Little House on the Prairie

Reviewed by Jinny
Series information: Little House on the Prairie



Modern technology may not be such a wonderful thing as far as our mental well-being is concerned. We know too much, too soon about every little thing that happens in the world. We are constantly bombarded with trivialities often blown out of proportion by media hype as well as the quiet gloom and doom of economic, political, and religious incidents. We live stress-filled lives ourselves in this fast-paced existence we call life, and carrying the problems of the world on our shoulders is sometimes overbearing. It is in times like these that I turn off the computer, put down the paper or the news magazine, switch off the news on TV, and escape to reruns of Little House on the Prairie.

The show ran from 1974 – 1983 and during that time, we had the pleasure of seeing the children grow up to take their places as productive citizens and parents of Walnut Grove just as the town had progressed and expanded from its humble beginnings.

This series, based on the autobiographical books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, portrays the pioneer life of the Ingall's family and other residents of Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon) is the patriarch of the family and will do anything to assure his family's safety and survival including taking odd jobs outside of the farm to make ends meet. His wife Caroline (Karen Grassle) is the compassionate force that holds the family together with her determination and quiet strength.

They have three daughters: the oldest, Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson) is the prettiest, makes perfect grades, and faces a bright future until an unexpected illness leaves her blind; Laura is a feisty and enthusiastic individual who stands up for what she thinks is right and fights to overcome any opposition; the youngest, Cary (Lindsey Sidney Greenbush) is a curious toddler.

Other colorful characters include: Harriet Oleson (Katherine McGregor), the gossip-mongering, self-righteous bigot who is the wife of the owner of the general store; Nels Oleson (Richard Bull) who is the somewhat hen-pecked husband of Harriet who stands up to her and puts her in her place when it really matters; Nellie Oleson (Alison Arngrim) who follows in her mother's foots steps as a bigoted, snobbish little brat; and Willie Oleson (Jonathan Gilbert) who is the wimpy younger brother of Nellie who obeys her in every devious plot. Also among the cast are the magnanimous Dr. Baker (Kevin Hagen) who often accepts produce or poultry as payment as he cares more for his patients than for monetary gain; Isaiah Edwards (Victor French) who is kind of a rough, crass galoot with a heart of gold and an ever ready helping hand; and Rev. Robert Alden (Dabbs Greer) who always leads his flock with a level head and a calm demeanor.

In high school I was taught: times change, people don't change.. the basic wants, needs, and desires have been inherent in man since the days of the cavemen. The manner in which they are handled is influenced by the customs and morality of the existing social setting.

As a parent and former teacher, I think this series is a treasure trove for teaching valuable life lessons, morals, and social skills. Little House on the Prairie developed many themes including adoption, prejudice, alcoholism, blindness, terminal illnesses, morphine addiction, and rape. It is best for children to view this with their parents as insights into history may have to be provided for full understanding of some of the episodes. Also, discussions after the viewing would be most beneficial.

For example, segregation was still in practice and the children of Walnut Grove reflected the beliefs of their parents be they positive or negative- much as children do today. Also, there were no government handouts or relief programs; people willingly helped each other for free. Formal education took place in a one room schoolhouse with a single teacher where children wanted to attend and considered themselves fortunate to be able to do so. The community whole-heartedly supported and respected education...unlike many areas today where public education is neither supported nor respected. In addition, the community ran the town via town meetings and votes. Integrity was essential and corruption was virtually non-existent except when unsavory strangers would come into town.

There were no cell phones, televisions, movies, radios,computers or any of the modern conveniences we take for granted. Which brings me to my final point: with the impersonal aspects of relationships today – face to face encounters seem to be few and far between. Business is conducted via email, fax, or conference call. Customer service is provided through a machine where your verbal answers to their questions are often not interpreted correctly. The chances of talking to a real live person after a wait of at least ten minutes is astronomical, and even then you are likely to be transferred to another department only to begin the process all over again.

Back then everything was done in person. Deals were often made verbally with a promise and a handshake, and to dishonor that promise was tantamount to treason. Trust was the norm rather than the exception. Oh, for the “good old days”.....




Related Films: Little House on the Prairie - Christmas Little House on the Prairie - The Premiere Movie Little House on the Prairie - Journey in the Spring Little House on the Prairie - I'll Be Waving as You Drive Away Beyond Prairie: True Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Films with Micheal Landon: Sam's Son: Michael Landon's Story Legend of Tom Dooley God's Little Acre Love Is Forever Where Pigeons Go to Die