3 reviews
This adaptation of David Nevin's outstanding historical novel is one of my favorites. It compares favorably with Centennial or Into the West, yet is rarely shown on TV anymore. Strange ......
The story of Fremont and his frontier exploits is well-produced and acted. Richard Chamberlain, Ben Johnson, Claude Akins and Rip Torn all are great in this film. It seems fairly historically accurate, with authentic costumes and dialog.
Few adaptations of fine novels live up to the hype. This one is a rare exception. This mini-series is highly recommended and was easily one of the best mini-series of the 1980's !
The story of Fremont and his frontier exploits is well-produced and acted. Richard Chamberlain, Ben Johnson, Claude Akins and Rip Torn all are great in this film. It seems fairly historically accurate, with authentic costumes and dialog.
Few adaptations of fine novels live up to the hype. This one is a rare exception. This mini-series is highly recommended and was easily one of the best mini-series of the 1980's !
I saw this recently on the Warner Archive channel and was very pleasantly surprised -- the mediocre 6.9 rating on IMDb (at the moment) is much too low, in my view. Still, that rating is in line with the lukewarm critical reception that Dream West got when originally shown.
For instance, the New York Times thought that the miniseries overemphasized the love story and took too many liberties with the facts. Also, in that paper's view, Mr. Chamberlain was not quite as convincing as usual - - "even out in the wilds, he seems to have stepped out of an Abercrombie & Fitch ad." Still, the Times found the series as a whole a breath of fresh-air in comparison to the Sidney Sheldon/Judith Krantz-style shows that were so popular at the time, and also thought that two of the most significant roles were very well-played (Alice Krige is "especially appealing" as Mrs. Fremont, and Rip Torn is "terrific" as Kit Carson).
Although I can understand the basis for the negative comments made about Dream West on its original airing, I mostly don't agree with them. I think the main problem is that the first half-hour or so is, indeed, a bit too soapy. But in retrospect, the opening "star-crossed lovers" approach grounds the relationship between Fremont and his wife in a way that pays off as they face various obstacles over a long life together.
Also, Dream West is filled with vivid, well-produced outdoor scenes that convincingly suggest the grueling conditions faced by explorers of the American continent in the early to mid 19th century.
And last -- I thought Chamberlain was excellent and that he and Krige played well off each other. If the subject matter sounds like it might appeal to you, I'd strongly recommend this miniseries.
For instance, the New York Times thought that the miniseries overemphasized the love story and took too many liberties with the facts. Also, in that paper's view, Mr. Chamberlain was not quite as convincing as usual - - "even out in the wilds, he seems to have stepped out of an Abercrombie & Fitch ad." Still, the Times found the series as a whole a breath of fresh-air in comparison to the Sidney Sheldon/Judith Krantz-style shows that were so popular at the time, and also thought that two of the most significant roles were very well-played (Alice Krige is "especially appealing" as Mrs. Fremont, and Rip Torn is "terrific" as Kit Carson).
Although I can understand the basis for the negative comments made about Dream West on its original airing, I mostly don't agree with them. I think the main problem is that the first half-hour or so is, indeed, a bit too soapy. But in retrospect, the opening "star-crossed lovers" approach grounds the relationship between Fremont and his wife in a way that pays off as they face various obstacles over a long life together.
Also, Dream West is filled with vivid, well-produced outdoor scenes that convincingly suggest the grueling conditions faced by explorers of the American continent in the early to mid 19th century.
And last -- I thought Chamberlain was excellent and that he and Krige played well off each other. If the subject matter sounds like it might appeal to you, I'd strongly recommend this miniseries.
- richlandwoman
- Jul 11, 2015
- Permalink
I never read Nevin's novel. The TV series spoke for itself. As I recall it was three 2 hour episodes, but could be wrong.
It is a classic story about the exploring and opening of the American west. The cast of historical characters include Fremont, Bridger, Benton (Thomas Hart and daughter Jessie). Gen. Kearney. Staging and costuming were excellent. Love to see it on Blue Ray.
While it may have had a soap opera quality, it still was entertaining and historically close. I had a VHS recording of the show, but sadly accidentally erased it. I had a college history professor ask me if I had a copy as he wanted to use it in class.
I understand that Chamberlain and/or others were upset with the result/reviews and that was part of the reason the series never surfaced again in any form. Well, boohoo. Tchaikowsky disliked his Nutcracker ballet, but there weren't a lot of lawyers around in his time to sink it to the bottom of the lake - like CBS etc.etc.
It is a classic story about the exploring and opening of the American west. The cast of historical characters include Fremont, Bridger, Benton (Thomas Hart and daughter Jessie). Gen. Kearney. Staging and costuming were excellent. Love to see it on Blue Ray.
While it may have had a soap opera quality, it still was entertaining and historically close. I had a VHS recording of the show, but sadly accidentally erased it. I had a college history professor ask me if I had a copy as he wanted to use it in class.
I understand that Chamberlain and/or others were upset with the result/reviews and that was part of the reason the series never surfaced again in any form. Well, boohoo. Tchaikowsky disliked his Nutcracker ballet, but there weren't a lot of lawyers around in his time to sink it to the bottom of the lake - like CBS etc.etc.