Sod and Stubble

The props were a bit unrealistic, but I, like most, thought of my great grandparents who homesteaded or at least farmed the family land. Death was common; tragedies were many. But they persevered and passed their mettle on to their progeny. Sad movie but enjoyable. A bit slow-moving, and the characters were sometimes caricatures. But after reading the book I was glad that a movie was made. It made me think of my grandmother who crossed from Oklahoma to Arizona in a covered wagon in the late 1800s.

"Sod And Stubble" tells of the Ise family and their continual struggles and moments of joy homesteading in late 1880's Kansas.

This movie is based on a book of the same name. As with many adaptations, to enjoy the full story, read the well-written book after seeing the movie.

The movie has a distinct method of story-telling that writer and director, Ken Spurgeon, has used in other productions. His style easily transports the audience to that era. The acting of the seasoned cast members was excellent, with lesser characters, especially the kids and extras used throughout, adding a believable richness to the film.

This timeless story about overcoming challenges is one that many will relate to, either directly or through the efforts of others. It serves as a good testament that life is an ongoing journey and not just a destination.

Sod and Stubble is a moving, historically grounded film that captures the resilience of Kansas homesteaders. Based on John Ise's memoir, it tells the powerful story of a family building a life on the prairie. With beautiful cinematography, authentic performances, and a deep respect for its subject, the film offers a heartfelt tribute to the strength, sacrifice, and determination of early settlers. Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, it's an inspiring portrayal of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of the American heartland-one that honors the past while resonating with today's audiences.

I love pioneer stories, so was glad to see this as a new addition to a particular streaming platform. I'm not American and have never heard of the family or the book. Unfortunately, I found the film very slow and boring. Most things were told to us, rather than shown. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, and the family seemed to have a good start and continue to prosper, suffering relatively minor hardships for the era.

The biggest downside for me was the acting (and I know nothing about acting, so it must've been bad for me to notice). Besides Bailey Chase and one or two of the other men, it seemed like everyone's speech and movement was very stilted and unnatural. It felt very mechanical, like everyone was always waiting for their cue. I found the wife particularly difficult to watch. The constant face-full of make-up was also very distracting.

Thanks to all who brought this classic Kansas story to the screen! Wonderful acting by Dodie Brown and Bailey Chase, as well as Barry Corbin and the ensemble cast! Beautifully captured on location near Downs, Kansas, this is an excellent family film. We need to make more films like this available to the public.