Sarah, Plain and Tall
Sarah, Plain and Tall

Movie spotlight

Sarah, Plain and Tall

1991
Movie
98 min
English

Kansas, 1910. Widowed farmer Jacob Witting finds that taking care of both his farm and two children, Anna and Caleb, is too difficult to handle alone. John takes out an ad in a newspaper for a mail-order bride, to which the "plain and tall" Sarah Wheaton answers, soon traveling from Maine to Kansas to become John's wife. Despite the love that grows between Sarah and the family, Sarah finds herself homesick, and she must ultimately choose whether or not to stay.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Google Users85%
Director: Glenn JordanGenres: Family, Drama, Western

Plot Summary

In the late 19th century American prairies, a family grieves the loss of their mother. To fill the void and provide a mother for his children, Jacob Witting places an advertisement for a mail-order bride. Sarah Wheaton answers, arriving from Maine with the promise of being a good wife and mother, though she is a stranger to the harsh prairie life and the grieving family.

Critical Reception

Sarah, Plain and Tall was met with a warm reception from critics and audiences alike, particularly for its heartwarming story and strong performances. It was praised as a touching family film that sensitively explored themes of loss, love, and adaptation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gentle and emotional storytelling.

  • Applauded for the compelling performances of its lead actors.

  • Seen as a touching and accessible adaptation of the beloved children's novel.

Google audience: Viewers found Sarah, Plain and Tall to be a beautiful and moving story that resonated with its themes of family and resilience. Many appreciated its historical setting and the emotional depth of the characters.

Awards & Accolades

Won 2 Primetime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Children's Program, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special for Glenn Close) and was nominated for an additional 3 Primetime Emmys. It also received a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the 1985 Newbery Medal-winning children's novel of the same name by Patricia MacLachlan, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

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