Sarah, Plain and Tall

Watch Sarah, Plain and Tall

"It took all of her courage to come and all of her love to stay"
  • G
  • 1991
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • 7.3  (2,355)

In 1991, the movie Sarah, Plain and Tall, directed by Glenn Jordan and based on the novel by Patricia MacLachlan, was released. The movie starred Glenn Close as Sarah Wheaton, Christopher Walken as Jacob Witting, and Lexi Randall as Anna Witting. The movie is set in the late 19th century and revolves around a widowed midwestern farmer named Jacob Witting, who lives with his two children, Anna and Caleb. Jacob decides to place an advertisement in the newspaper for a mail-order bride, hoping to find someone to be a mother to his children and a wife to himself.

In response to the advertisement, Sarah Wheaton, a spinster from Maine, writes a letter and sends her photograph to Jacob. After a few letters between them, Sarah decides to visit Jacob and his family in Kansas, unsure if she could adapt to the new lifestyle there.

As Sarah arrives at the Witting farm, Anna and Caleb are excited and curious to meet her. They call her the "Sarah, Plain and Tall," which she finds amusing at first but later becomes a nickname she happily accepts. Jacob is quiet and reserved, unsure of how to welcome someone new to his home.

The first few days of Sarah's visit are awkward and tense, with both Jacob and Sarah trying to figure out if they are a good match. Sarah struggles with the harshness of the landscape and the loneliness of living so far away from her family. Jacob is still grieving the loss of his wife and hesitant to open his heart to someone new.

As time goes on, Sarah and Jacob begin to grow closer, finding comfort in each other's company. Sarah becomes a mother figure to Anna and Caleb, teaching them how to read and write and sharing stories of her life in Maine. Jacob starts to see Sarah as more than just a pretty face and begins to believe that she could be the missing piece in his life.

However, Sarah's visit is only temporary, and she must decide if she wants to stay in Kansas and marry Jacob or return to her life in Maine. The decision is not an easy one, and Sarah must weigh the pros and cons of each option while also considering the feelings of everyone involved.

Throughout the movie, the themes of family, love, and acceptance are prevalent. The characters are all struggling with loss and loneliness, and the arrival of Sarah brings the possibility of healing and connection. The cinematography is beautiful, showcasing the vast open spaces of the Midwest and the beauty of Sarah's coastal hometown.

The performances of the actors are outstanding, particularly Glenn Close, who brings depth and complexity to the character of Sarah. Christopher Walken is also excellent as Jacob, playing the strong and silent type with sensitivity and nuance. Lexi Randall is adorable as Anna, capturing the innocence and curiosity of a young girl.

Overall, Sarah, Plain and Tall is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant movie that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It is a timeless tale about the power of love and the importance of finding a place to call home.

Sarah, Plain and Tall
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Description
  • Release Date
    1991
  • MPAA Rating
    G
  • Runtime
    1 hr 38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (2,355)