117. Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983)

by Lucille Juliano

This drama series was based on the classic and beloved “Little House” book series written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and published HarperCollins.  The first publication of the Little House on the Prairie novel was in 1935 and has won the hearts as well as the imaginations of young people around the world.  Laura’s books are a memoir of her real-life experiences growing up during the trying times of the Midwest during the late 1800s.  They tell a story of when life was much simpler. A time when your neighbors would lend a helping hand and obliging communities would work together to prevail against ill fortune. The stories had family values, were inspirational, and told about connections, love, courage, optimism, and happiness.  Since the “Little House” book series has had legions of fans for generations, it should be no surprise that the television series remained on the air for nine seasons and had three TV movies during its tenth year. “Little House on the Prairie” can be found on television today and is broadcast in many countries worldwide.  The complete series is available on DVD and individual seasons are available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD.

The Ingalls Family was introduced to millions of viewers in March of 1974 in a made-for-TV movie entitled, “Little House on the Prairie:The Pilot”  and was picked up as a series in September of 1974 on NBC. The show was considered a top-rated series and earned several Emmy, Golden Globe, and Western Heritage Award nominations and wins.  It also has two international awards to its credit.

At the show’s inception Charles and Caroline Ingalls (played by Michael Landon and Karen Grassle) had three young daughters, Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson), Laura (Melissa Gilbert) and Carrie (Rachel and Sidney Greenbush).  These girls literally grew up on the show and were a part of many coming of age stories. Caroline and Charles were also the center of some of the episodes and let us not forget the family’s lovable mutt, Jack, who was also a part of the mix.

While the Ingalls Family was kind, gentle and worked hard for everything they owned, the Olsen Family, that ran the Mercantile, was arrogant and had a sense of entitlement about them.  Harriet Olsen (Scottie MacGregor) and her daughter, Nellie (Alison Arngrim) were the worst of the group and always acted as if they were better than everyone else. Some of the best and funniest scenes in the show were when Caroline got the best of Harriet whether it was when she was making a deal while selling her eggs or proving a point that involved the children.  Laura was also quite good at getting even with Nellie. Nels Olsen (Richard Bull) was probably the best of the group and would help the Ingalls and others out behind the scenes. Willie Olsen (Jonathan Gilbert), Harriet and Nels’ son, was just your regulation brat and was bossed around by his sister and mother.

Other members of the Walnut Grove community that played integral roles throughout the series included: Miss Beadle (Charlotte Stewart) the town school teacher, Reverend Alden (Dabbs Greer) the town preacher, Doc Baker (Kevin Hagen) the town physician, and  Lars Hansen (Karl Swenson) Charles’ boss at the mill.

My personal favorite of all the community members was Mr. Edwards (Victor French).  He first appeared in “Little House on the Prairie:The Pilot” and quickly became a close family friend.  When the Ingalls left and eventually made Walnut Grove their home, they sadly lost touch with him. They were happily reunited with Mr. Edwards when Charles ran into him in Mankato and brought him home.  Mr. Edwards made you smile and laugh as well as touch your heart with his kindness behind that somewhat gruff rough and ready demeanor. I will never forget the song that he always sung: ( Lyrics found on civilwarheritagetrails.org )

Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man

He washed his face in a frying pan

He combed his hair with a wagon wheel

And died of a toothache in his heel

Get out the way old Dan Tucker

You’re too late to git your supper

Supper’s gone and dinner cookin’

Old Dan Tucker’s just a-standin’ there lookin’.

In it’s nine plus seasons there were so many great episodes and here are a couple that I truly adore.  

“Ma’s Holiday” – Charles surprises Caroline with a trip for two to Mankato. Grace Snider, who runs the town post office, is asked to watch the girls while they are away, but becomes sick at the last minute.  The girls convince Mr. Edwards to step in. Caroline hesitantly agrees and goes off to Mankato with Charles. The comedy ensues as Mr. Edwards has troubles taking care of Mary, Laura, and especially Carrie. Charles has a hard time keeping Caroline’s mind off the kids and the laughter continues.

“The Lord is My Shepherd”  – Caroline and Charles welcome a baby boy into their family.  Laura is very jealous of her new brother and all the attention he is receiving.  She refuses to pray for his health when asked. The baby passes away and Laura feels as if she caused it to happen.  She visits Reverend Alden, who tells her to get closer to God. Laura takes him literally and runs away to climb a mountain.  While on the mountain, she prays to God to let her take her baby brother’s place in heaven so that he can come back to life. Charles and Mr. Edwards search for Laura, while Jonathan (Ernest Borgnine), a guardian angel, helps Laura realize how much she really means to her father.  When Charles finds Laura, she tells him about Jonathan. But when she goes back to find him, he has mysteriously disappeared.