The nation's foster care system provides the backdrop for the movie, which premieres Feb. 28. O'Donnell says she's been so moved by Detroit's plight that she bought a Buick Enclave, made by Detroit-based General Motors Corp.
O'Donnell tells the Detroit Free Press by phone that "whatever movie we do next, we're going to do there."
Based on E.R. Frank's book, "America" centers on 17-year-old America, who's been in foster care since infancy. He's a patient of Dr. Maureen Brennan, played by O'Donnell.
Philip Johnson got the role of America after being spotted by O'Donnell at a Detroit restaurant.
CLICK HERE to follow Action News on Twitter
CLICK HERE to get Action News on your website
CLICK HERE to find Action News on Facebook