The Chisholms
The Chisholms

The Chisholms

1980TV ShowEnded2 SeasonsEnglish

The Chisholms is a CBS western miniseries starring Robert Preston, which aired from March 29, 1979, to April 19, 1979; and continued as a television series from January 19, 1980, to March 15, 1980. The 1979 miniseries showed the family moving from Virginia to Wyoming. When the TV series commenced in 1980, the pioneers were shown en route along the California Trail from Wyoming to Sacramento, California.

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IMDb7.2/10
Director: VariousGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

Set in 1840s America, 'The Chisholms' chronicles the arduous journey of the Chisholm family as they travel from Virginia to the Oregon Territory. Led by the resilient mother, Minerva Chisholm, the family faces numerous challenges including harsh weather, scarce resources, and internal conflicts. The series follows their struggles and triumphs as they seek a new life and opportunities in the untamed West. It highlights themes of family perseverance, adaptation, and the spirit of westward expansion.

Critical Reception

The Chisholms received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. Critics often praised its ambitious scope and the performances of its cast, particularly Brenda Vaccaro. However, some reviews noted that the series occasionally struggled with pacing and character development, with certain storylines feeling repetitive. Audiences at the time were drawn to the historical drama and the family's struggles against the elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its historical setting and Brenda Vaccaro's strong performance.
  • Noted for depicting the hardships of westward expansion.
  • Some criticism regarding pacing and occasional melodramatic elements.

Google audience: Audience reception data for 'The Chisholms' from Google reviews is not readily available. However, contemporary viewership likely appreciated the show for its compelling narrative of a family's struggle and determination during a significant period in American history.

Fun Fact

The series was developed as a vehicle for Brenda Vaccaro, who played the strong matriarch Minerva Chisholm, a role that was seen as a departure from many of her previous characters.

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