Watch Sweetwater Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story

Sweetwater Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story is a 2002 film that tells the story of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies, a group of Mormon pioneers who set out for Salt Lake City, Utah in the winter of 1856. The film stars James Smillie as James G. Willie, the leader of the Willie Handcart Company. The film is set against the backdrop of the harsh winter of 1856 and the incredible struggles faced by the handcart pioneers. The movie opens with the pioneers crossing the plains of Iowa, pushing their handcarts through the dust and heat. They are headed to Salt Lake City, a journey that they hope will lead them to a new and better life.

As they make their way across the plains, the pioneers face a number of challenges. They are beset by sickness, malnutrition, and exhaustion. Many of them are old or young, and they struggle to keep up with the group. The emigrants also face a lack of supplies, including food, clothing, and blankets, which makes it difficult for them to survive in the harsh conditions.

The film follows the experiences of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies separately. The Willie Handcart Company, led by James G. Willie, is made up of around 500 members. The group is beset by terrible weather conditions, including snowstorms and freezing temperatures. They eventually find themselves stranded in the Wyoming mountains, with little food, water, or protection from the elements. As their situation becomes more dire, Willie is faced with the difficult decision of whether to continue the journey or turn back.

The Martin Handcart Company, led by Edward Martin, is made up of around 575 members. They also face difficult weather conditions, and many members of the company fall ill with cholera. The film shows the leaders of the Martin Company, including Martin himself, working tirelessly to care for the sick members of the group and keep them moving forward.

Throughout the film, the pioneers display incredible resilience and determination, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. They are sustained by their unwavering faith in God and their belief in a better future in Salt Lake City.

The movie also showcases the incredible rescue efforts made by members of the Mormon Church to save the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. As news of the pioneers' plight reaches Salt Lake City, a group of rescuers is organized to go out and bring them back. Led by Brigham Young, the rescuers risk their own lives to bring food, warm clothing, and medical supplies to the stranded pioneers.

Overall, Sweetwater Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story is a powerful and moving film about the human spirit and the importance of faith in times of hardship. It is a tribute to the pioneers who made the journey to Salt Lake City and the incredible sacrifices they made for the sake of their faith and their families.

Sweetwater Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.