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Starring: Hal Holbrook Director: Lee B. Groberg

Review Summary In this video, Viewers learn more about how the Mormons settled part of the American West during their 19th century journey to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. The program explains how persecuted the Mormons felt and why they felt they must try to survive all of the hardships they encountered while searching for a place to worship freely as a community of believers. Award-winning actor Hal Holbrook hosts this intriguing story about their 1,300-mile journey that is brought to life with first-person accounts gleaned from some of the pioneers' diaries. Period photographs, sketches and artwork are also used to recreate this era of history ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide

Amazon Review: This video is an excellent introduction to the Mormon pioneer movement to the West. Many scholars, both Mormon and non-Mormon, give comments and insight into the exodus. So, we hear various perspectives. Although there are some minor criticisms of some policies from the non-Mormon scholars, Mormons will eat this up and come away very proud of their heritage.

But is there anything here for the non-Mormon? Absolutely! For anyone interested in the history of the West, this is excellent. In addition to the well-known trek to Utah, we hear how Mormons settled parts of California, setting the stage for the Gold Rush; the longest infantry march in US history, i.e. the Mormon battalion, and how some Mormons sailed around South America to reach the West. However, the greatest value with this video lies with its presentation of pioneer life. Of course, this would apply to any group, Mormon or non, coming to the West. The indescribable heat, the bone-chilling cold, pregnant women having to walk for months on end, women giving birth in the snow, constant hunger and fatigue,and death. The story of the woman whose husband expired beside her in the night is heart-wrenching, as are the depictions of pioneers standing beside the graves of their loved ones. It all comes alive for the viewer. You really *feel* for these people. I have never seen a video which makes the plight of pioneers so vivid. At 2 hours in length, the viewer more than gets his money's worth. I highly recommend this video.