So much average

Perfect cast and a good story

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

This was one of my all time favourites. It is where I fell in love with Bruce. The acting was suburb. The one scene that stands out for me was when Fiona was either being raped or sexually harassed. She had that look on her face that showed a multitude of emotions: fear, indignation (how dare you), and that she was flattered (thinking she was beyond the age that someone would think her attractive).The other episode I remember was when Bruce's sister in the show was stung by a Bee and almost died. This was when I first realized that people could be allergic to Bee stings. Why, Why is this not out on DVD yet? It is only 2 seasons. I'd love for it to also have plenty of interviews with Cast & crew. And to see how Bruce fell in love and married his first wife was interesting, considering they were brother & sister on the show.Please bring this out on DVD soon.

"How the west was won" ( or "The Macahan's) is a western that I remember as truly first rate. In particular, the first episodes had great script and also great acting. After that, the two leading actors, James Arness and Bruce Boxleitner, carry the series on their shoulders as the perfect western heroes, the rough old trapper and the young handsome hero. James Arness entering a room, with his gun in hand, muttering in broad American English through his teeth "I'm Zeb Macahaaan!", that was an icon here in Sweden at the time, an icon on par with "Bond, James Bond".The whole series starts off with a massive family tragedy. The Macahan's grandparents were left behind when the family left, so when they hear that the civil was has started, dad Macahan goes back to get them. But, he never comes back, so Luke (Boxleitner) also goes back. Alas, the grandparents are already dead, killed by accident as bystanders to a battle around/near their home, so the mission is a failure from the start. Both Luke and his father are enrolled in the army, and only Luke gets away alive, as deserter. The scene when he decides to defect is superb, a micro-battle between two very small groups of soldiers, fighting for nothing, and only Luke survives. I will never forget the face of the dying soldier boy, probably pierced by Luke's bayonet (I am not sure about this), begging for help, and then the shocked Luke looking at the dead boys, throwing his gun to the ground. Good acting to a good script!This makes Luke an outlaw, which is one of the driving forces of the series from then on. The rest of the family is less important, except Zeb of course. I understand that it did not get very famous in the US, which is surprising.But, I haven't seen it since I was a kid (which is why I give no rating). I wonder if it would still thrill me. Well, the equally good "Alias Smith & Jones" series does, so I think it would.

I've seen the original John Ford film by the same name and then this series and I found the series to be much better. It is, of course, MUCH longer, which allows for more story telling, more character development and a lot more depth than the original film could ever hope to achieve. But it is precisely that depth that makes this series so much better. This thing had a great cast, including James Arness, Bruce Boxleitner and Fionnula Flanagan. Other great actors and actresses made appearances in some of the episodes. The acting in this whole series is great by everyone. The Civil War also plays a huge role in this film. The story is gripping and will definitely keep the viewer interested - there are no "slow" places in this entire series. The screenplay was written by several writers but was seamlessly integrated. There are several emotional rollercoasters going at once with the family being torn apart and put back together a few times. Viewers just can't seem to tear themselves away. Movies of this caliber are rare and should you ever see this miniseries being run on TV, be sure to crank up your VCR and tape it. You'll want to see it again and again.

I remember watching this mini-series when it was first aired in the late 70's as a child. While I enjoyed the original tv movie THE MACAHAN'S" and the 78 & 79 mini-series which followed I still find the 77 mini-series to be the best one. I used to get goosebumps when I would hear the opening title song accompanied by William (Cannon) Conrad's narration.First there is Zeb Macahan, a huge mountain man that does things as he sees fit. If it means standing against the Union Army or taking the law into his own hands he has got to be the coolest character on the show. I also was saddened when Zeb had to kill his trapper friend Cully Madigan to prevent him from being slain by Indians. I think my favorite line in the series comes from Zeb during the final moments of the series when Grey the bounty hunter is trying to take Luke to jail. Zeb, while under gun point by Grey, turns to him and says "Grey, I'm gonna lay hands on you and then it's gonna be all over!!" Nothing fazed this man.Secondly I enjoyed the romance between Luke Macahan and Erika Hanks, the young lady that helped heal Luke's gunshot wound and hide him form his various pursuers. It unfolds in a believable way and the fate of their relationship will have the viewer near tears.Lastly, the sets were all well done. It appears that most if not all the scenes were shot on location and not some studio back lot. I can only imagine what a visual treat it must have been like to work on the production of this mini-series.I was luck enough to tape this series during the late 80's and still enjoy watching it at least once a year. Hopefully this mini-series and the other HTWWW series will find their way to DVD soon!!