Scott and I went to see the movie, “17 Miracles”, last Friday on the recommendation of a neighbor. It is in limited theatrical release and is a touching story of the Willie Handcart Company that left Iowa late in the season to travel to the Salt Lake Valley. They encountered harsh winter conditions, ran perilously low on food, and many died along the way. It was quite interesting and we enjoyed it, although my historian antennae were up during parts of it. But it’s wholesome entertainment and it does a pretty good job at entertaining. I was disappointed that the rescue was glossed over, but on the whole, I think people will be touched and get an idea of the hardships. Maybe it will inspire them to “read more about it” and find some first-hand accounts by those who were really there. The filming is lovely, the makeup and costumes are great, and I can listen to Dallyn Vail Bayles sing all day long.
I was looking up some info on the movie and found an interesting blog written by Karen, an extra in the movie who is also a descendant of one of the women highlighted. She tells what it was like to be behind the scenes and her emotions at portraying a member of the company in which her great-grandmother crossed the plains. There aren’t many posts, but I liked reading her account, so I’m Paying It Forward to Karen!
I haven’t seen the movie, but this is the second time I’ve heard of it in just a few weeks. It makes me think of the handcart monument at This is the Place Heritage Park~ right by my house.