One More Mountain

One More Mountain is a biopic about the Donner party. Yes, you read that correctly. Why anyone would choose to make a movie about them, I'll never know. In any case, the film focuses on the Reed family, rather than the Donners, who were involved in the famous trek to California. Meredith Baxter and Chris Cooper play Margaret and James Reed, who travel from Chicago to California in a covered wagon. They were wealthy and prosperous in Chicago, so there was no reason for the journey in the first place, but off they went, with four children and a sick grandmother in tow. Believe it or not, the movie is far from graphic. Children could see it, although I have no idea why they'd want to. The most upsetting and dramatic scene is when they're forced to lighten their load because the horses are getting tired. Chris Cooper takes his wife's precious China and throws it out of the wagon. Oh no!

Anyway, this is a very cheesy TV movie about a very unpopular family. I can't really think of any reason why anyone would watch it, unless they're related to a cast member and need to be supportive.

While this story has been repeated many times already, this one does offer something new. Meridith Baxter plays Margaret Reed, wife of James Reed, a primary financier of the Donner Expedition.

A wealthy family, the Reeds set out with a huge number of wagons, most carrying their worldly goods, driven by hired help, while the extended family rides in relative comfort in a huge, oversized custom built Connestoga passenger wagon.

Soon their stuck-up, overbearing ways get them in trouble with their fellow passengers and gradually they find themselves in the same "shoes" as their fellow travellers. When James kills another member of the party (self defense?) he is banished from the party, and goes ahead to California, able to travel much faster than the wagons.

And of course, they are trapped on Donner Summit.

One More Mountain is probably more historically accurate than many other variations on the story of the "Donner Party" that have been made in past years. It was a made for TV movie, and suffers the usual TV pacing and production qualities.

Very good movie watch with the family. Historical facts of survival,again very good movie.