Nice little movie about life in the Prairie and about how a young widower can make a new life, and how his two children can relate to a new women coming to their home to "replace" their mother. No clichés (there could have been scores of them), sensitive story, good casting. Never before that movie had I sensed how Kansas and Maine, two states in the same country, can be so far apart, geographically and culturally.
18 Reviews
Beautiful story!
menaka18 January 2002
Sarah,Plain and Tall was a great pleasure to watch,it was a simple story that was told,just as it should have been,simply.Sarah,almost a mailorder bride,comes to live with a widower and his two young children on the prairie and her life never is the same again.The story revolves around friendships formed,ideals changed and above all the importance of family.No character is a stereotype they are realistic people with their own shortcomings but are essentially good human beings with morals and integrity.Glenn Close and Christopher Walkin bring so many truths to their characters and the chemistry between them is real and heartfelt.A very special movie,great to watch with the family!
Much better than it looks...
SusieSalmonLikeTheFish1 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Sarah is a rather average and supposedly boring woman who comes to look after the children of a man whose wife died giving birth.
At first glance it isn't much, but I read the book years ago and loved it so I figured I'd check out the movie. Sarah, despite being plain, is brave, caring, loves animals and becomes the mother the family never had. The acting was great and there were even some sad and suspenseful scenes. I'm not a big fan of movies taking place in the 1800's but this one was excellent, I'm surprised it doesn't have many reviews. If you ever see it for sale, don't pass it, up, and check out the short novel as well! This is surprisingly a very good movie.
At first glance it isn't much, but I read the book years ago and loved it so I figured I'd check out the movie. Sarah, despite being plain, is brave, caring, loves animals and becomes the mother the family never had. The acting was great and there were even some sad and suspenseful scenes. I'm not a big fan of movies taking place in the 1800's but this one was excellent, I'm surprised it doesn't have many reviews. If you ever see it for sale, don't pass it, up, and check out the short novel as well! This is surprisingly a very good movie.
Touching
1fortheroad19 July 2002
I remember reading the book, Sarah, Plain and Tall, as a small child, probably for school or something. In most cases, movies based on books are usually a let-down, but this movie, in my opinion, was even better than the book itself. It's a wonderful story of a young mail-order bride who travels from her home in Maine to the vast strangeness of undeveloped, prarie-town, Kansas. One of the things I really liked about this movie was that it didn't have any sticky-sweetness that is common in family films. Sarah, the main character, is far from perfect, and there is a constant battle-of-wills between her and Jacob. Probably the biggest conflict in the film, besides the fact that Sarah is extremely homesick, is that Jacob expects Sarah to be like his late wife--who seems to have been a quiet, gentle woman. Sarah is nice, but she is also stubborn and quick to speak her mind. She and Jacob have to come to terms with each other, over and over again. Jacob's character was well-written. He's a man trying to raise his family the best he knows how, but he can't seem to let go of his late wife. He blames himself for her death, and seems almost afraid to let his children remember her. He doesn't have much room in his heart for Sarah, but she barges in anyway, neatly disobeying him and breaking down the walls in his heart. The children were very good as well--Anna struggles with accepting Sarah, and her growing fondness towards her. Calab loves Sarah, simply because he is small and doesn't remember his real mother. I thought the story line was great, as was the actual casting. Glenn Close doesn't usually play such wholesome, family roles, but she actually pulled it off, which proves, of course, that's she's a terrific actress in any role. She was convincing as Sarah, and gave her a little added spice... Christopher Walken, also, was great as the father, who, I think, falls for Sarah without really realizing it. The children, played by Lexi Randell and Christopher Bell, fit snugly into their roles. The whole movie is a very touching family story. I give it ten stars, for a wonderful performance.
I loved the book so much more
robslady24 January 2010
This seems to be a minority opinion, but I actually liked the book "Sarah, Plain and Tall" much better than the movie. The book is spare, poetic and lovely. The romance of Jacob and Sarah is in the background, but Anna and Caleb's hopes to have a new mother are almost palpable. The lack of details allows rich play for the imagination, and Patricia MacLachlan is an absolute master at evoking the sights, the sounds, the very texture of the world in which her characters live. When Jacob puts his arm around Sarah for the first time in the book, it is a delightful surprise and it means so much because we are seeing it through the eyes of the children who so very much want Sarah to stay. The movie, by filling in all the gaps, and filling it with conversations which to me, felt too modern for the times, lost a lot of the magic of the story. Glenn Close did a wonderful job of embodying Sarah, but she was a little too adept in her ability to analyze Jacob's lingering grief and anger -- in those days they didn't do as much emotional analysis as we do now, and anyway, how would a spinster who lived with three elderly aunts know about a widower's inability to let go of grief? I think perhaps if I hadn't read the book first and loved it so deeply, I may have liked the movie more than I did. The book was a perfect example of the old writing adage, "show, don't tell," but ironically, the movie did way too much telling and not enough showing.
Wow, Is This A Nice Movie!
ccthemovieman-119 July 2006
What a nice movie! In this day-and-age, a movie this low-key and simply nice is refreshing to see. It's almost shocking, especially with Christopher Walken, playing against type. He and Glenn Glose end up being an inspiring romantic couple.
What I think I enjoyed best was the wonderful cinematography. With all the beautiful rural scenery, it was pretty to see. It was also nice to see Walken play a role this sedate and a pleasure to see a modern film that featured well-mannered kids, not spoiled brats. In fact, there are no nasty people nor bad language is this film, either.
Unlike many films which call themselves "family-oriented," this one truly lives up to that billing. It's not anything super dramatic that will knock your socks off, but a pleasant, very nice low-key 98 minutes to kick back and relax watching.
What I think I enjoyed best was the wonderful cinematography. With all the beautiful rural scenery, it was pretty to see. It was also nice to see Walken play a role this sedate and a pleasure to see a modern film that featured well-mannered kids, not spoiled brats. In fact, there are no nasty people nor bad language is this film, either.
Unlike many films which call themselves "family-oriented," this one truly lives up to that billing. It's not anything super dramatic that will knock your socks off, but a pleasant, very nice low-key 98 minutes to kick back and relax watching.
too much soap but Close is excellent
pdolla221 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Glenn Close was very good in this well-done soap. But,let's face it, children are not really such huggable little angels as these two are all the time. It was a foregone conclusion, of course, that the Walken and Close characters would be subjected to the basic melodramatic plot: they would encounter at least one problem, resolve it, and live happily ever after. Was it really necessary to have all the people (as well as one cat and one dog) be so unrealistically good-hearted and lovable? The movie would have been much better if there had been an attempt to go deeper than warm-hearted bromides and clichés. The depiction of life as it really was at the time would have been much more interesting.
Beautifully Done
shark-431 September 2003
I had always heard good things about this film but never got around to seeing it. My 8 year old daughter loves books on the prairie life and we saw the video at the library so we watched it and we were both so moved, so impressed. A lovely film, wonderfully acted - Walken is a nice surprise - after a long, Hollywood career playing weirdos and sickos - he gives a fully realized, delicate, heartbreaking performance as a widower Kansas farmer. The children stay away from cliched, hammy acting and the whole thing is touching and sweet.
A Fantastic Movie
pappyslady77726 January 2003
I can name a half a dozen reasons why I like the movie. The plot is good wholesome plot. This is a movie I can sit my children down and not worry about any bad words. It brings the past to life its like you are there. It shows what true love is all about . When you can go through all different things together and still be in love then you have it going on. You can feel the warmth and kindness Sarah shows toward the children.
If you haven'tseen it then I only have onething tosay RUN Don't WALK to your nearest video store.
If you haven'tseen it then I only have onething tosay RUN Don't WALK to your nearest video store.
Simplicity at its finest.
pmtelefon29 October 2019
"Sarah, Plain and Tall" is a beautifully told story. It has a nice vibe to it. It grabs hold of you right away. It has a lot of emotion but it never gets sappy. I've never been a fan of Glenn Close. I could only take or leave her. But I have to admit, Close does a very good job in this movie. The rest of the cast is also very good, especially the children. "Sarah, Plain and Tall" never fails to hit the spot. I need to watch this one more often.
One of the sweetest stories ever told.
CandyR5 March 1999
Based on Patricia MacLachlan's novel which won the prestigious Newbery Award, given to the author of the year's finest children's book. Jacob, (Walken) a widowed father, still mourning his wife's death, decides to place an advertisement for a new wife, for his own sake and for his two children. Sarah, (Close) a "plain and tall" woman from Maine answers. She promises to stay for a trial period of thirty days to see if she can "maks a difference" for this family. Jacob must come to peace with his wife's death in order to allow Sarah into his life. Sarah must overcome homesickness and learn the ways of prairie life. The chemistry between Walken and Close onscreen is phenomenal. This is a very touching story and the casting is absolutely perfect.
Beautiful
nikinemeth9 July 2005
Oh my God is such a wonderful film. I watched it on the channel Hallmark, and i tought that it will be boring, but i started to watch it, because there was Chris Walken (i heard he like Chris better like Christopher), and he is an amazing actor, and strangle sexy. The 2 children's are so nice and lovely, i think everybody wants such kind oh great kids:) Glenn Close is so nice ang beautiful in this film, and her role is also very good. A woman who tried to change old habits and and deep feelings. And there's a lovely ending!! Oh, and Mr. Walken is also great(like almost always). He plays perfectly the man who cant forget his wife and cant find the way to go on with 2 children's who lost their mothers but want live a normal life!! Great film i have seen it 5 times and i still love it!! 10/10
Exquisite no matter how many times I watch it
skpn12322 December 2021
The story is somewhat plain, the acting simple and understated despite the talented cast but this is what creates its beauty and heart. This film is a lovely experience to share with the next generation. It never grows old.
Charming
AngelHonesty27 December 2020
Sarah Plain and Tall brings a heart felt, good value, family story to life. Similar to Little House on the Prairie and the Love Comes Softly movies, Sarah Plain and Tall is about a family trying to survive without a mother on the western front, when a woman responds to an add to join the family. It's a clean movie that is great for the entire family, it has good values, heartfelt moments and some good fun in between. I loved how the movie is filmed with beautiful scenes and the acting is amazing. Glenn close and Christopher Walken jive perfectly together as you can feel the chemistry. Sarah is a proper woman who is stubborn and not afraid to get her hands dirty who is matched to Jacob, a good man who is a farmer with a broken heart from losing his wife. The children are great as little Celeb warms your heart.
I loved watching this movie as a kid and I would highly recommend it. It might be an older film, but it is well made.
I loved watching this movie as a kid and I would highly recommend it. It might be an older film, but it is well made.
A story not so plain, and not quite a tall tale.
mark.waltz31 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I wouldn't call Sarah plain or ordinary, quite independent yet filled with so much love to give that for the children played by Lexi Randell and Christopher Bell, she becomes the perfect mother figure if not their real mother. Glenn Close had already conquered the world of the movie of the week in addition to theatrically released films, and five Oscar nominations later began to branch out with first this (the filmed version of a Patricia MacLachlan novel that lead to two followups) and a triumphant return to Broadway with a dramatic play and a musical. She's joined by Oscar winning character actor Christopher Walken playing the widowed father who desperately needs a mother for his children and possibly a wife.
Close truly shows that she can play every role, grabbing onto the role of Sarah and not letting go. She finds herself at odds with Walken over the way he holds the memories back of his late wife, and there's more to his grieving than he's letting on. Sarah isn't about to come into the house as a shrinking violet the way the late Katherine supposedly was, and it's only with the agreement of testing the waters that the two end up eventually bonding. She won the young son over immediately, but the older sister is a little more difficult to completely win. It's only after lots of tension that the two start to be more comfortable with each other, although her home sickness for the New England coast does remain an obstacle. This is a very warm film, never schmaltzy or corny, just a story of real people living a simple life, but finding that accepting their differences can make all the difference.
Close truly shows that she can play every role, grabbing onto the role of Sarah and not letting go. She finds herself at odds with Walken over the way he holds the memories back of his late wife, and there's more to his grieving than he's letting on. Sarah isn't about to come into the house as a shrinking violet the way the late Katherine supposedly was, and it's only with the agreement of testing the waters that the two end up eventually bonding. She won the young son over immediately, but the older sister is a little more difficult to completely win. It's only after lots of tension that the two start to be more comfortable with each other, although her home sickness for the New England coast does remain an obstacle. This is a very warm film, never schmaltzy or corny, just a story of real people living a simple life, but finding that accepting their differences can make all the difference.
Yeah...
gazzo-212 December 2000
They had a real nice feel for the time and place with this one....I remember enjoying it alot. Oceans of grass to replace the Maine woods and shore, different mores and a different way of thinking. Walken really plays against type here, he is quiet and turned inwards...Little House on the Prairie done by Hallmark, if you will.
*** outta ****
*** outta ****
The Kiss, the Simplicity, the Air
silvercrowcafe14 July 2022
Loved the kiss scene, was so true, believable, a lot more different than the likes in nowadays movies. Walken is so different, too. Sad, with almost no smile at all, quiet, watchful, kind.
Loved the Character Close plays. Her passion for animals, her connection to the nature, her tactfulness, the love she develops so gracefully.
The script, directing, cinematography, edit, all is fine and everything's so natural you easily forget about the reality. Great casting. Memorable scenes. Gotta read the book, too.
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Loved the Character Close plays. Her passion for animals, her connection to the nature, her tactfulness, the love she develops so gracefully.
The script, directing, cinematography, edit, all is fine and everything's so natural you easily forget about the reality. Great casting. Memorable scenes. Gotta read the book, too.
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Great story ok movie with problems
dallorens4261 April 2022
The book "Sarah, Plain and Tall" is a great book for children 8-11 YOA. My granddaughter really enjoyed reading the book. The problem (s) with the movie we're somewhat typical for a made for television movie. Christopher Walken and Glen Close are great actors and their performances were what you would expect from two professional artists. The faults were very poor casting. Walken is about 48 years old and Close is about 43 years old when this movie was made. Way to old for the characters they portrayed. In 1910 old parents would have been in their 30's and the characters in the book were younger (Walken & Close). The screenplay was poorly written and the timing was off throughout the movie. I would love to see this movie done with a good budget and great screenplay but it may not have the "woke" appeal for today's Hollywood. This movie could be much better!
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