Amazon.com

The third and final episode of the Sarah, Plain and Tall series is a 1999 production reuniting stars Glenn Close and Christopher Walken withoriginal director Glenn Jordan. Taking the story eight years beyond theoriginal tale, Winter's End is set in a harsh Kansas winter of 1918, with the specter of death everywhere: soldiers are dying overseas duringWorld War I, influenza is at epidemic proportions in the U.S., and an old manhas returned to the Witting farm with an uncertain reception. He's JohnWitting (Jack Palance), father of Jacob (Walken), and the two men have notseen each other since John abandoned his son years ago. Reconciliation comeshard, punctuated by cliffhanger disasters (Jacob breaks his leg and burnswith a fever, Sarah almost dies in a heavy snowstorm), but this most brutal of trial periods for the Wittings still invites a viewer to yearn for a moreinnocent--perhaps mythical--time in America. A worthy and rewarding finish toa trilogy fit for families yet sophisticated enough for all ages,Winter's End may be one of the last network television classics in an era of audience relocation to multichannel cable. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Not up to par.
The movie opens in March of 1918. The long, bitter winter has yet to come to an end. There is an epidemic of influenza in town and the war has taken Anna's boyfriend overseas. Much as Jacob and Sarah did, Anna waits for every letter from him while tending the sick in town. Back home on the farm, an unexpected visitor will soon rock Sarah's family to its core.

Although 'Winter's End' sounds exciting, its frightfully dull and unprofessional. The acting is just not up to par with the first two. Glen Close, Christopher Walken and the entire cast shine in 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' After seeing those, I suppose I was spoiled. I expected that high quality when I bought 'Winter's End' and thus, I was shocked and dismayed by this poorly acted out movie. I've seen these actors/actresses at their best and they are very talented. Now, I am left baffled as to what happened here. Did they just not care this time around? Was it the director? A low budget? What? So many questions, so little answers. What really got me was when, 'Sarah' (Glen Close) was caught out in a blizzard and almost froze to death. The depth of emotion put into that scene wouldn't fill a tea spoon. 'Jacob' (Christopher Walken) put the most into it, but his acting was stilted, unreal and unnatural. Yet, the all time award for stiffness and unnatural acting would be a tie between, Jack Palance (Jacob's wayward father) and Christopher Bell (Caleb) They did a terrible job. To make matters worse, it looks as if the 'honeymoon' is over for Sarah and Jacob in 'winter's End.' There is no more of that 'spark' we enjoyed in, 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' There might be one or two scenes where they shine as they once did, but for the most part, the chemistry is dead.
The biggest highlight of the film was Sarah and Jacob's little girl 'Cassie,' played by Emily Osment. She seemed to be the only one who took her role seriously. She was a natural, and very 'real' in her part. She did a great job. But sadly the rest of the cast lost the magic that was, 'Sarah Plain & Tall.'

A 5-star trilogy, well worth a look
Christopher Walken and Glenn Close headline the cast in this excellent series of three Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.

In the first movie of the series, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," Walken plays a widowed Kansas farmer who desperately needs someone to help him rear his children while he tends to providing for the family via his farm in the early 1900s. Glenn Close plays Sarah, a woman from Maine, who responds to Walken's newspaper ad search for a wife. The rest of the story focuses on the developing relationships between Walken, Close, and the children. An excellent story and great movie -- 5 stars all the way.

In the second movie, "Skylark" (sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall), the story of Walken and Close's life continues as they face a severe drought, possible failure of the farm, and stresses those things place upon the family. Top-notch, equal in emotional impact and believability with "Sarah, Plain and Tall" -- definitely another 5-star movie.

The third movie, "Winter's End" finds an unexpected guest in Walken and Close's home -- Walken's father, long absent from any family interactions. In this movie, the children have grown considerably (I believe that all the members of the original cast are still together). While an enjoyable movie, this one is not in the same class as the first two, and hovers someplace around 3.5 to 4 stars.

I awarded the set 5 stars on the collective strength of the first two movies.

Just in case you hadn't noticed, Walken is often cast in somewhat quirky roles, but this is probably my favorite work of his. He plays a devoted father dealing with a range of believable real-life issues. These movies also underscore the incredible talent of Close, who can pull off roles as diverse as Sarah's and that of Disney's Cruella DeVil!

Do yourself a favor...if you haven't watched these movies, watch them. They are wonderful.

Have a great day!

Alan Holyoak

Excellent Family Viewing
This is excellent family viewing. It gives one a sense of how tough it was to grow up in the 1800's and early 1900's. People had to work hard for everything, certainly much different than our world where people are pampered by modern-day conveniences.
Glenn Close is one of the great actresses of all time, no question here. If you like Close, check out her excellent performance in "World According to Garp." She is also capable of playing evil as well...in "Fatal Attraction."

Watching the Sarah Plain and Tall series is a great way to help your family grow closer together.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Sarah has become family!
By the time you watch all of these (there are three) Sarah and her bunch are family. You watch the kids grow up and there are these marvelous stories and it's just good entertainment. Sarah comes to Kansas to marry a widower farmer to "make a difference" to him and his two children. The first movie concerns their meeting and eventually marrying, the second movie shows their life through a drought and forced separation and the third brings them into WW1 and some personal family problems. Everything is done perfectly and you'll enjoy these time and again. I've watched them all several times.

I love it.
I loved all three of these movies. It is nice to find a movie that you can watch with the whole family. I think the 3rd movie stayed close to the book. I wish there were more of these type of movies. ... Read more

Reviews (122)

A poetic story about love and family
"Sarah, Plain and Tall," by Patricia MacLachlan, received the 1986 Newbery Medal, a distinguished honor in the world of literature for young people. The honor was well deserved. "Sarah" is a warm, moving story.

"Sarah" is a story told in the first-person by Anna, a young farm girl who lives with her widowed father and younger brother, Caleb. Anna's father sends by mail for a prospective new wife: Sarah, a woman from the Maine seacoast. As the story unfolds, Sarah arrives on the farm and gets to know the family.

MacLachlan writes in a simple but poetic style that expertly conveys the emotions of her characters. MacLachlan is wonderful at catching the details of farm life, which the reader discovers along with Sarah. I also like the way MacLachlan evokes the Maine coastal landscape through Sarah's dialogue. There is a subtle suspense to the story: will Sarah decide to stay and become a part of the story?

I won't give away the ending. But I will say that "Sara" is a gentle and compassionate book for readers of all ages.

I may be a kid, but I have big thoughts!
Sarah, Plain and Tall is about a girl named Anna who's mother dies from giving birth to Anna's brother Caleb. Leading a very lonely life, Anna's father has no choice but to remarry. So, he puts an ad in the paper. A few days later, he gets a reply from a lady named Sarah Wheaton. She wants to take the place of Anna's mother. When Sarah arrives, Anna and Caleb can't help but noticing how very sad Sarah is. "I love the sea." she says. Will Sarah stay? With 4(and 1/2)stars what do you think? Read this book to find out!

Boring, Terrible, Not Good At All
"Sarah, Plain and Tall" is a short and boring book. I, an eleven-year-old boy, had to read it for Accelerated Reader, and as the story progressed it became worse and worse. I thought Sarah's letters to her brother in Maine sounded like letters a four-year-old would write to their parents from camp. The book might have been better if it had been told by another character in the story, such as Caleb or Papa. I would never recommend this book to anyone, unless they are absolutely desperate for AR points. I am very surprised that it won the 1986 Newbery Medal. No offense to the author.

Review Of
This book was a book that I did not care for. The plot was poorly developed. There is very little detail. The story goes nowhere fast. My last comment is the book is too short. If you're a person who likes short books basically about the colors blue, gray, and green, and your between the ages of 7-10, knock yourself out.

Sarah, Plain, and Tall
Sarah came to the prairie, from Maine, to marry Papa (Jacob Witting). At firs it seemed like alot to us (Caleb Witting,and Anna Witting,or Jacobs childern) to have a new mother, years after our born mother had died.

These are the words of the spirt filled, child, Anna Witting.
Her mother died the day after her younger brother, Caleb Witting was born.To Caleb a mother was a mystery, unit Sarah came into there life. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Best of the three!
Sarah Wheaton (Glenn Close) is a mail-order bride in 1910 who answers an ad for a "wife" to "make a difference" in a families life. She moves from Maine to Kansas (a long train ride). The man she answers to is Jacob Witting (Christopher Walken). He and his 2 kids (Anna and Caleb) are still mourning the death of his wife, Katherine, after 6 years. She writes to them many times before deciding to do a 30 day trial in which she lives with the family to see how things work out. They go through many hardships before everything turns out ok in the end. Then, in the sequel, their prarie is threatened by a drought. Jacob keeps on insisting that she (Sarah), Anna, and Jacob leave so that their lives aren't in danger. Sarah doesn't want to leave her husband on the prarie alone because of fear for his life. Jacob finally pursuades her and the children to go live for awhile with Sarah's aunts in Maine until the drought is over. Sarah and Jacob are forced apart until after the rain has come. It seems like Sarah can't live without Jacob the whole time they are apart, and she can't stop thinking about him at all. There is also a secret that Sarah has yet to share with Jacob, but saves that until the end! I loved this movie more than "Sarah Plain and Tall". The love that Sarah and Jacob have for eachother is like no other! I want to quote one part of Sarah and Jacob's conversations at the end. "Here I was like a child come home to my beautiful sea, and I should have been happy, but I was frightened. I mean, I AM frightened because....this terrible love....for you is so strong....that I've never known such a thing before." - Sarah. I just looooove that part of the movie because it's said with such passion! You can see the love in her eyes for Jacob (even though it is just acting) that's almost real! This is a MUST SEE movie for those who love a good romance! I didn't think I was going to like this movie because I was about 8 years old when it came out. Now I'm 17, and I can't stop watching it! It's also a good family movie! You won't regret seeing this movie if you are a romance movie freak!

Skylark
The Kansas prairie of 1910 is in the grip of a disaterous drought. The strength of love and family are tested as the Witting family struggles against the hardships of the drought stricken land.
Glenn Close is Sarah Witting, two years after coming to Kansas as a mail order bride, Sarah works hard to preserve the family life she and Jacob played by Christopher Walken have begun. The children, Anna played by Lexi Randall and Caleb played by Christopher Bell, add emotion and hopes for the future to this meaningful family film.
As the dangers and hardships of the desolate land build Sarah and Jacob are faced with separation. This drama filmed in color is enhanced by the musical scores of David Shire which provide a back drop so appropriate you can almost feel the hot wind and the struggle with the land.
It is the perfect continuation of the original "Sarah Plain and Tall" story. Some of the players from that film return. Matthew (Jon DeViries)and Maggie (Margaret Sopie Stein) are still neighbors and friends. They also bring to life characters only mentioned in part one. The Aunts are portrayed perfectly by Tresa Hughes as Matty, Lois Smith as Lou and Elizabeth Wilson as Harriet. The family curmudgeon and friend, Chub or Chubbers is played by Lee Wilson.
With the skill of the stars and supporting cast this film continues the story of the Witting family wonderfully. Skylark leaves you asking what happens next but still has the ability to stand alone as a complete story and I recommend it as good family viewing.

Skylark
The Knasas prairie of 1910 is in the grip of a disaterous drought. The strength of love and family are tested as the Witting family struggles against the hardships of the drought stricken land.
Glenn Close is Sarah Witting, two years after coming to Kansas as a mail order bride, Sarah works hard to preserve the family life she and Jacob played by Christopher Walken have begun. The children, Anna played by Lexi Randall and Caleb played by Christopher Bell, add emotion and hopes for the future to this meaningful family film.
As the dangers and hardships of the desolate land build Sarah and Jacob are faced with separation. This drama filmed in color is enhanced by the musical scores of David Shire which provide a back drop so appropriate you can almost feel the hot wind and the struggle with the land.
It is the perfect continuation of the original "Sarah Plain and Tall" story. Some of the players from that film return. Matthew (Jon DeViries)and Maggie (Margaret Sopie Stein) are still neighbors and friends. They also bring to life characters only mentioned in part one. The Aunts are portrayed perfectly by Tresa Hughes as Matty, Lois Smith as Lou and Elizabeth Wilson as Harriet. The family curmudgeon and friend, Chub or Chubbers is played by Lee Wilson.
With the skill of the stars and supporting cast this film continues the story of the Witting family wonderfully. Skylark leaves you asking what happens next but still has the ability to stand alone as a complete story and I recommend it as good family viewing.

I dream about rain....
Skylark makes a promise to the viewer and then fulfills it. Sarah is a mail-order bride from Maine and this is the sequel to "Sarah, Plain and Tall." In the first movie, Sarah and Jacob write letters, fall in love and then marry. They are now even more in love and are committed to making their way on the dusty Kansas prairie.

Water is so essential to life and the scenes of the Maine coastline contrast with the dusty land in Kansas. Both the land and the sea can call your heart, but only one owns Jacob's soul. The land. It is where he lives and breathes free. His stubbornness is very apparent, yet it is only that he hopes for rain and believes his commitment to the land will be rewarded.

As the drought hits, their friends and neighbors start to abandon their farms. Sarah keeps saying she won't leave, yet her heart is not with the land. Together they battle fires with wet "feed" sacks. I could smell the fire and feel the coarse sacks because we had to put out a fire once when I lived on a farm in Africa. It is fighting with nature and when you win there is nothing like it.

This movie did remind me a bit of the movie: Out of Africa. It had the same quiet stillness and deep thoughtfulness. Glenn Close and Christopher Walken just have to look at one another for sparks to fly onscreen, yet the characters share a smoldering fire.

The love between Jacob and Sarah smolders throughout the entire movie and is a tribute to marriage. Even though Sarah says: "Sometimes what people choose to write down on paper is more important than what they say," there are some things that must be shared in person. Sarah leaves the best secret for last.

If you have ever felt a love for the earth or inhaled the scent of a newly soaked field....or if you have ever stood in the rain... this is your movie! If you have never lived the country life, indulge your vision and poetic nature. Perhaps soon you will want to travel more or even move away from the city life.

A completely enchanting, yet slow paced story focusing more on emotions and family ties. A story about love of family, love of the land and the chance people take when they marry for better or worse. The theme of families being able to stick together in life, is magical and very refreshing. There is something to be said for true love when it comes from a decision to love.

The last scene is so poignant, I won't spoil it for you even thought I would love to tell you what Sarah does to solidify her commitment to her man and her country. This is a romantic movie, but is well suited for family viewing.

Skylark is as refreshing to the soul as rain is to the parched earth.

Good, but a more depressing than the first one
I liked this movie almost as much as the first in the series, but it was more depressing. Still, it has a happy ending, and is a good family film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The most-watched made-for-television movie of the 1990s (50 million viewers upon first broadcast in 1991), this fine adaptation of Patricia MacLachlan's novel stars Glenn Close as Sarah, a Maine schoolteacher who responds to a Kansas farmer's newspaper ad seeking a bride. Set in 1910, the story followsSarah's trial run as stepmother to the children of the widowed Jacob Witting(Christopher Walken). The tough part of the experiment is the conflictingexpectations the would-be couple have over Sarah's role in the household.The kids, too, have their doubts about a substitute for their mother, andJacob isn't ready, emotionally, for a new beginning. But in short order the strong-willed Sarah brings happiness and vitality into the house, and loveand understanding eventually blossom between the two lonely adults.Everything is right about this Hallmark production, from a bright scriptcowritten by MacLachlan to Glenn Jordan's sensitive direction and a pair of first-rate leads making every moment worth watching. A wholesome tale fromthe heartland, this is a good movie for any viewing situation, from anaudience of one to an entire family. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (122)

A poetic story about love and family
"Sarah, Plain and Tall," by Patricia MacLachlan, received the 1986 Newbery Medal, a distinguished honor in the world of literature for young people. The honor was well deserved. "Sarah" is a warm, moving story.

"Sarah" is a story told in the first-person by Anna, a young farm girl who lives with her widowed father and younger brother, Caleb. Anna's father sends by mail for a prospective new wife: Sarah, a woman from the Maine seacoast. As the story unfolds, Sarah arrives on the farm and gets to know the family.

MacLachlan writes in a simple but poetic style that expertly conveys the emotions of her characters. MacLachlan is wonderful at catching the details of farm life, which the reader discovers along with Sarah. I also like the way MacLachlan evokes the Maine coastal landscape through Sarah's dialogue. There is a subtle suspense to the story: will Sarah decide to stay and become a part of the story?

I won't give away the ending. But I will say that "Sara" is a gentle and compassionate book for readers of all ages.

I may be a kid, but I have big thoughts!
Sarah, Plain and Tall is about a girl named Anna who's mother dies from giving birth to Anna's brother Caleb. Leading a very lonely life, Anna's father has no choice but to remarry. So, he puts an ad in the paper. A few days later, he gets a reply from a lady named Sarah Wheaton. She wants to take the place of Anna's mother. When Sarah arrives, Anna and Caleb can't help but noticing how very sad Sarah is. "I love the sea." she says. Will Sarah stay? With 4(and 1/2)stars what do you think? Read this book to find out!

Boring, Terrible, Not Good At All
"Sarah, Plain and Tall" is a short and boring book. I, an eleven-year-old boy, had to read it for Accelerated Reader, and as the story progressed it became worse and worse. I thought Sarah's letters to her brother in Maine sounded like letters a four-year-old would write to their parents from camp. The book might have been better if it had been told by another character in the story, such as Caleb or Papa. I would never recommend this book to anyone, unless they are absolutely desperate for AR points. I am very surprised that it won the 1986 Newbery Medal. No offense to the author.

Review Of
This book was a book that I did not care for. The plot was poorly developed. There is very little detail. The story goes nowhere fast. My last comment is the book is too short. If you're a person who likes short books basically about the colors blue, gray, and green, and your between the ages of 7-10, knock yourself out.

Sarah, Plain, and Tall
Sarah came to the prairie, from Maine, to marry Papa (Jacob Witting). At firs it seemed like alot to us (Caleb Witting,and Anna Witting,or Jacobs childern) to have a new mother, years after our born mother had died.

These are the words of the spirt filled, child, Anna Witting.
Her mother died the day after her younger brother, Caleb Witting was born.To Caleb a mother was a mystery, unit Sarah came into there life. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This underrated 1990 film directed by Richard Pearce (Country, Leap of Faith) features exceptionally nuanced performances by both Sissy Spacek (Coal Miner's Daughter) and Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost) in a story set against the backdrop of the emerging civil rights movement of the 1950s South. Spacek plays a Southern socialite who becomes gradually enlightened by the plight of her housekeeper, played by Whoopi Goldberg, as she struggles to raise her family amid the increasing turmoil, prejudice, and violence around her. A well-done treatment of an important period of American history, The Long Walk Home is an effective and accurate period drama. It is also an opportunity to see fine, understated performances by two very popular actresses in an earnest and socially conscious setting. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Christine's Review - The Long Walk Home
'The Long Walk Home' was an excellent film. It was very informative and educational, as well as pleasurable. In Montgomery in 1955, life was difficult for those who lived there. I think this film was a great portrayal of how hard everyone's life was and the changes they had to make. Odessa Cotter and Miriam Thompson, two central characters, teach us an important lesson for other to live by. Miriam doesn't allow her husband, Norman, to tell her what is right and wrong. Miriam doesn't let him control her actions. She realizes that helping with the carpool and supporting the boycott is the right thing to do. Odessa is very strong while all this is going on. She has hope of a new order. At first, I was skeptical on all the violence and racist language, but later realized that having it all gave a more practical view and a better understanding on how harsh life was and what everyone had to deal with. I recommend and encourage everyone to see this movie, if not already seen. Even if you're not into this kind of historical background, it's still very good and enjoyable to watch!!

The Long Walk Home
This movie paints a very vivid picture of the 1955 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. Odessa Cotter, a maid, is in the middle of the beggining of the civil rights struggle. One can see the differences between a white and black family during the 50's. Odessa struggles to support her family and the boycott. One feels the tension between the two groups, and the violence that sometimes resulted. I saw this movie in Morality class, and I'm glad I had the chance to see it. Because of this movie I am more aware of the civil rights struggle and all of the hardships that came with it. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to enrich their knowledge and enjoy a great movie.

Great movie concerning black's struggle
I thought this movie was a great movie. It depicted the black struggle in the Montogomery Bus Boycott very well. It was very relasitic in showing the inequality that the black people faced in that time period and how many white people were so racist and unfair to them. It also shows how some white people were very helpful and supported the boycott (Miriam). I believe that this movie is a greta movie to make all ages aware of was really occured during the black rights movement. It teaches you alot about the different views of people and what it is like living as a black person and a white person during this era.

Wonderful Film -- Terrible DVD
This is a marvelous film that gives an accurate account of life in the middle of the 20th Century in the Southern US. I couldn't wait for it to come out on DVD. And what did we get? The usual horrible ARTISAN shoddy worksmanship. The DVD has no extras, not even a trailer. It is in full frame instead of widescreen. But most important, the print is terrible. It is very soft, as if it is a copy of a copy. There is no sharpness to it at all, and colors bleed. It is as bad as Artisan's "The Quiet Man." Artisan should not be in the DVD business, as they have no concept of quality. I would be ashamed to work there.

mike's opinion and review
The film, The Long Walk Home, was a very excellent one in that it showed how things really were at one time. It showed the brutality that people had toward our fellow man and how people don't respect others because of a God-given feature such as skin color. It was hard to watch at times, hard to believe that people can be so rude, ignorant, and immature. It opened my eyes as to how exactly black people were treated and how they were looked down on and mis-treated. This film is one to be remembered because it showed the truth, and even though the truth is not what many wish to see, it is the facts. Odessa showed courage, love, and most of all faith. These three virtues helped her immensely to get through the tough times of her life. I recommend it to anyone who wishes to seek knowledge about the past and wants to learn from it. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

The War
I rented this first of all for Kevin Costner, but was surprised after watching why you never heard more about this movie, It was fantastic! Every actor and actress did great jobs, but both Elijah Wood and Kevin Costner stood out. It never really had a certain plot but yet it did in the fact that it focused on war from three sides....The real war Costner went through....The war the children fought to try and fit in.....and the war that everyone of us fight inside ourselves. If you don't walk away from this movie with a twing inside something is missing. I would highly recommend this for the whole family to watch and learn from. And yes I cried at the end.

They Win this War...
This is the most beautiful and heartbreaking movie I have
ever seen. Elijah Wood and Lexi Randall and all the kids
in the film are amazing, and Kevin Costner gives a perfect
performance with his physical and emotional transformation
as Stephen Simmons. He touchingly elicits all of the reality
of the tragedy in the treatment of Vietnam Veterans, and
his shellshocked, understated portrayal forces the viewer
to step back and take notice. One of Kevin's best acting
pieces, next to A Perfect World, The Untouchables, For the
Love of the Game, and Field of Dreams. A great movie with
great performances.

The War is a great film!
It's a great bit of nostalgia about a low income family's struggles in the South around the time of the Vietnam War. There are many things going on. A father who returns from the war disturbed, with lingering emotional problems. White and black children playing and growing together, puzzled by the concept of racism still lingering. A feud with a trashy gang of kids from across town. The desire to move up in the world and find better living conditions. There's heartbreak, suspense, and some comedy. Breathtaking scenes of the rural south where you can almost feel the heat. Characters that seem very real. Elijah Wood is fantastic and his accent sounds authentic. My only complaint is that he was a positively GORGEOUS boy at the time, like a piece of fine art to look at, and they shouldn't have sheared all his beautiful hair off for this role. It's supposed to be 1970, not 1953! Most boys didn't have crew-cuts in 1970! If he'd had hair in this film like he'd had in 'The Adventures of Huck Finn' the camera would've exploded to bits from his physical perfection as well as his flawless performance!

Love it! Love it!
I loved this movie SOOOOOOOO much! It was soooo sad when Stu's dad died, though! I am desperately trying to call him Stu because Elijah Wood is my favorite actor EVER!!!! I've taped the movie before I came here(to Amazon)but I cant help but talk bout this movie. Stu is able to cope with problems and manages to still be a kid as well. His soooooooooo adorable in this movie though I dont really know why they call it the War. It wasn't the main idea and it was the aftermath of the war but I still loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooved it!!!!!!!!!!

Great Acting - A joy to watch
This is a great film but I feel the story line could of been a bit stronger. I love the cast which includes Mare Winningham, one of my favorites. The times were hard, it is a rough around the edges type of movie with a great ending. The acting is the best especially the parts played by the children.Diane ... Read more

Amazon.com

Originally made as a two-part TV miniseries, this umpteenth adaptation of Johann Spyri's novel is exceptionally easy on the eyes. Jason Robards plays the grumpy grandfather who tends for the orphaned Swiss girl. Jane Seymour chews up the scenery as the governess to a spoiled, rich city girl whom Heidi is forced to visit. The adults think the invalid Klara (Lexi Randall) needs companionship, but wise old grandpa knows she needs good mountain air and independence. Noley Thornton is sweet enough in the title role and Robards's performance provides depth. This Disney production brings little to the story, but is worth watching for its stunning Alpine vistas.--Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Stunning!
This version of Heidi is truly wonderful. The story is so great and all the actors played the roles very well. Shirley Temple was good, but Noley Thornton is fantastic. Unlike the older version of Heidi this has a freshness to it. The other version the Alps don't look nearly as stunning and the slede ride was the fakest thing I have seen in my life. In this re-make you can almost see the hills bursting with song and joy. It is truly magnificent.

Great film for People of all ages!!!!
I rented this from Top Hat Video the other day and I watched it last night when the thunderstorm was interupting the sound this has gotta be one of the best disney films ever Noley Thornton is a sweet girl in this films she's great for the part of Heidi Sure Shirley Temple was good for the part of Heidi in her version of the tale but Young Noley is great too her sweetness in this film makes me feel so good if you thought Shirley was great for Heidi wait till you see this disney version of the tale it's a very sweet story I recommend you get this Noley Thornton is great for Heidi!!!!!!

absolutely absolutely perfect
I viewed this film and realized how ugly I am compared to such a beautiful person as Heidi. She was so patient, caring, loving and wise. Please if you ever want to see a good film and you want to waste almost 3 hours of your life on films SEE THIS FILM!

The outside beauty makes you feel so ugly within... I am not kidding. It's that beautiful!

a movie for the heart
Great movie with very good actors. Little Noley thornton is wonderful and loveable in the title role.

Heidi has a refreshing perspective on life
Heidi has a refreshing perspective on life. She chooses love, love for a crochety old man. In her eyes he becomes lovable to the viewer as well. The scenes of nature are stunning and the tender exchanges in human relationships are deeply moving. Heidi is not just a great "G" movie for children, it's a great movie for adults who need another glimpse, another reminder, of the beauty in our surroundings... both in people and in nature. ... Read more

Description

The early days of wildcat oil drilling provide the basis for this period drama.A washed-up old wildcatter talks a family from a dying farm town into financing an oil derrick on their land. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good for the whole family
Having children now I truly value good and wholesome movies that don't rely on profanity and tasteless antics.
Robert Duvall truly shines as does Aidan Quinn in this wonderful story. It is definately an "owner" and something you will want to watch again.

Robert Duvall at his best!
This is one of our great American films. This could not be improved...it's a five star gem. Watch it, love it!

BEING A PART OF HENRIETTA
THE STARS THAT FELL ON HENRIETTA IS A GREAT PERIOD FILM SET IN 1935. ROBERT DUVALL AND AIDAN QUINN DID A GREAT JOB OF ACTING IN THE FILM.IT ALSO WAS GREAT BEING ABLE TO BE IN THE FILM AS A PICTURE CAR DRIVER IN WHICH I HAD THREE VINTAGE CARS IN. ALSO IF YOU LOOK REAL HARD JANE SEYMORE IS STANDING AT THE BAR IN A SALOON WHILE A BOXING MATCH IS GOING ON.

MY House
This was a good movie and I enjoyed it very much. Part of the movie was filmed in my backyard. We still have the building painted like it was in the movie.

Makes you want to. . . .
......meet and shake hands with and look into the eyes of the people involved with this entire production.

The actors, all, the photography, music, scenery, story, make for a lasting experience. Human nature is revealed by the writer and portrayed by Duvall, et al, showing the good and bad and sweet and mean and course and tender, often combined in a single person.

And then, whose name appears on screen? Clint Eastwood! What a talent he has proven to be, both in his acting ability and here for his good judgment in bringing this production together.

Thanks, Clint, and Robert, and all for this fine work of art.

And for those of you who want to witness human nature in action, SEE this movie. rexmounger@aol.com ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good for the whole family
Having children now I truly value good and wholesome movies that don't rely on profanity and tasteless antics.
Robert Duvall truly shines as does Aidan Quinn in this wonderful story. It is definately an "owner" and something you will want to watch again.

Robert Duvall at his best!
This is one of our great American films. This could not be improved...it's a five star gem. Watch it, love it!

BEING A PART OF HENRIETTA
THE STARS THAT FELL ON HENRIETTA IS A GREAT PERIOD FILM SET IN 1935. ROBERT DUVALL AND AIDAN QUINN DID A GREAT JOB OF ACTING IN THE FILM.IT ALSO WAS GREAT BEING ABLE TO BE IN THE FILM AS A PICTURE CAR DRIVER IN WHICH I HAD THREE VINTAGE CARS IN. ALSO IF YOU LOOK REAL HARD JANE SEYMORE IS STANDING AT THE BAR IN A SALOON WHILE A BOXING MATCH IS GOING ON.

MY House
This was a good movie and I enjoyed it very much. Part of the movie was filmed in my backyard. We still have the building painted like it was in the movie.

Makes you want to. . . .
......meet and shake hands with and look into the eyes of the people involved with this entire production.

The actors, all, the photography, music, scenery, story, make for a lasting experience. Human nature is revealed by the writer and portrayed by Duvall, et al, showing the good and bad and sweet and mean and course and tender, often combined in a single person.

And then, whose name appears on screen? Clint Eastwood! What a talent he has proven to be, both in his acting ability and here for his good judgment in bringing this production together.

Thanks, Clint, and Robert, and all for this fine work of art.

And for those of you who want to witness human nature in action, SEE this movie. rexmounger@aol.com ... Read more

Amazon.com

Set two years after the events in Sarah, Plain and Tall, a series of challenges test the resilience of the Witting family's bond. With a drought and the possibility of fire looming over the Kansas farm, Sarah (Glenn Close)leads a pilgrimage East to her old stomping grounds in Maine. The change of scene and an unexpected separation put a strain on everyone, includinghusband Jacob (Christopher Walken), but in the end the film imparts the samesense of nostalgic reassurance viewers embraced in the first film. Firstaired on CBS in 1993, this isn't quite the fresh experience of Sarah, Plainand Tall, and director Joseph Sargent doesn't have the same delicatetouch as Glenn Jordan. But fans of the earlier work and/or the PatriciaMacLachlan novel that inspired this series will love it all the same. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Best of the three!
Sarah Wheaton (Glenn Close) is a mail-order bride in 1910 who answers an ad for a "wife" to "make a difference" in a families life. She moves from Maine to Kansas (a long train ride). The man she answers to is Jacob Witting (Christopher Walken). He and his 2 kids (Anna and Caleb) are still mourning the death of his wife, Katherine, after 6 years. She writes to them many times before deciding to do a 30 day trial in which she lives with the family to see how things work out. They go through many hardships before everything turns out ok in the end. Then, in the sequel, their prarie is threatened by a drought. Jacob keeps on insisting that she (Sarah), Anna, and Jacob leave so that their lives aren't in danger. Sarah doesn't want to leave her husband on the prarie alone because of fear for his life. Jacob finally pursuades her and the children to go live for awhile with Sarah's aunts in Maine until the drought is over. Sarah and Jacob are forced apart until after the rain has come. It seems like Sarah can't live without Jacob the whole time they are apart, and she can't stop thinking about him at all. There is also a secret that Sarah has yet to share with Jacob, but saves that until the end! I loved this movie more than "Sarah Plain and Tall". The love that Sarah and Jacob have for eachother is like no other! I want to quote one part of Sarah and Jacob's conversations at the end. "Here I was like a child come home to my beautiful sea, and I should have been happy, but I was frightened. I mean, I AM frightened because....this terrible love....for you is so strong....that I've never known such a thing before." - Sarah. I just looooove that part of the movie because it's said with such passion! You can see the love in her eyes for Jacob (even though it is just acting) that's almost real! This is a MUST SEE movie for those who love a good romance! I didn't think I was going to like this movie because I was about 8 years old when it came out. Now I'm 17, and I can't stop watching it! It's also a good family movie! You won't regret seeing this movie if you are a romance movie freak!

Skylark
The Kansas prairie of 1910 is in the grip of a disaterous drought. The strength of love and family are tested as the Witting family struggles against the hardships of the drought stricken land.
Glenn Close is Sarah Witting, two years after coming to Kansas as a mail order bride, Sarah works hard to preserve the family life she and Jacob played by Christopher Walken have begun. The children, Anna played by Lexi Randall and Caleb played by Christopher Bell, add emotion and hopes for the future to this meaningful family film.
As the dangers and hardships of the desolate land build Sarah and Jacob are faced with separation. This drama filmed in color is enhanced by the musical scores of David Shire which provide a back drop so appropriate you can almost feel the hot wind and the struggle with the land.
It is the perfect continuation of the original "Sarah Plain and Tall" story. Some of the players from that film return. Matthew (Jon DeViries)and Maggie (Margaret Sopie Stein) are still neighbors and friends. They also bring to life characters only mentioned in part one. The Aunts are portrayed perfectly by Tresa Hughes as Matty, Lois Smith as Lou and Elizabeth Wilson as Harriet. The family curmudgeon and friend, Chub or Chubbers is played by Lee Wilson.
With the skill of the stars and supporting cast this film continues the story of the Witting family wonderfully. Skylark leaves you asking what happens next but still has the ability to stand alone as a complete story and I recommend it as good family viewing.

Skylark
The Knasas prairie of 1910 is in the grip of a disaterous drought. The strength of love and family are tested as the Witting family struggles against the hardships of the drought stricken land.
Glenn Close is Sarah Witting, two years after coming to Kansas as a mail order bride, Sarah works hard to preserve the family life she and Jacob played by Christopher Walken have begun. The children, Anna played by Lexi Randall and Caleb played by Christopher Bell, add emotion and hopes for the future to this meaningful family film.
As the dangers and hardships of the desolate land build Sarah and Jacob are faced with separation. This drama filmed in color is enhanced by the musical scores of David Shire which provide a back drop so appropriate you can almost feel the hot wind and the struggle with the land.
It is the perfect continuation of the original "Sarah Plain and Tall" story. Some of the players from that film return. Matthew (Jon DeViries)and Maggie (Margaret Sopie Stein) are still neighbors and friends. They also bring to life characters only mentioned in part one. The Aunts are portrayed perfectly by Tresa Hughes as Matty, Lois Smith as Lou and Elizabeth Wilson as Harriet. The family curmudgeon and friend, Chub or Chubbers is played by Lee Wilson.
With the skill of the stars and supporting cast this film continues the story of the Witting family wonderfully. Skylark leaves you asking what happens next but still has the ability to stand alone as a complete story and I recommend it as good family viewing.

I dream about rain....
Skylark makes a promise to the viewer and then fulfills it. Sarah is a mail-order bride from Maine and this is the sequel to "Sarah, Plain and Tall." In the first movie, Sarah and Jacob write letters, fall in love and then marry. They are now even more in love and are committed to making their way on the dusty Kansas prairie.

Water is so essential to life and the scenes of the Maine coastline contrast with the dusty land in Kansas. Both the land and the sea can call your heart, but only one owns Jacob's soul. The land. It is where he lives and breathes free. His stubbornness is very apparent, yet it is only that he hopes for rain and believes his commitment to the land will be rewarded.

As the drought hits, their friends and neighbors start to abandon their farms. Sarah keeps saying she won't leave, yet her heart is not with the land. Together they battle fires with wet "feed" sacks. I could smell the fire and feel the coarse sacks because we had to put out a fire once when I lived on a farm in Africa. It is fighting with nature and when you win there is nothing like it.

This movie did remind me a bit of the movie: Out of Africa. It had the same quiet stillness and deep thoughtfulness. Glenn Close and Christopher Walken just have to look at one another for sparks to fly onscreen, yet the characters share a smoldering fire.

The love between Jacob and Sarah smolders throughout the entire movie and is a tribute to marriage. Even though Sarah says: "Sometimes what people choose to write down on paper is more important than what they say," there are some things that must be shared in person. Sarah leaves the best secret for last.

If you have ever felt a love for the earth or inhaled the scent of a newly soaked field....or if you have ever stood in the rain... this is your movie! If you have never lived the country life, indulge your vision and poetic nature. Perhaps soon you will want to travel more or even move away from the city life.

A completely enchanting, yet slow paced story focusing more on emotions and family ties. A story about love of family, love of the land and the chance people take when they marry for better or worse. The theme of families being able to stick together in life, is magical and very refreshing. There is something to be said for true love when it comes from a decision to love.

The last scene is so poignant, I won't spoil it for you even thought I would love to tell you what Sarah does to solidify her commitment to her man and her country. This is a romantic movie, but is well suited for family viewing.

Skylark is as refreshing to the soul as rain is to the parched earth.

Good, but a more depressing than the first one
I liked this movie almost as much as the first in the series, but it was more depressing. Still, it has a happy ending, and is a good family film. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Stunning!
This version of Heidi is truly wonderful. The story is so great and all the actors played the roles very well. Shirley Temple was good, but Noley Thornton is fantastic. Unlike the older version of Heidi this has a freshness to it. The other version the Alps don't look nearly as stunning and the slede ride was the fakest thing I have seen in my life. In this re-make you can almost see the hills bursting with song and joy. It is truly magnificent.

Great film for People of all ages!!!!
I rented this from Top Hat Video the other day and I watched it last night when the thunderstorm was interupting the sound this has gotta be one of the best disney films ever Noley Thornton is a sweet girl in this films she's great for the part of Heidi Sure Shirley Temple was good for the part of Heidi in her version of the tale but Young Noley is great too her sweetness in this film makes me feel so good if you thought Shirley was great for Heidi wait till you see this disney version of the tale it's a very sweet story I recommend you get this Noley Thornton is great for Heidi!!!!!!

absolutely absolutely perfect
I viewed this film and realized how ugly I am compared to such a beautiful person as Heidi. She was so patient, caring, loving and wise. Please if you ever want to see a good film and you want to waste almost 3 hours of your life on films SEE THIS FILM!

The outside beauty makes you feel so ugly within... I am not kidding. It's that beautiful!

a movie for the heart
Great movie with very good actors. Little Noley thornton is wonderful and loveable in the title role.

Heidi has a refreshing perspective on life
Heidi has a refreshing perspective on life. She chooses love, love for a crochety old man. In her eyes he becomes lovable to the viewer as well. The scenes of nature are stunning and the tender exchanges in human relationships are deeply moving. Heidi is not just a great "G" movie for children, it's a great movie for adults who need another glimpse, another reminder, of the beauty in our surroundings... both in people and in nature. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good for the whole family
Having children now I truly value good and wholesome movies that don't rely on profanity and tasteless antics.
Robert Duvall truly shines as does Aidan Quinn in this wonderful story. It is definately an "owner" and something you will want to watch again.

Robert Duvall at his best!
This is one of our great American films. This could not be improved...it's a five star gem. Watch it, love it!

BEING A PART OF HENRIETTA
THE STARS THAT FELL ON HENRIETTA IS A GREAT PERIOD FILM SET IN 1935. ROBERT DUVALL AND AIDAN QUINN DID A GREAT JOB OF ACTING IN THE FILM.IT ALSO WAS GREAT BEING ABLE TO BE IN THE FILM AS A PICTURE CAR DRIVER IN WHICH I HAD THREE VINTAGE CARS IN. ALSO IF YOU LOOK REAL HARD JANE SEYMORE IS STANDING AT THE BAR IN A SALOON WHILE A BOXING MATCH IS GOING ON.

MY House
This was a good movie and I enjoyed it very much. Part of the movie was filmed in my backyard. We still have the building painted like it was in the movie.

Makes you want to. . . .
......meet and shake hands with and look into the eyes of the people involved with this entire production.

The actors, all, the photography, music, scenery, story, make for a lasting experience. Human nature is revealed by the writer and portrayed by Duvall, et al, showing the good and bad and sweet and mean and course and tender, often combined in a single person.

And then, whose name appears on screen? Clint Eastwood! What a talent he has proven to be, both in his acting ability and here for his good judgment in bringing this production together.

Thanks, Clint, and Robert, and all for this fine work of art.

And for those of you who want to witness human nature in action, SEE this movie. rexmounger@aol.com ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good for the whole family
Having children now I truly value good and wholesome movies that don't rely on profanity and tasteless antics.
Robert Duvall truly shines as does Aidan Quinn in this wonderful story. It is definately an "owner" and something you will want to watch again.

Robert Duvall at his best!
This is one of our great American films. This could not be improved...it's a five star gem. Watch it, love it!

BEING A PART OF HENRIETTA
THE STARS THAT FELL ON HENRIETTA IS A GREAT PERIOD FILM SET IN 1935. ROBERT DUVALL AND AIDAN QUINN DID A GREAT JOB OF ACTING IN THE FILM.IT ALSO WAS GREAT BEING ABLE TO BE IN THE FILM AS A PICTURE CAR DRIVER IN WHICH I HAD THREE VINTAGE CARS IN. ALSO IF YOU LOOK REAL HARD JANE SEYMORE IS STANDING AT THE BAR IN A SALOON WHILE A BOXING MATCH IS GOING ON.

MY House
This was a good movie and I enjoyed it very much. Part of the movie was filmed in my backyard. We still have the building painted like it was in the movie.

Makes you want to. . . .
......meet and shake hands with and look into the eyes of the people involved with this entire production.

The actors, all, the photography, music, scenery, story, make for a lasting experience. Human nature is revealed by the writer and portrayed by Duvall, et al, showing the good and bad and sweet and mean and course and tender, often combined in a single person.

And then, whose name appears on screen? Clint Eastwood! What a talent he has proven to be, both in his acting ability and here for his good judgment in bringing this production together.

Thanks, Clint, and Robert, and all for this fine work of art.

And for those of you who want to witness human nature in action, SEE this movie. rexmounger@aol.com ... Read more