Based on the bestseller by Catherine Marshall, Christy tells the story of an idealistic nineteen year old who leaves the comforts of her city home to teach school in the impoverished Appalachian community of Cutter Gap, Tennessee in 1912. Strength, determination, and faith guide young Christy Huddleston through unforeseen difficulties, help her to gain understanding of the proud mountain people, and win her mentorship, friendship, and the love of two men.
Many times, like you I am sure, I've been disappointed in television shows or movies based upon books. So often they often cut out significant parts or change things around so much that they create a completely different story. This was absolutely NOT the case with the "Christy" series! First and foremost, Kellie Martin and Tyne Daly were *perfectly* cast in the roles of 19-year-old schoolteacher Christy Huddleston and Quaker missionary Alice Henderson. Secondly, the show generally kept true to the storylines that first brought Marshall's classic novel to life. The general premise of the story involves the title character, Christy, a recent transplant from a wealthy North Carolina family, who has just arrived in the poor community of Cutter Gap, Tennessee, in 1912 She has come to teach with those proverbial stars in her eyes. It's Christy's first time on her own, and her eyes are certainly opened as she experiences the effects of ignorance, poverty and disease. As she struggles to convert the residents to her beliefs, they also teach Christy a little about faith, perseverance, friendship and love. Other significant characters are David Grantland, a young minister who is desperate to win her heart; and Neil MacNeil, a native doctor who equally intrigues and infuriates the idealistic schoolteacher.
My only complaint is that the series was so short-lived! In my mind, we could certainly use a show like "Christy" on the air!
Set in Tennessee, it was actually filmed near Gatlinburg, in the Smoky Mountains, a place that is very dear to my heart.
Thanks to a heads up from our dear blogging friend, Andi, I have now pre-ordered this delight from Amazon. I can't wait to receive this gem and to share it with Grace.
Hugs,
Suzie Q
