Mark Twain's Roughing It is a charming miniseries featuring vignettes from young Twain's life. Told in the perspective of a giant flashback as old Twain (played by James Garner) gives a commencement speech at his daughter's graduation. He mostly just narrates, though, and the rest of the three hours is given to young Twain (played by Robin Dunne.) Just as you would expect from any bit of Twain Americana, there are equal parts of sentimentality, hilarity, exaggeration, and adventure. In one scene, he carries on a poker game while the dwelling floods in a storm, so much so that the players are up to their elbows in water and the table nearly floats away. In another, he and his buddies believe they're going to freeze to death in the snow, so they say a little prayer and then say goodbye to each other. Adam Arkin's segment is particularly emotional, and Robin finally gets to show off his acting.
If you like these types of sagas, like Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man, try out Mark Twain's version. Bruce Broughton's sentimental western music helps the scenes flow along together. There's nothing like a good western theme to make you feel immersed in the olden days. I ended up liking it better than I thought I would, since I had no idea it was going to focus on the younger cast and I was looking forward to Garner as the bushy-haired Twain. Surprisingly sweet, I'm looking forward to picking a copy of the book!
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. About seven minutes before the end, young Twain staggers around and the camera tilts from his POV, and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"
