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Spielberg to produce 'MLK' bio-picture

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Alphie Smith participates in the Martin Luther King Day march in downtown St. Louis on January 21, 2008. (UPI Photo/Bill Greenblatt)
Alphie Smith participates in the Martin Luther King Day march in downtown St. Louis on January 21, 2008. (UPI Photo/Bill Greenblatt) 
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Published: May 19, 2009 at 7:58 PM

LOS ANGELES, May 19 (UPI) -- Steven Spielberg is producing a bio-picture about U.S. civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39.

Variety.com said DreamWorks has acquired the film rights to King's story and intellectual property, such as his speeches and books, from his estate. Steven Spielberg, Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones are producing the project for the big screen.

"We are all honored that the King Estate is giving us the opportunity to tell the story of these defining, historic events," Spielberg told Variety.com. "It is our hope that the creative power of film and the impact of Dr. King's life can combine to present a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of."

Topics: Martin Luther King Jr.
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