Exceptionally well made TV miniseries. Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook anchor the film as a couple who seem mismatched but whose differences strengthen their union. Really the story of the growth of a town's gradual formation from the wilderness and a woman's indomitability in spearheading its birth. A strong supporting cast lead by Jane Seymour on her way up and an incredibly young William H. Macy add to the pleasure of this fine entertainment. The only thing missing is a certain grit that would have added to the wilderness feeling of the setting. A very strong showcase for the wonderfully talented and much missed Elizabeth Montgomery.

The Awakening Land is right up there at the top of my list for best mini series, right behind The Thorn Birds and Centennial. The late Elizabeth Montgomery gives a tour d'force performance that I consider to be her best work.Of all the period pieces I've seen about the early settlers and trailblazers in young America, this one seems to give you a very accurate sense of what life was like for these brave souls who dared to venture out into the wilderness.You'll get no Hollywood fluff here. You won't see women traipsing around with their hair perfectly coiffed and in gowns that look like they just came off the runways of the top fashion houses in Paris. The women in this story literally wear sacks for dresses, have unkempt hair, dirty faces and live in shacks out in the wilds.What you do see are people struggling for food and fighting the elements in an untamed land as well as constantly fighting off predators, both man and beast alike just to survive.You see how these early settlers struggled to work their land and come together from their meager beginnings to grow and form towns. You share in their triumphs and their losses in order to make a better life for themselves.At the heart of this story is Elizabeth Montgomery as the courageous Sayward Luckett, who struggles not only to survive herself, but to take care of her sisters when her mother dies and her father takes off to go trailblazing on his own. With only her wits and her courage to keep her going, she not only survives, but becomes the true heroine of this story.Hal Holbrook and Jane Seymour give wonderful performances as well, but it is Montgomery's exquisite portrayal of the feisty pioneer woman that makes this such a pleasure to watch.I am shocked and surprised to find that The Awakening Land is not yet available on DVD. Hopefully it will be soon. But I strongly urge anyone who has not yet seen it to try and get a hold of it on VHS or check out your cable service to see if it's listed and watch it. It is one of the best and truly worth your time!

I saw this movie for the 1st time in the early '80s, then again in 1988. Enjoyed every minute of it, and have never forgotten it. A lot of the details still come to mind at unexpected times, when I'm not thinking specifically about the movie. It's too easy to begin to identify with Sayward (Sarah), and to wish for her strength and clarity of focus. The movie has all the joys, pains, fears, struggles, celebration, and disappointment one would imagine the pioneer times had. The ability to be realistic in the face of enormously emotional situations makes a dramatic, inspiring statement about the strength required to simply survive.Would love to see it again!

I've seen the miniseries completely once and partially once. I'd watch it twice a year if I could. Just finished the book by Conrad Richter, The Awakening Land: The Trees, The Fields, The Town. Every time Sayward spoke, I pictured Elizabeth Montgomery; her performance was so true to the book. The role was made for her. Can you picture anyone else as Sayward? I can't. This is a fascinating period of time in our American past. Will The Awakening Land ever be released on VHS or DVD?