I have never liked Palance better, although he has been in better movies. This was a sequel, and I tried to add Palance's name to the original, then found my error.
15 Reviews
I think Palance is the star here
tree195710 December 2018
A family, already playing and tall, grows by one.
mark.waltz2 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
While the story is cliched and has been told many times, the third part of the "Sarah, Plain and Tall" series is a moving conclusion to an excellent saga with the now established family led by Christopher Walken and second wife Glenn Close (as Sarah) growing by one when Walken's long lost father, Jack Palance, returns out of the blue, having left Walken's mother when he was just a young boy. Walken only see things from his perspective, not realizing that his mother had drove Palance away, dissatisfied with life as a farmer's wife which meant that she had to stick around and run the farm while Palance had assorted adventures elsewhere and eventually was believed to be dead. The family is brought more together by this as the grandchildren instantly love having a grandfather, and thanks to the love of Close (the loving stepmother to two of the children and mother of one), they make it through all sorts of hardships including an argument which causes Walken to break his leg and issues surrounding a bad winter.
Solid performances and a beautiful screenplay truly makes this a very moving drama, and you don't have to have seen the prior to films to understand all the relationships although that does help. Close plays a character whose love for her family has brought them closer than before together and her warmth makes you see into the soul of both character and the actress who has a passion for the beauty that Sarah reveals not by either just words or deeds but simply by her presence. She's a saintly woman without being too sickly sweet, and the flaws of the other characters are made to be understandable as an inate stubbornness of all of them shows a strength that only a hard life while still surrounded by love can establish.
Palance is perhaps a bit too breathy in each of his lines, and at times, that's a little hard to listen to, but that also gives a reality to the worn out essence of his character who has health issues that he doesn't easily reveal. The flaws are minimal as the emotions of each of the characters draws the viewer in, and while the three films can be watched individually and appreciated on that level, putting it all together as a miniseries is a rewarding experience that shows how people in a different time truly working together to make all of the hardships worthwhile and how the strength of love made everything work out in spite of all the tragedies along the way.
Solid performances and a beautiful screenplay truly makes this a very moving drama, and you don't have to have seen the prior to films to understand all the relationships although that does help. Close plays a character whose love for her family has brought them closer than before together and her warmth makes you see into the soul of both character and the actress who has a passion for the beauty that Sarah reveals not by either just words or deeds but simply by her presence. She's a saintly woman without being too sickly sweet, and the flaws of the other characters are made to be understandable as an inate stubbornness of all of them shows a strength that only a hard life while still surrounded by love can establish.
Palance is perhaps a bit too breathy in each of his lines, and at times, that's a little hard to listen to, but that also gives a reality to the worn out essence of his character who has health issues that he doesn't easily reveal. The flaws are minimal as the emotions of each of the characters draws the viewer in, and while the three films can be watched individually and appreciated on that level, putting it all together as a miniseries is a rewarding experience that shows how people in a different time truly working together to make all of the hardships worthwhile and how the strength of love made everything work out in spite of all the tragedies along the way.
Another great one
1fortheroad19 July 2002
This film was the perfect ending to the Sarah Plain and Tall trilogy. Once again, there was more conflict, but this time, Sarah takes a back seat, and the movie is more or less about Jacob. It has a very good message about forgiveness, which is something I think is very important.
The family has grown a little to include a child between Sarah and Jacob, and Anna and Caleb are considerably more grown up than in the previous movies. Once more, the casting was terrific, and the characters were just as endearing as always, although I must say that I found it rather odd that everytime something significant would happen, Sarah would be right in the middle of it--or close by. She was nosier than usual in this movie, but it suited her--as did her sometimes dry sense of humor, directed at various comments made by members of her family. If you watched the first two movies, you should definately see this one, but remember to watch them in order because otherwise some things won't make much sense.
The family has grown a little to include a child between Sarah and Jacob, and Anna and Caleb are considerably more grown up than in the previous movies. Once more, the casting was terrific, and the characters were just as endearing as always, although I must say that I found it rather odd that everytime something significant would happen, Sarah would be right in the middle of it--or close by. She was nosier than usual in this movie, but it suited her--as did her sometimes dry sense of humor, directed at various comments made by members of her family. If you watched the first two movies, you should definately see this one, but remember to watch them in order because otherwise some things won't make much sense.
Of The Three, I Liked This Story Best
ccthemovieman-115 September 2006
I enjoyed two of the three movies in the "Sarah, Plain & Tall" trilogy. This, the final of the three, was definitely one of the "good ones. " It is an excellent family film with wonderful acting by the three adult stars: Christopher Walken, Glenn Close and Jack Palance.
The storyline is simple but well-told. The only sub-par performance was by one of the kids. It was interesting to see how the kids had grown since that first movie.
Of the three, that initial "Sarah," was the best- filmed with some beautiful cinematography. This movie didn't have that, but it had the best story. It had some genuinely-tearful sentimental moments and a very nice ending.
Highly recommended.
The storyline is simple but well-told. The only sub-par performance was by one of the kids. It was interesting to see how the kids had grown since that first movie.
Of the three, that initial "Sarah," was the best- filmed with some beautiful cinematography. This movie didn't have that, but it had the best story. It had some genuinely-tearful sentimental moments and a very nice ending.
Highly recommended.
great movie, small oops
mk668 April 2005
I don't ever remember reading Sarah, Plain and Tall in school, but when my son told me about it and said they watched the movie in class, I wanted to see it too. I borrowed the video from the library and watched it as a family. It was a wonderful story. However, I didn't know until a few months ago that there were sequels. I finished watching those this week. I discovered one small oops: in the second movie, Skylark, Jacob is reminiscing when he was a boy, and tells Sarah "my brothers and sisters and I would dream...". In Winter's End, those "brothers and sisters" don't exist in conversations between Jacob and his father. But it is a very small oops, and I only caught it watching the trilogy, the second time around. Great movie, a must see for good wholesome family viewing.
The plot and writing of the third installment was a bit weak.
pcamp8366 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
As mentioned in another review, there was a big goof as Jacob was not an only child (siblings were mentioned in Skylark). The story had several holes: How did Sarah survive outside for several hours in a blizzard? Why would John leave his farm when his wife, who hated living there so much, stayed? Why wouldn't Jacob know John was his father if he was Caleb's age when John left? Surely John's appearance didn't change that much. Why don't Anna and Caleb call Sarah "mother" after all these years? If town was far enough away that Anna had to live there, how did Caleb go to/from school every day? How could they have a phone if they had no electricity (they were still using oil lamps)?
Personally, I just found too many incongruities to make this weak storyline as enjoyable as the first two films.
Personally, I just found too many incongruities to make this weak storyline as enjoyable as the first two films.
Final chapter of the SP&T trilogy
qleaper21 November 1999
Glenn Close is back as Sarah Plain and Tall, a woman who keeps a family together through the good and bad times. The acting is superb -- Christopher Walken (unusually non-spooky) as her husband once again delivers a top-notch performance. It's good to see young Christopher Bell all grown up; too bad we don't get to see much of Anna (Lexi Randall, also a few years older), but the new addition to the Witting family (played by Emily Osment) was very welcome. And finally, Jack Palance, as the long lost Witting patriarch, is as fine as ever.
Good finale to a fine series
gazzo-228 December 2003
I think anytime you cast Jack Palance as Christopher Walken's father, throw in Glenn Close as the wife and Haley 'I see Dead People' Osment's kid sister into the mix-you have a pretty inspired set of castings.
I enjoyed also how the two kids in the first couple shows were brought back here-so nice to see the girl as a nurse and the boy as a young farmer. It's believable and well done, it's also the only things that either actor had done for some time, the transition to adulthood from kid actor is notoriously hard.
Some of the snowstorm contrivances were sheer Hollywood-but don't be fooled, there's a lotta heart and fine acting to go around here. The show never loses sight of it's ideals or center.
***
I enjoyed also how the two kids in the first couple shows were brought back here-so nice to see the girl as a nurse and the boy as a young farmer. It's believable and well done, it's also the only things that either actor had done for some time, the transition to adulthood from kid actor is notoriously hard.
Some of the snowstorm contrivances were sheer Hollywood-but don't be fooled, there's a lotta heart and fine acting to go around here. The show never loses sight of it's ideals or center.
***
Hard questions about the past are difficult to get answered.
sherwin-126 February 2002
What a joy to watch this family grow up and see the same children acting in this series eight years later. Anna (Lexi Randall) is a beautiful young lady, working for a physician in town. She is in love with his son Justin, who went away in the army and was injured in war. And the newest daughter of Jacob and Sarah, Cassie, is an outspoken cutie, so transparently honest she often is embarrassing.
On a cold winter day a stranger shows up at the farm. He is slow to reveal his identity. When they find out he is Jacobs father, John Witting, thought long ago dead, hard questions about the past are difficult to get answered.
Glenn Close is magnificent as a loving mother, who wants only the best for all her family, and is constantly wrestling with the forces that tend to separate them. Sarah talking to Jacob said, "It's all so fragile, this life. Anything can happen in the blink of an eye. I could have died in that blizzard. Think of Justin, and John. probably more ill than we know. Time moves on. The moment passes, then it's too late. It's a shame, don't you think?"
Life lessons on honesty and forgiveness make this a meaningful evenings entertainment.
On a cold winter day a stranger shows up at the farm. He is slow to reveal his identity. When they find out he is Jacobs father, John Witting, thought long ago dead, hard questions about the past are difficult to get answered.
Glenn Close is magnificent as a loving mother, who wants only the best for all her family, and is constantly wrestling with the forces that tend to separate them. Sarah talking to Jacob said, "It's all so fragile, this life. Anything can happen in the blink of an eye. I could have died in that blizzard. Think of Justin, and John. probably more ill than we know. Time moves on. The moment passes, then it's too late. It's a shame, don't you think?"
Life lessons on honesty and forgiveness make this a meaningful evenings entertainment.
Making a patchwork family....
pacfit4 November 1999
Excellent story of lives that need repair....one of those rare films that I could watch with my 7 and 8 year old daughters... Glenn Close was excellent in the title role. It was also nice to see Christopher Walken in a more normal role.
Wow
blacklablover9522 June 2007
Sarah Plain and Tall's Winters end was the best movie I have ever seen. The person in the story that I liked best had to be Cassie played by Emily Osment. Just because of her energy and how she speaks her mind. For example when Anna calls from town Cassie wants to answer and she says,"Hello? Anna guess what. Grand father was lost but hes back now and he is not a good man!" I loved all of the Sarah Plain and tall movies for my rating I think Sarah Plain and tall was #3. Skylark was #2. Winters end was #1! If I could live in any family from the past It would have to be the Witting family. I think there are so many good parts in this movie I can't name all of them. I think they picked the best and perfect actors to play all these people in the movie so if you ever want to watch a movie from the past I would highly highly highly recommend Sarah Plain and Tall's Winters end.
Great TV - spoilers contained
HobbitHole3 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This third installment of the Sarah, Plain and Tall series exceeds television standards of today while not being some boring, laugh track filled, 1950's television show.
The values of a family and unconditional love in spite of difficulties in relationships is priceless. Glenn Close and Christopher Walken again do a great job of playing a couple committed to each other and to their children (amazing in these days of every family member for themselves)!
As an added treat, Jack Palance turns in a fine performance. This is a man that Bette Davis insisted play in his first starring role as a bad guy. It's fitting that he plays a guy who was a bad father, but figures that he should make that right before his time on earth is done.
Two former 'bad guy' actors, show that maybe Hollywood should stop type casting actors and allow them to explore other sides. Walken and Palance turn in heart-warming performances, even as they initially clash with each other due to their lack of relationship.
If you want to see a great story that the whole family can enjoy, check this one out. If you want a typical scary Walken picture, this one's not for you.
The values of a family and unconditional love in spite of difficulties in relationships is priceless. Glenn Close and Christopher Walken again do a great job of playing a couple committed to each other and to their children (amazing in these days of every family member for themselves)!
As an added treat, Jack Palance turns in a fine performance. This is a man that Bette Davis insisted play in his first starring role as a bad guy. It's fitting that he plays a guy who was a bad father, but figures that he should make that right before his time on earth is done.
Two former 'bad guy' actors, show that maybe Hollywood should stop type casting actors and allow them to explore other sides. Walken and Palance turn in heart-warming performances, even as they initially clash with each other due to their lack of relationship.
If you want to see a great story that the whole family can enjoy, check this one out. If you want a typical scary Walken picture, this one's not for you.
A good movie, with one small flaw
KimAC531 March 2001
I had borrowed the three Sarah movies from a friend, and had watched them while sick in bed during one weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. I enjoyed how the last movie gave a glimpse of what Caleb and his sister were like when they grew up. In addition, I liked the carry-through of the "Billy-boy" song that first was heard during the credits of the first movie, the title "Sarah, Plain and Tall." However, the one thing in Winter's End that I didn't like was the youngest daughter. She was a very cute little girl, but she just had too much spirit and looked like a brat compared to the other kids, even compared to talkative but still good-natured Caleb when he was younger.
Palance Gave a Wonderful Performance
whpratt127 February 2006
Jack Palance,(John Witting), was usually a bad guy in most of his films and in this film, he showed his great acting talents above and beyond my expectations. John Witting unexpectedly returns to his son's farm after years and years of separation. Christopher Walken,(Jacob), has a hard time trying to accept his father's appearance after he spent the night in the family barn. Jacob's son and younger daughter greet their new grandpa and accept him just as he is, a very old man, at the end of his ropes. Glenn Close,(Sarah Witting), delves into the character of John Witting and starts to bring out the truth about what happened to him during his years of absence from the family. This is a very warm and loving down to earth film about real events that happen in most families for generations to come and go.
Sarah Plain and Tall: Winters End
martinafan24 February 2006
I love Sarah Plain and Tall:Winters End. Its such a good movie. It tells of the hardships of living on a farm.I live on a farm so I know what its like to have hardships.
I love the setting in Kansas. Its such a beautiful place. My favorite country star is from Kansas. I love the country in Kansas its just so beautiful. I would love to live in Kansas.
Sarah Plain and Tall:Winters End I think is a love story. I love love stories they are so fun to watch. I like to watch them because it is nice to watch people fall in love. Falling in love is not as hard as most people think. I've fallen in love once. Sarah Plain and Tall: Winters End is my favorite love story
I love the setting in Kansas. Its such a beautiful place. My favorite country star is from Kansas. I love the country in Kansas its just so beautiful. I would love to live in Kansas.
Sarah Plain and Tall:Winters End I think is a love story. I love love stories they are so fun to watch. I like to watch them because it is nice to watch people fall in love. Falling in love is not as hard as most people think. I've fallen in love once. Sarah Plain and Tall: Winters End is my favorite love story
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