Little House on the Prairie: The Collection (1974)

Walnut Grove Meets Johnny Cash....

This review refers to the Goodtimes DVD edition of "Little House On The Prairie - 'The Collection'"......

When I first saw this DVD, as I was browsing through the Little House Series here, for a brief moment I thought this was a collection of several episodes of the series. It is not. "The Collection" is the title of this wonderful episode that adds a little pizzaz with guest stars Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

Johnny and June play Caleb and Mattie Hodgekiss, a struggling couple, who are so down on their luck, that Kaleb decides to take advantage of poor ailing Reverend Alden. Alden on a mission to help the town of Graves Corners after a devastating fire, falls ill and is rescued by Caleb and cared for by Mattie. Caleb takes the Reverend's clothes and poses as Alden's helper, travels to Walnut Grove, where he convinces all the good people there that he is collecting donations, all the while planning to keep it for himself.What Caleb doesn't foresee is the friendship he forms with all the generous and loving people there.Will Mattie be able to stop him? Will Mary speak up when she sees through him? Will Caleb see the error of his ways? Well It is after all "Little House on the Prairie"!

I enjoyed this episode very much. As many of the Little House episodes do, it had a message, was heartwarming, it made me smile and with this one there's a bonus.....Johnny Sings!

Goodtimes Video has brought several of these episodes to DVD and VHS and I hope there will be more. This DVD has a nice clear picture with good color and sound. Very good for a nearly 30 year old TV program! "The Collection" runs about 50 minutes, and for the price if you love these stories and know you will purchase more, you may want to consider a 2 pack or even the 4 pack. The 4 pack available now includes this one plus these three touching double features..."The Premier Movie"(The pilot..The Ingalls travel to Kansas), "The Lord is My Shepherd"(little Laura runs away to be closer to God) and "Laura Ingalls Wilder"(Laura and Almanzo marry).

This series stands the test of time. They will be a treat for generations to come for the whole family!
enjoy....Laurie June 12, 2003

"Well, you sure got religion awful sudden."

Unfortunately, many classic episodes that might have been restored to DVD were abandoned in favor of this single episode featuring stars Johnny and June Carter Cash. "The Collection" clearly made it to DVD on star power alone, since the story isn't a vital one to the _Little House_ bigger picture. Reverend Alden becomes ill after encountering a settlement ravaged by prairie fire and is found by Caleb Hodgekiss (Cash) and his wife. Alden explains that he is from Walnut Grove and is on his way there to collect donations for the folks at the settlement, Graves Corner, who have lost everything they have. Considering himself and his wife more needy than anyone in Graves Corner, Hodgekiss goes to Walnut Grove on an "errand of mercy" to collect the items himself, fully intending to flee with his wife and the collection before anyone suspects him. I was surprised to find that Cash actually did a halfway decent job of showing his character's evolution from determined con man to uncertain, softening guy-in-need. The ending is predictable as one would expect from this show, but not altogether lame. Overall, not one I would have personally chosen to promote to DVD immortality, but definitely a watchable hour of _Little House on the Prairie._ August 24, 2001

Childhood Memories

This DVD brings back such wonderful memories for me. I used to watch Little House on the Prarie all the time when I was young, except the DVD is a much clearer version! I am so glad I am able to see this show again and relive the happiness it brought to me so many years ago. July 22, 2001

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