The 2nd episode of a 3 episode mini-series for TV. The screenplay is mainly based on 2 books by Rose Wilder Lane, while the popular contemporaneous series "Little House on the Prairie" was based on a series on novels written by Rose's mother. Whereas the events in the "Little House" series took place in SW MN, in the tall grass prairie, the events in this film take place in the more frontier region of central SD, among a mix of tall and short grass prairies. It takes place in 1874, just a couple years before the gold rush in the nearby Black Hills, and Custer's demise.
The film begins with a funeral for 'Little' Davie Beaton, oldest child of David and Molly. Afterward, they make a vow to each other that they will never talk about their son again. However, this can't stop them from grieving inside, especially when they come across something that reminds them of him. Finally, David breaks down. He's about to destroy the cradle used for Davie, but Molly stops him. They compromise. David will use the wood to make a small sleigh for their two remaining children.
One day, they notice a small train of railroad supply wagons going over the hill crest, and wonder what's up. They go into town for some tree saplings, and stop at the land office. Seems the railroad has changed where it wants to extend its line, right through the homesteads of some close neighbors. Of course, they swear they won't leave their land. One of the railroad men is delightfully sarcastic when they object. One is shot dead in an altercation with one of the cavalrymen who accompanied the railroad man when he came to take possession of the homestead and the house on it. Dan, a bachelor, nearly suffered the same fate, ready to use his house as a fortress. But, David finally convinced him that he was making a mistake in fighting the railroads, backed by the Federal government. He still saw the exercise of eminent domain as thievery, since the monetary compensation was a small percentage of its actual value, especially to the railroad. The Beatons offer to give some of their land to Dan, so he won't have to leave the area. He declines at first, but eventually accepts....The last part of the film deals with preparations for Christmas, with mostly self-made gifts.
The film held my interest throughout. However, clearly, it's not as memorable as "Young Pioneers" You want to see that film first, then perhaps this one. Both currently are available on YouTube.
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