MGM has acquired all North American rights to Rescue Dawn, the survival story of Dieter Dengler, an American pilot shot down in Viet Cong territory, written and directed by Werner Herzog and starring Christian Bale, it was announced by the company's COO Rick Sands. The film, debuts at the Toronto International Film Festival this Saturday, September 9th, is scheduled for a theatrical run in December, 2006.

Based on the true story of an American pilot, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) is shot down during a top-secret mission to destroy Viet Cong strongholds in Laos at the beginning of the Vietnam War. Taken hostage, he endures unimaginable conditions at the hands of cruel captors in a makeshift POW camp. Dengler's iron will to survive guides him and fellow prisoners in a meticulously-planned, death-defying escape, only to discover the harsh realities of an unforgiving jungle beyond the camp's walls. Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies costar in this unforgettable story of one man's determination and unrelenting pursuit of freedom.

"We're very excited to be working with Herzog," said Sands. "He is a legendary director, and he and Bale have brought this incredible and compelling story to the screen in a raw and emotional film."

Rescue Dawn was released July 4th, 2007 and stars Zach Grenier, Marshall Bell, Christian Bale, Toby Huss, Pat Healy, GQ, James Oliver, Brad Carr. The film is directed by Werner Herzog.