The Awakening Land (1978) User Reviews (35)

Excellent Peek at American History

[vlkatzman · 9/10 · 18 March 2007]

This is a wonderful mini-series that shows the less glamorous, but realistic side of the settling of the American Frontier. The story has an excellent cast including Hal Holbrook, Elizabeth Montgomery, William H. Macy and others. The characters grow and change as the frontier changes and gets settled. It is unfortunate that this mini-series did not get the press that some others have and has not been repeated often enough. This series is just as good as Roots but recounts a different period of American life.

I would love to see it on DVD, if you would too please vote at http://www.tvshowsondvd.com. Currently, it only has 132 votes. Studio execs do look at this site to see who would like to buy television shows.

Excellent Movie

[Scarlett38us · 10/10 · 13 August 2005]

The Awakening Land was an excellent movie with an all star cast. Elizabeth Montgomery played her part with grace and Hal Holbrook was very convincing as the Solitary. The cast and performance was award winning. The time frame was neither to short or too long. Each sequence was well covered. The movie's setting was absolutely beautiful. The storyline was strong and very heartwarming. I have watched the Awakening Land about 5 times and have loved it each and every time. It's story is clean and depicts in such a wonderful way the struggles of early pioneer life and the triumph over adversity. The movie is full of love and adventure. It was a pleasure following Sayard and Portus through out their lives and the lives of their family and friends and how they all succeeded in what they came to this land to do, make a new and better life. I put The Awakening Land right up there with Lonesome Dove. The Awakening Land is brilliant as were it's characters.

An excellent, excellent piece of work

[roarshock · 29 July 2000]

Elizabeth Montgomery gave a surprisingly impressive performance in this story from a rarely covered period of US history, back when the edge of the American frontier was just over the Appalachians. In the unlikely event that this is ever shown again or otherwise becomes available, don't miss it... and let me know so I can see it again.

The Awakening Land

[conniegap · 10/10 · 26 April 2005]

I have seen this movie 2 times and could watch it over and over again. I thought that Elizabeth Montgomery's acting ability was great. If you ever get the opportunity to watch this movie, please do. You will be glad you did.

I would be one of the first ones to purchase a copy of this movie, if it was ever released. If anyone knows when and if this movie will be playing again on TV, I would appreciate it if someone would let me know.

I believe that this movie would be an inspiration to anyone who saw it and it's very interesting, as in showing how life was in the early times, and the hard life that was had by most people.

conniegap

A haunting tale that stays in my mind twenty years later.

[cerberus1949 · 10/10 · 31 January 2001]

How many mini-series have generational staying power? Roots? OK, what else? In my case "The Awakening Land" stands by itself in this regard. The characters may be fictional, but they're woven so well with the known history of the region and era that they *might be* real. For my money this stands as perhaps Elizabeth Montgomery's most enduring performance. Its certainly the one I'll remember her for.

Wonderful film...would love to see it back on TV.

[golightly368 · 10/10 · 7 January 2006]

In vain, I keep checking to see if someone has had the intelligence to put this out on DVD......I would buy it in record time. I absolutely love this movie and am right now in the process of re-reading the books (The Trees, The Fields and The Town) for the 5th time...and will probably re-read them every two years or so - that's how good they are. The miniseries pretty much echoed the books and was a real treat. I can't believe I missed it when it was telecast again the early 90's. Elizabeth Montgomery was wonderful - completely believable as Sayward and made me a fan of hers for her all too short life. I come from "the hills of Pennsylvania" which I used to "run" as a child so felt a connection.

Holly Michaels

When TV used to do these things right

[jjnxn-1 · 10/10 · 2 March 2012]

Exceptionally well made TV miniseries. Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook anchor the film as a couple who seem mismatched but whose differences strengthen their union. Really the story of the growth of a town's gradual formation from the wilderness and a woman's indomitability in spearheading its birth. A strong supporting cast lead by Jane Seymour on her way up and an incredibly young William H. Macy add to the pleasure of this fine entertainment. The only thing missing is a certain grit that would have added to the wilderness feeling of the setting. A very strong showcase for the wonderfully talented and much missed Elizabeth Montgomery.

I've never enjoyed a movie more!

[say1978 · 10/10 · 25 October 2001]

I watched the Awakening Land on Encore just two weeks ago and I must say, I have never been more proud of my name. Elizabeth Montgomery was Fabulous! I felt her pain, her determination and her innocence. I loved this movie and I couldn't be happier that my parents decided to name me after such a wonderful character. I only wish that this series was on VHS so I could watch it over and over again.

High intelligence is often not noticed until confronted with an impossible challenge.

[tampien · 10/10 · 24 July 2002]

A story line that not only inspires, but informs and educates, this mini-series exemplifies a woman who the world views as with not much to offer, but in reality has "everything" "they" do not. A woman with a vision that others do not see, with the intelligence to work it through, the faith to see it through, and the endurance and long-suffering to weather it through can say nothing but "all things are possible to them that believe!" Excellent acting on the part of both Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook. Let's one see that most of life lies under the surface, not in what is normally seen. Illustrates there are often life principles at work that we are usually unaware of, and that if we can learn to see and work with them, astounding results can happen.

The Ohio Territory! A decent miniseries.

[jdj-70640 · 5/10 · 25 September 2023]

This is more of a family saga than a historical one. It's the story of. Sayward Luckett who came to the Ohio Territory with her family from Pennsylvania. It follows their lives from the homestead, through marriage, birth, death and the growth of the community they started. This is one of those made for TV type productions that while good, could have been great.

The lead of Sayward Luckett is played by Elizabeth Montgomery. It would seem her dialect coaching consisted of studying Donna Douglas in The Beverly Hillbillies. Keep in mind they're from Pennsylvania. In all, the cast was strong. Some of the better players include Hal Holbrook, Jane Seymour, Steven Keats, Louise Latham, William H. Macy and a brief appearance by Wilford Brimley. There were funny wigs, inaccuracies and flubs all to be expected from a TV movie. Also, it seemed to me the writing was weaker toward the end as if perhaps there were difficulties in coming up with an ending.

Although taking place in Ohio, this was filmed in Illinois. As an Indiana native, I would rate the locations to be very accurate for the region. This is not a ten-star film. It's good and worth watching if you like this sort of thing.

Based on a series of books

[Cansada · 30 April 2004]

This mini series was based upon a series of books, The Trees, The Fields and The Town, by Conrad Richter, who also wrote A Light in the Forest. I am in the process of re-reading them, and I 'see' many of the scenes I remember from the show.

This mini series was also one of my favorites, I keep wishing that it would be released on Video/DVD.

Elizabeth Montgomery did a good job of playing "Saird", the woodsy who was responsible for building a town. Hal Holbrook was believable as the Solitary. What surprised me was reading that William Macy played Will Beagle, the Bound Boy.

The Awakening Land, made for the whole family!

[ritajane68 · 10/10 · 6 September 2005]

I have been searching everywhere to buy this movie for presents to my mother and sisters. I remember watching it when I was in elementary school and learning the states and capitols, mom taught me Montgomery, Alabama by using one of my favorite actress's so I learned it as Elizabeth Montgomery,Alabama.I had to go to bed before the end of the movie each night due to school the next day so I missed the end of each episode of the mini series and have wanted to see it for many years. I loved Bewitched and still watch it whenever it's on.I just loved Miss Montgomery and in whatever I saw her in, She's right up there with Lucille Ball, my other all time favorite actress. I am trying to purchase the trilogy of books that "The Awakening Land" was made from, as a gift to my sister but I would love so much to be able to give them all a copy of the movie as well.

This film is about pioneer families that's just a bit harder edged than Little House On the Prarie

[marenleanne · 10/10 · 22 September 2005]

I will only say to those who have not seen this film, I hope one day you will. It is a wonderful movie with a great cast. Elizabeth Montgomery, Hal Holbrook, Jane Seymore really brought this film to life. It was one of the few mini-series I truly enjoyed watching over and over whenever it came on television. My only problem is that many people will NOT get to see the movie because it is not available on VHS or DVD anywhere that I have checked. Maybe one day the company that owns the rights to the film will release it so it can be enjoyed by new group of viewers. If anyone out there know where it can be purchased, please let the rest of us know.

Thanks.

Definitely memorable and inspiring

[majmom6979 · 10/10 · 28 April 2004]

I saw this movie for the 1st time in the early '80s, then again in 1988. Enjoyed every minute of it, and have never forgotten it. A lot of the details still come to mind at unexpected times, when I'm not thinking specifically about the movie. It's too easy to begin to identify with Sayward (Sarah), and to wish for her strength and clarity of focus. The movie has all the joys, pains, fears, struggles, celebration, and disappointment one would imagine the pioneer times had. The ability to be realistic in the face of enormously emotional situations makes a dramatic, inspiring statement about the strength required to simply survive.

Would love to see it again!

Elizabeth Montgomery -dramatic frontier days TV mini-series.

[plund · 10/10 · 18 July 2001]

This is Elizabeth Montgomery's dramatic portrayal of frontier life. It is as true in every detail and every nuance as possible. Montgomery's performance as Sayward Luckett Wheeler is nothing less than stunning. Watching this movie, you experience frontier days first hand. Survival is garnered by raw courage, tenacity and sheer willpower. Montgomery has captured these traits beautifully. You will feel as if you had really been there. I was riveted to the screen from beginning to end. Never have I seen a better TV mini-series. Totally outstanding.

THE American mini-series!

[avalentine001 · 10/10 · 14 December 2005]

I remember seeing this remarkable production on British TV when I was a student in the early 1980's. I enjoyed it enormously, and was riveted to the screen for 3 successive Sundays. Out of all the American mini-series that have been broadcast over here, this is the only one that sticks in my mind. I've waited in vain all these years for it to be broadcast again, or better still, released on DVD. The casting, storyline, characterisation and acting were all superb. Not only is it THE American mini-series, but I would also rate it up alongside the best of the BBC classic dramas. I do hope that it can one day be released on DVD or even on video - I will be one of the first buyers.

Wonderful! Wonderful!

[meganmushrat · 10/10 · 1 May 2005]

The Awakening Land is one of the best mini-series I have ever seen. I well remember when this first came out on TV. I called in sick to work in order to finish watching it. Elizabeth Montgomery did a marvelous job, and I can't believe it hasn't been made available commercially. If you have any interest at all in how the pioneers handled the settling of new territory, this is an absolute must. It reminded me a bit of 'How the West Was Won' in scope, although it doesn't cover as many generations. Hal Holbrook gave a great performance too. I have always admired the courage of the early pioneers and the hard lives they led. The Awakening Land is a great showcase of this courage and how these pioneers handled the tough circumstances under which they lived.

One of the top mini series. A classic!

[bsk-4 · 10/10 · 11 July 2005]

The Awakening Land is right up there at the top of my list for best mini series, right behind The Thorn Birds and Centennial. The late Elizabeth Montgomery gives a tour d'force performance that I consider to be her best work.

Of all the period pieces I've seen about the early settlers and trailblazers in young America, this one seems to give you a very accurate sense of what life was like for these brave souls who dared to venture out into the wilderness.

You'll get no Hollywood fluff here. You won't see women traipsing around with their hair perfectly coiffed and in gowns that look like they just came off the runways of the top fashion houses in Paris. The women in this story literally wear sacks for dresses, have unkempt hair, dirty faces and live in shacks out in the wilds.

What you do see are people struggling for food and fighting the elements in an untamed land as well as constantly fighting off predators, both man and beast alike just to survive.

You see how these early settlers struggled to work their land and come together from their meager beginnings to grow and form towns. You share in their triumphs and their losses in order to make a better life for themselves.

At the heart of this story is Elizabeth Montgomery as the courageous Sayward Luckett, who struggles not only to survive herself, but to take care of her sisters when her mother dies and her father takes off to go trailblazing on his own. With only her wits and her courage to keep her going, she not only survives, but becomes the true heroine of this story.

Hal Holbrook and Jane Seymour give wonderful performances as well, but it is Montgomery's exquisite portrayal of the feisty pioneer woman that makes this such a pleasure to watch.

I am shocked and surprised to find that The Awakening Land is not yet available on DVD. Hopefully it will be soon. But I strongly urge anyone who has not yet seen it to try and get a hold of it on VHS or check out your cable service to see if it's listed and watch it. It is one of the best and truly worth your time!

Awesome Miniseries

[Andromeda709 · 6 August 2011]

I enjoyed this miniseries so much when I was a teen. It was great, seeing Elizabeth Montgomery's real talent, so much more evident than in "Bewitched." I read Conrad Richter's trilogy and it was good to imagine the characters in the stories.

Later, when the Internet was available, I found a company in California that had "The Awakening Land" for sale, converted from VHS tape to DVD. They did advise me that the picture would not be very sharp (not HD) but they had it without the commercials.

I gladly paid the price they asked, and I watch it occasionally when there isn't anything worth watching on TV. A wonderful story of pioneer life, how they struggled and made good.

I didn't know

[spike66 · 10/10 · 5 September 2007]

Here is a wild one for you. I saw The Awakening Land almost accidentally when I was getting ready to go to college in 1978. It has been rattling around in my brain all these time, almost 30 years, as a singular example of excellent television. The story and the characters stuck in my mind as a paragon of excellent writing, the best I have seen in a TV script. It wasn't until this night that I learned that it was a three part miniseries. I never knew that. I only saw the one episode (I think the first) where Saird meets and marries the Solitary. Now I am going nuts trying to find where I can get the other two episodes on DVD. Looks like I can't. Guess I will get the books. spike

why has this movie not been released?

[lesmovies · 10/10 · 4 April 2007]

the movie is excellent and not like movies that are on TV/big screen anymore. A very good wholesome show, depicting a family over generations........very, very good. Jane Seymour was in this movie as well as Elizabeth Montgomery; one of her first movies, and might be her first one ever, so why has this never been released. I know I sound redundant, but if someone knows, let us all know, okay? Now, what hasn't it made it to be released in VHS, let alone DVD? Something about Elizabeth Montgomery's estate? That's what I heard. I'd think they would want to release all her movies, but they have not. I wonder why? She made several 'made for TV movies', that were really good, but u can't find them anywhere........why?

Viewing & purchasing The Awakening Land video's.

[youngoxfrd · 10/10 · 6 November 2007]

I purchased the entire set of (3) Stories of The Awakening Land from A & E TV. It was on sale at the time w/free shipping & handling. We drag it out & watch the entire set on occasion & each time we watch it, we see something we missed all the other times. I have been trying to find a source to obtain the music/songs that were played & have not been able to locate it. Would love to be able to listen to just the music on occasion. The video's are a great production with excellent acting and the story lines are believable, interesting, heartwarming and simply stated so the viewer will benefit from it all & be happy & satisfied they watched.

Why isn't this fantastic mini-series available commercially???

[drina67 · 10/10 · 25 February 2007]

I have seen this movie every time that it has come on TV and wish that I could purchase it on DVD. Does anyone know why it isn't available for purchase? The story of Sayward and her family is amazing and completely well acted by Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook! Someone please do something so that we can see this important work again and again! I taped it once on my old VHS machine when it came on TV but my sister overwrote the video! I didn't speak to her for months after that! If it ever is released, I will be the first in line to purchase it. Is it NBC or Warner Brothers who is holding up the release of The Awakening Land on DVD? I've read the books but it just isn't the same as the mini-series. Being a native of Illinois, I really like that the movie was filmed here!

Adding A Character/Actress?

[miseryschyld5697 · 10/10 · 10 December 2008]

I know that there is a way for people to add the plot synopsis and photos to these pages, but is there a way to add the names of people that were in the movie that were not listed in the cast list, like an extra? Tanya and Trina Gentry both played extras in this movie: Tanya Gentry as "McWhirter Girl" and Trina Gentry as "McWhirter Infant" Tanya was in fifth grade at the time. At this current moment I'm looking through photos from the set of Tanya with the casting director and Elizabeth Montgomery with a blow Pop in a blow pop in her mouth, lol! Also, there are autographs here from Elizabeth Monthgomery and Jane Seymour. Tanya and Trina currently both reside here in Springfield Illinois. If it's possible to add them in could someone please let me know how? [e-mail] Heather Thornton

A Fantastic Mini Series

[debbiefilestorage · 10/10 · 2 February 2023]

I watched this mini series when I was very young (18). I am 63 now and I still remember it as one of the best programs I've ever watched.

I hope a streaming service picks it up or it comes out on DVD.

Well worth a repeat watch, perhaps my favorite mini series ever.

Elizabeth Montgomery gave a stunning performance and as much as I was a fan of "Bewitched" I have to say, I never thought of it once while watching this story.

I honestly can't remember as much about it as I would like, all these years later, I just remember being stunned at how good it was and how much better it was than everything else on t.v. At the time.