing," Kahn-Leavitt said ina statement. "Clearly the documentary has touched a deep nerve I think it'sbecause everyone has memories of Tupperware from their childhood.

Producers Tom Donahue, Anura Idupuganti and Kahn-Leavitt willco-produce the picture with Paul Miller and Crossroads principals Dan Lindauand Camille Taylor.

East coast head of development David Title brought the project toCrossroads and the deal was negotiated for Crossroads by Joe Dapello atSchreck, Rose & Dapello and for Idpuganti, Donahue and Kahn-Leavitt byRosalyn Lichter at Rosayln Lichter Attorney.

"There was a lot of intense interest in this project from thestudio level to the indie level," Idupuganti said. "It was clear from thebeginning that Crossroads was really hungry for it and interested in a hands-oncollaboration with us to preserve the integrity of the story as told in thedoc.

"I give the Crossroads team a lot of credit in our final decisionto scrap going through development at a major studio."

New York-basedCrossroads has a first-look deal at MGM.

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