Picturehouse presents the new HBO Films feature based on the popular line of dolls. The trade mag reports Patricia Rozema will direct Ann Peacock's screenplay; filming begins this week in Toronto. Julia Roberts (Three Days of Rain) executive produces.

Abigail Breslin stars in the title role of the Depression-era-set film, which concerns a Cincinnati girl who helps her mother run a boardinghouse. Tucci (Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune), Krakowski (Nine), Headly (Arms and the Man), Shawn (The Threepenny Opera) and O'Donnell (The Man Who Had All the Luck) are featured in a cast with Joan Cusack and Julia Ormond.

The young stars include Max Thieriot, Madison Davenport, Zach Mills and Willow Smith.

The film marks the first feature for the "American Girl"-based characters, following the TV films "Samantha: An American Girl Holiday," "Felicity: An American Girl Adventure" and "Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front."

More information on the film can be found at picturehouse.com.