Skylark

In this sequel to “Sarah Plain and Tall”, Jacob and Sarah Witting (Christopher Walken, Glenn Close), now married and continuing to farm in Kansas, face the challenge of a drought so severe that some neighbor families give up their farms and move away. Sarah, wanting to return to Maine for a visit anyhow, eventually goes there and takes the children with her. The separation has nothing to do with the family breaking up, it’s primarily a safety measure for the children. In fact, the film gives a good object lesson that true love is not destroyed by physical separation.

Everything that was true of the first film is also true of this one. There is realistic portrayal of the hardships of life, but no morally objectionable elements. It is suitable for viewing by the entire family, and is not just neutral but worthwhile in content. They don’t make many films like this any more, so let’s appreciate it when they do.