It looks like only viewers who rated this film better than a '3' are the ones thoughtful enough to leave a review on this board. The picture doesn't deserve such a low rating and is due in part (just assuming here) to a general discomfort over religious themes in general, and the subject of polygamy in particular. The latter subject is not dwelled on in the story, and is even given a slightly humorous turn in the sequence when Brigham Young (Mauric Grandmaison) is shown dancing with his different wives. Beyond that, polygamy is dealt with rather straightforwardly without opinion, and one can make up their own mind.
The story traces the development of the Mormon Church over a period of roughly two decades, from 1830 to the Great Westward Trek in the spring of 1847. It's principal characters are Joseph Smith (Richard Moll) and Brigham Young, who met in Ohio and developed a friendship and loyalty that endured until Smith's murder in 1846. During that time, the followers who were attracted to the preaching of both men slowly grew, and became a wandering vanguard moving from state to state as they came under attack for their different lifestyle from the mainstream.
The picture ventures into the political realm to a degree, as the governor of Illinois seems to intercede on behalf of the Mormons when they come under fire while in Nauvoo. However they are betrayed by his quick departure, deferring to his own political ambitions rather than seeking an equitable justice for Young. Once in Utah, Brigham Young inspires his followers to claim and work their own land while proclaiming water and timber rights for the benefit of all, a rather generous view that modern socialists might envy if they weren't eclipsed by their liberal elite pontificates.
Probably the most intriguing scene in the picture occurred right after the settlers made their way to the Great Salt Lake Basin and were almost destroyed by a force of nature, a plague of locusts that threatened their crops and livelihood. With no place to turn, Young prays yearningly to God to give him a sign that will give him and his community hope. The appearance of the gulls as saviors seemed akin to a heavenly band of angels swooping down to vanquish an enemy. From these humble beginnings, the Mormon Church and Brigham Young University were born and persevere to the present day.
The story traces the development of the Mormon Church over a period of roughly two decades, from 1830 to the Great Westward Trek in the spring of 1847. It's principal characters are Joseph Smith (Richard Moll) and Brigham Young, who met in Ohio and developed a friendship and loyalty that endured until Smith's murder in 1846. During that time, the followers who were attracted to the preaching of both men slowly grew, and became a wandering vanguard moving from state to state as they came under attack for their different lifestyle from the mainstream.
The picture ventures into the political realm to a degree, as the governor of Illinois seems to intercede on behalf of the Mormons when they come under fire while in Nauvoo. However they are betrayed by his quick departure, deferring to his own political ambitions rather than seeking an equitable justice for Young. Once in Utah, Brigham Young inspires his followers to claim and work their own land while proclaiming water and timber rights for the benefit of all, a rather generous view that modern socialists might envy if they weren't eclipsed by their liberal elite pontificates.
Probably the most intriguing scene in the picture occurred right after the settlers made their way to the Great Salt Lake Basin and were almost destroyed by a force of nature, a plague of locusts that threatened their crops and livelihood. With no place to turn, Young prays yearningly to God to give him a sign that will give him and his community hope. The appearance of the gulls as saviors seemed akin to a heavenly band of angels swooping down to vanquish an enemy. From these humble beginnings, the Mormon Church and Brigham Young University were born and persevere to the present day.
