LHOTP - cornerstone

[Ella]

Originally Posted by Amy

Just to clarify, I meant that 'the industry' felt that Karen Grassle herself was 'ordinary', not the character.

Oh, yes, I understood you, Amy. Sorry I was the one who didn't express herself clearly. I said Caroline Ingalls and meant Karen Grassle. Both actually, because I identify Karen Grassle so much with Caroline Ingalls. I could never ever imagine another actress in that role. I remember that I was amazed by her even as a child. She was 'the angle' for me in the series. Difficult to explain. She was the perfect actress for that role, and Michael Landon knew what he did when he picked his cast.

...when she makes the dresses for the girls instead of herself. That's one of my favorite LH scenes ever!

I LOVE this scene. Can you imagine how much I was in tears?
However even more when Laura 'read' the story about her Ma, and we get to see what's really written on that paper later. OMG. Tears and tears.

You are right, I'm happy that Philipp likes the series too. He also likes Simpsons and action and such stuff that all boys (most of them like), but LHOTP touches him, and it's important for me to see that he has this sensible side too. (But I knew that before.)

Oh, I'm sure they ship the DVDs to Germany, but we need the dubbed version for Philipp. I felt bad, if we could see the originals and he wasn't able to watch, because he can't understand english, at least not yet.

[Amy]

Ok, glad we're on the same 'page' now Ella. I feel exactly the same way---I love Charles, but Caroline is simply wonderful as well, and as the series goes on you will grow to love her more and more. I didn't appreciate her as a child as much as I do now, that's for sure.

My favorite part of the Country Girls 'dress giving' scene is when they're all trying to convince Ma how beautiful she is. She turns to the wall, not being able to accept the compliments. And turns around again, teary eyed and ready to break, saying "What am I going to do with the lot of you?" OH, I'm getting worked up just writing it!
And yes, when Laura reads the speech!! Aaahhhh!!! And Ma's reaction, trying to keep her composure! So beautiful. He has caught me watching LH though, and will 'hang around' the room while it's on! LOL!

I think that's wonderful that Philipp has that sensitive side as well. I know Barbara's son does too, and my Nick does too. Nick (13) is the one who has loved DQ. This is the first year he hasn't wanted to watch it, which has made me sad. Oh well--can't force these things, I guess, even though I'd like to!--"You will sit and watch DQ and LH and you will LIKE it!"---guess that wouldn't go over so well!

I understand about Philipp not being able to view the English version---I was just thinking that maybe Imavision would be able to ship the translated version---I can't imagine there isn't one, considering how popular the series is abroad. If there's any way I can help you with getting this, Ella, (shipping or whatever) let me know. I really want Philipp and all of you to be able to see the series!! My hubby has a part time job at Best Buy, and I know they sell the series. I could see if they could hunt down the dubbed version as well.

[Dr. Slicker]

Originally Posted by Amy

And the morals taught (especially in today's society) are needed now more than ever.

I couldn´t agree more, Amy! The show is so full of brightening atmosphere, that it simply empowers the hope for mankind.

And I agree with all of you, that Karen Grassle is a perfect match for the role. She is beautiful and must be charming and soulful. She transports much of her personality into the role of Caroline Ingall, I think. And the makeup of the actresses is not that overdone as in DQ, an advantage for me and more realistic whatsoever IMO.

I´m angry about the marketing-policies regarding the german dubbed versions. After a year the company decided to publish the second season - good for us, now we are able to see the eppies step by step without a big hole in between. But why did they wait for a whole year? That´s weird. They are able to make enough money with the dvd´s, so why do they hesitate? An annoying riddle for me.

[Amy]

Originally Posted by Dr. Slicker

And the makeup of the actresses is not that overdone as in DQ, an advantage for me and more realistic whatsoever IMO.

Hmm, I've never thought about that before, but I think you're right! Occasionally Mary's character can be a bit overdone, but she plays it to a 'T'. But overall I see what you're saying, especially with Caroline...she is very believeable---she is sometimes very slow to temper, like Michaela, sometimes unbelieveably so, but they do a good job (as in DQ) of occasionally show that her patience can be tried and she is human after all.

Just out of curiousity, have you gotten to "The Lord is my Shepherd" yet? That's a two-parter that's probably Little House most 'famous' epies---it's Melissa Gilbert's favorite one. Quite the tear-jerker, that's for sure!

Doc, I understand your frustration with the dvd marketing issues! I wonder too why it takes so long?! I can't imagine they wouldn't sell.

[cooperkids]

Originally Posted by Amy

Hmm, I've never thought about that before, but I think you're right! Occasionally Mary's character can be a bit overdone, but she plays it to a 'T'.

Melissa Gilbert's makeup was a bit overdone in the last couple of seasons. I think they were striving for the grown up woman versus child look so that the audience could make the transition that Laura was no longer that little girl in braids. I was surprised when she bought earrings in "Once Upon a Time".

[Ella]

Cheryl, I just want to tell you that your interview with Kent McCray is absolutely fantastic! It gave a great inside view into the show. Thank you.

[Dr. Slicker]

Originally Posted by Amy

Just out of curiousity, have you gotten to "The Lord is my Shepherd" yet? That's a two-parter that's probably Little House most 'famous' epies---it's Melissa Gilbert's favorite one. Quite the tear-jerker, that's for sure!

Indeed, indeed and indeed! I was overwhelmed by the storyline and the acting. And the great Ernest Borgnine was a highlight in the nearness of the outstanding Melissa Gilbert. A wonderful episode!

[cooperkids]

Originally Posted by Ella

Cheryl, I just want to tell you that your interview with Kent McCray is absolutely fantastic! It gave a great inside view into the show. Thank you.

Thanks Ella. I posted the last part of it today. It's Kent's thoughts on working with Michael Landon.

[Ella]

Oh great!!!! I must check it out. (I just love Michael Landon/Charles.)

[Ella]

We have season THREE now!!!!!

[Lizzie]

I'm envious (jk ; maybe one day I will too)

[cooperkids]

Gee, I wonder how long it will take for the complete series Mega-Pack to make it over there. Imavision is in France so you would think it would be easier for you ladies to come by LHOP DVDs there.

[Lizzie]

I guess the mega pack is made in France but aimed at the US market. World trade.

I just found out that seasons 3, 4 and 5 are now available in region 2, so I can!

Talking of the DVDs, does anyone else find that the sound balance on them is a bit strange? With mine, the music is loud but it's really hard to hear what people are saying; I have to turn the volume right up! I guess maybe because when it was filmed the sound was recorded at the same time as the film, from a distance? Maybe the dubbed versions are better in that respect.

[cooperkids]

Yes, the sound is messed up. When I watch my DVDs I go into my husband's office so that I can turn the TV up to hear what people are saying. Of course, sometimes I forget to turn it back down when I'm done.

[Preston-Lover]

In Denmark the series is currently running. It’s the first time for me watching it, so it’s very interesting. At first I thought it was dull in comparison to Dr. Quinn, but as I continued to watch it became more and more interesting. I was lucky to catch the very first episode and now I’ve reached season 7. My favorite character is Nels (don’t ask me why)