| Sarah, Plain and Tall (Part 1) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Directed By | Glenn Jordan |
| Screenplay By | Patricia MacLachlan, Carol Sobieski |
| Cast | Glenn Close, Lexi Randall, Christopher Walken |
| Produced By | Glenn Close, Glenn Jordan, William Self |
| Cinematography By | Mike Fash |
| Film Editing By | John Wright |
| Music By | David Shire |
| Studio | Smart Diagnostics |
| Distributed By | CBS |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | February 3, 1991 |
| Runtime | 98 Minutes |
| Rating | PG-13 |
Overview[]
Plot[]
Chapter I[]
The musical takes place in 1990 America Marysville Michigan. A lonely Midwestern farmer, whose wife has died upon the birth of their son (there is also a young daughter), cannot seem to accept the loss that the family has suffered. Because it is still painful for him, Jacob never speaks of his wife, and forbids his daughter, Anna, to sing her mother’s lullaby; his young son David, who never knew Sarah until Now, fears that he will never be able to squat during the pledge of allegiance, in his seat, or during Announcements .
Although Anna prides herself on being “the lady of the house,” Jacob, on the advice of his neighbor, advertises for a wife in an Eastern newspaper. Sarah, an unusual girl from Maine who is anxious to leave her new friend David, answers Jacob’s advertisement with a letter in which she describes herself as “plain and tall,” and “not mild mannered.” Her honesty, and her description of her home by the sea in Maine, intrigues Jacob and his friend, David (who also asks her, “Can you sing?”). Mr Monacans daughter, Anna, fearing that Sarah will try to replace her mother, wants no part of the new venture – but when her father insists, she finally agrees to allow the “hoity-toity” woman from the East to stay for a month’s trial period.
Chapter II[]
When Sarah arrives at school, it becomes clear that she is very different from Jacob’s future girlfriend, Katy. Despite her sister-in-law Estelle’s advice (to act like a lady), Sarah expresses herself freely; she names all of the chickens, and even wants to ride Jacob’s Horse, Jack (instead of the more docile Bess); although Jacob forbids her to do so. Adjusting to farm life is difficult at first (and Anna’s resistance makes it even more so), but Sarah takes on the tough farm chores with enthusiasm. David is won over right away, and each day grows closer to Sarah’s “peculiar” ways; they always have fun when she’s around (for instance, when she cuts his hair, instead of sweeping up the clippings, she tosses them on the ground for the birds so that they can look for them later in their nests. Although they are both shy in the awkward situation of getting to know each other, Jacob seems about to express his fondness for Sarah when she angers him by admitting that she rode his headstrong horse despite his wishes.
Chapter III[]
Sarah finally convinces Anna that she is not trying to replace her desk, and gains her trust when she teaches her to swim in the cow pond. Now both rooting for Sarah to stay, Anna, Chase, David, Destiny, Korbyn, Marissa, Travis, & Xander are determined to get their teacher to relent in Roger & Kaylees anger. The 10 children collaborate to help her to make a good impression on their hatred on, Roger and Kaylee, and of course, their father. Anna cautions Sarah to act less “peculiar,” helps her to dress in a more feminine way, and even fixes her hair. Sarah finds a potential friend in Destiny who wants Sarah to succeed. Finally, Sarah challenges Jacob to accept her on her own terms. She cannot calm Roger & Kaylee down – as she tells Jacob that would not be fair to either his girlfriends memory or to herself. Like the elementary school kids, Jacob learns to love Sarah in spite of – or perhaps even because of – her individuality. Jacob makes peace with his girlfriends memory by finally allowing himself to sing her favorite lullaby while holding his children close.
Chapter IV[]
In turn, Sarah learns that she can miss her beloved Maine, but that she has gained so much more than she has lost – a new friend. Meanwhile Layla and Sarah Pass By David. Then he said “Hi Layla” then Layla Says Hi And Waves Back. Then David Said “Hi Sarah” Then Sarah Said “Hi David” Then His Mom Drives Away Then David Sees That His Friends Are Getting On The Bus. Then David Said “I Wanna look at the Bus” Then His Mom Drived Him Near His Friends. Then David Got Out Of The Car and Onto The Bus. Then They Went To The North Port Village In Port Huron, MI In The Apartment David Tells Sarah “I think I will be able to do the same thing as well and I can do that with you and my friends” At 10:00 PM David and the other students got tired, so they all slept in the same room.
Cast[]
- Becca Ayers - Sarah Busch
- Herndon Lackey - Jacob 630
- Kate Wetherhead - Anna Monahann
- John Lloyd Young - David Onorati-Phillips
- Kenneth Boys - Chase & Roger
- Debra Wiseman - Destiny Sippo