MOVIE REVIEW
Love Begins
Network: Hallmark Channel
Original Air Date: September 17, 2011
CAST:
Wes Brown ... Clark
Julie Mond ... Ellen
Abigail Mavity ... Cassie
Nancy McKeon ... Millie
Steffani Brass ... Rose
Jere Burns ... Sheriff Holden
Brooke Newton ... Girl #1
Joel Bond ... Rider #1
Daniel Buran ... Samuel
Mike Cochrane ... Fiddler
David Hoflin ... Jake Weller
Dwayne Standridge ... Night Deputy
Nathan Sutton ... John
David Tom ... Daniel
PLOT:
from Hallmark Channel Press Release:
LOVE BEGINS is the prequel to “Love Comes Softly,” the first in a series of highly-rated “Loves” movies from Hallmark Channel. It is the story of Clark Davis falling in love with his first wife, Ellen. Clark and his best friend are passing through Trinity on their way to collect their fortune of gold in the West. Working on a run-down farm, Clark meets the sassy Ellen and her sister. Their father has recently passed away and the farm is too much for the two of them. Clark slowly begins to fall in love with Ellen. He eventually gives up his dream of going to California and settles down with Ellen on the farm.
Larry Levinson is the executive producer for Larry Levinson Productions.
Movie Review:
Love Begins was a beautiful pioneer western period story.
Ellen and her sister, Cassie, live together on their family farm. They have been on their own since the death of their father. It's difficult, at times, for these two young women to keep their home and the farm, but they are strong and get by - with help from neighbors and friends in town.
After a storm goes through, damaging their barn, fencing, etc... it is clear they will need help to repair. Ellen asks the town sheriff if he knows anyone who can help.
In the meantime, Clark Davis and his friend have ridden on horseback into town on their way out west to search for gold in California. His friend talks a little too sweet to some ladies in Millie's Restaurant and causes a fight with some other fellows - which lands Clark and his friend, in jail. One night, when given the chance, his friend decides to escape, while Clark chooses to remain and re-pay his debt.
Unfortunately, for Ellen, who witnessed the fight and finds Clark to not be trustworthy... the sheriff's idea is to have Clark Davis, - pay back his debt to Mille by working on Ellen and Cassie's farm. Ellen is unsure, but concedes to this plan.
After days and days go by... with hard and determination Clark helps to re-build their farm and Cassie and Ellen grow fonder of this former stranger. Clark, is also becoming fond of them and re-thinking his idea of going to California.
At a town dance, Ellen and Clark dance together, eventually revealing their true feelings for each other... admitting they like one another.
However, a day or so later, Ellen's first crush, Jake, shows up on the afternoon stage coach - as a wealthy prospector who has found his gold and has come back to ask Ellen to be his bride.
Ellen then must decide then which path and man is right for her. From there... Love Begins!
See or Skip:
See, sweet love story!