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Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, Inc.Pioneers of the Plains (1942)

Experiences of a pioneer family on their journey from Illinois to the Midwestern plains.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Producer: Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, Inc.
Sponsor: N/A
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W
Keywords: U.S. History: Westward expansion

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: PRG - - February 28, 2005
Subject: Thoughful Pioneers
Made when it was, this film could easily have been inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder's pioneer books for children. The film features a fiddle playing 'Pa', a staid mother and two quiet children venturing across the plains to start a new life living in a sod house. Their only contact with people are a couple of friendly neigbours, a belligerent cowboy and a travelling minister. At first glance the acting seems rather wooden but actually, whether by design or accident, their demeanor accurately reflects the reserved, thoughtful outlook that was encouraged in the late 19th century. Recommended for anyone interested in the American pioneers.

Reviewer: Bill T. - - February 20, 2004
Subject: Ever see "The Piano"?
A documentary about a family moving out to California to start a new life on the plains. Going there, they meet a happy go lucky couple (which was, according to this film, the norm) some cowboys and other people who just can't wait to meet their new neighbors. I was surprised at how soft spoken the family were, almost reserved. The wife in this film looks totally opressed, like this life was the only choice for her (oh yeah, it was!). All this reminds me of the Piano. Kept wondering when the partner the father has to plow his field was going to surprise the farmer's wife by walking in naked, but to no avail.

Reviewer: espinosa_roger - - January 8, 2003
Subject: Teacher in the classroom
Students like the film, we use it with the ecourse and online testing I built for US History using CA standards.

Shotlist

Reveals the experiences of a pioneer family on their journey from Illinois to the Midwestern plains.


PIONEERS PLAINS STATES WESTWARD MOVEMENT TERRITORIAL EXPANSION UNITED STATES HISTORY FRONTIER