TV: Christy

In 1912, Christy Huddleston (Martin) moves from her home in the city, to live in the small community of Cutter Gap and serve as the schoolteacher. She was inspired by the stories from Quaker Alice Henderson (Daly). But life in the mountains is harder than Christy expects. The people do not trust her and are unwilling to accept help or charity.

As she tries to find a way to fit into the community, she connects with the other outsiders. She lives in the mission, alongside Miss Alice, the unmarried Reverend David Grantland (Batinkoff), and his spinster sister Ida (Annabella Price). She also impresses Dr. Neil MacNeill (Finlay-McLennan), who was born in town, but left to study medicine at a prestigious university. David and Dr. MacNeill are polar opposites, but share an interest in Christy. And she is captivated by both men.

Life is hard, but she quickly bonds with the children. Can she find her place in Cutter Gap and make a difference?

Based on the 1967 novel, Christy, by Catherine Marshall.

The Good:

Kellie Martin is great as Christy, both on screen and via the voiceovers. Tyne Daly is great as the voice of reason. The love interests have personalities and are interesting. The supporting cast is great as well.

The show strives for historical accuracy, without overdoing it.  There is also a clear message throughout the series about the people: their way of life will change as progress comes to Cutter Gap.  But it does not pity or mock their way of life.  The land itself - the woods, streams, and mountains - are like another character and are featured prominently throughout each episode.

They also do a good job of showing that no one is always right: Christy is right sometimes, the Reverend is right sometimes, etc.  The characters learn and grow.

The show is family-friendly and clean.

The Bad: 

The final episode ends on a cliffhanger. I wish there was a third season to finish the unresolved stories: who does Christy choose, does the town accept Daniel, etc.

Other Comments:

-The novel was inspired by Marshall's mother, Lenora, who was a schoolteacher in Appalachia.

-Won 1 Primetime Emmy Award in 1996, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Tyne Daly.

-Series ended on a cliffhanger.  It was resolved in 3 subsequent made-for-TV movies: Christy: A Return to Cutter Gap, Christy: A Change of Seasons, and Christy: A New Beginning.  Finlay-McLennan is the only main cast member to appear in the films.

-I loved this show when it originally aired and I still love it now!

Christy (1994-1995) 45-48 minutes

Creator: Patricia Green

Starring: Kellie Martin as Christy Huddleston

Randall Batinkoff as Reverend David Grantland

Stewart Finlay-McLennan as Dr. Neil MacNeill

Tyne Daly as Alice Henderson

Emily Schulman as Ruby Mae Morrison

Tess Harper as Fairlight Spencer

LeVar Burton is Daniel Scott

Bruce McKinnon as Jeb Spencer

Clay Jeter as Creed Allen

Andy Nicholas as Little Burl Allen

Kyle Hudgens as Sam Houston Holcombe

Alyssa Hmielewski as Mountie O'Teale

Frank Hoyt Taylor as Uncle Bogg

Jenny Krochmal as Zady Spencer

Jack Landry as Rob Allen