'Green Book' tells engaging story of friendship in Jim Crow South

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The new movie "Green Book," stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali - two actors considered among the best working today.

The film's title literally refers to a travel guide which had a green cover that was published from 1936 to 1966. It was used to help African-American motorists find the hotels, motels and restaurants in the Deep South that would accept black customers.

The film tells the story of an Italian-American bouncer hired by a famous African-American pianist to be a chauffeur for his concert tour.

It's based on a true story and it follows the friendship that grew between the two men as they traveled throughout the Jim Crow South, using the "Green Book" to find safe places along the way.

Director Peter Farrelly cast Oscar nominee Mortensen as the chauffeur; and Oscar winner Ali as the musician.

The two actors had struck up a friendship a couple of years ago while making the rounds during awards season, where Ali was being recognized for "Moonlight" and Mortensen for "Captain Fantastic." They formed an instant "mutual admiration" society.

"When I heard from Pete (Farrelly) he (Ali) is playing 'Doc Shirley', I was like (gives thumbs up)," said Mortensen. "Not just a great actor but a warm person, someone who listens to you, who interacts on a human level in a really great way. So the ingredients were there. It worked."

"And we gradually got more and more relaxed. Each time we saw each other and we were seeing the other person's work I believed helped affirm we were both in the right place, going down the right path with our characters," said Ali. "So I knew you were a wonderful mirror for me. And some of the choices I was making, certain choices you were making, I think we helped keep each other in the same movie."

"It was nice to work with someone who was just as fussy," laughed Mortensen. "You know, detail-oriented. And he was like that, even more than me, and it was great I didn't feel like such a nerd. Such an actor nerd. Like obsessed with preparation. He was into it."

"I'm sure Pete could put together a hell of a reel of us going 'one more take'. One more. One more!" laughed Ali.

"Green Book" is rated PG and is in theaters now.