Emma Smith: My Story

Naturally several aspects of the story of Founder Joseph Smith have been done by the Mormon cinema. This particular version of the story concentrates on his wife, his one and only wife as polygamy had not taken hold in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You could in fact show a monogamous true love relationship between a man and a woman still in these early days of the LDS church.

The work of her husband Joseph Smith is seen through the eyes of his wife Emma Hale Smith who survived him by many years. Emma is played by Patricia Place in old age and by Katherine Nelson opposite Nathan Mitchell who appeared as Smith in many films. Against the background of Smith's work in growing the church he founded, a simple and poignant love story is told from the time they met to the time Joseph Smith went to Carthage, Illinois to his death as it turned out.

I think a lot of people can't quite wrap their minds around romance and LDS theology when they were polygamous. Polygamy was never meant to be permanent, it was a method of growing the church rapidly to be discarded when no longer needed. Or as it turned out in 1897 in order that Utah finally be admitted to the union.

As is usual with LDS films I've found they are meticulously accurate in portraying the times of the early church in the Jacksonian era. The players are sincere and committed to their roles and the story.

It's a good romance film as well and a lot more than LDS members can appreciate that.

I found the film to be truly uplifting. It's amazing to see the challenges that Emma and Joseph went through and found the faith and strength to endure. This film elevated my opinion of Emma Smith and confirmed the love that she and her husband shared. It's hard to fit a life into two hours, but so many key points were touched on, handled well and the time goes by fast. Emma Smith's strength was truly shown here, or more accurately, how she found it. The film also portrays well the tenderness and sweetness of the family's relationships. Photography and acting were excellent and the film left me wanting to know more about their lives. Using the format of an interview between Emma and her adopted daughter brought in an excellent connection for those with a naturally skeptical or challenging views which were answered well by Emma herself. A very tastefully done movie. Thank you to those who made it happen.

I really wasn't planning on seeing this movie, because I haven't always been impressed with the movies about LDS subjects put out by others besides the LDS church. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the entire movie. It was done in such a way that it kept one's interest, and also showed the depth of feeling that Emma must have had in her life with Joseph Smith. I thought it revealed the anguish that she felt in his suffering and her compassion for Joseph and their children. It also showed the happiness and intimacy they shared as a married couple. It touched on all the important issues that would have affected Emma. I thought the polygamy issue was handled well, in that not a lot is known about what went on at the time, and many of the stories that have been told about Joseph and polygamy are untrue or exaggerated. In the movie, Emma did say that it was the hardest thing they had to deal with, and I imagine it was. I'm not sure anymore could be truthfully portrayed, considering the controversial nature of the subject. I loved the musical score -- especially how the old hymns were scored. The cinematography was professional. As a woman, I thought the movie an appropriate portrayal of a wife, daughter, mother, and woman of faith.

I did enjoy the film. It was well done. But, issues of Joseph Smith 's polygamy were barely mentioned. Also, film shows Joseph translating directly from the golden plates , whereas hd actually, supposedly, translated by looking into a hat at seer stones - bizarre and not shown here.

This film was wonderfully done with a great soundtrack. Unlike past LDS historical films, where the focus is Joseph Smith or Bringham Young, this film is about Emma, her perspective, and how she saw things.

It's narrative/conversation that Emma is having later on in life with her daughter Julia Murdock Smith, about all of the events that surrounded her and Joseph-thru *her* perspective.

The film touches on all the controversial issues, and doesn't gloss over them.

Whether you are LDS or not, you will appreciate this film, it is touching, honest and both heart wrenching and heartwarming.

Go see it.

:)

David