The Ingalls family are in dire straits financially when Charles is temporarily laid off at the mill and they have no money coming in. Rather than rest on their laurels and feel sorry for hemselves, the whole family pitches in to help as Charles goes off in search of odd jobs, Caroline and Laura see to the chores and the ploughing while Mary takes some time off school to once again help out the local seamstress.
Harriett Oleson is really the catalyst behind the whole thing as she refuses any more store credit until the outstanding bill is paid and spreads the gossip near and far.
Excellent episode outlining strength and faith in adversity. Terrific work by all the actors involved in this one.moreless
EDIT
Episode Summary
When the mill closes due to bankruptcy, Charles loses out on two months worth of crucial wages that would have officially cleared his account at the mercantile. With a large bill left unpaid and Harriet Oleson spreading rumors about the Ingalls' financial issues, Charles takes on several odd jobs at once. Mary quits school temporarily to work overtime with seamstress Mrs. Whipple, while Laura does all the chores and assists Caroline with the crops. Despite physical exhaustion and cruel treatment from certain community members, can this family pull together in such a trying time?moreless
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Melissa Gilbert
Laura Elizabeth Ingalls/Wilder
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Melissa Sue Anderson
Mary Amelia Ingalls/Kendall (1974 - 1981)
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Richard Bull
Nels Oleson
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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Trivia
ADD TRIVIA- At home when Charles was counting the money, there were a lot of coins, but he gives Harriet only bills. She took the money with two fingers, so if there were coins they would have fallen out. Edit
- As Charles approaches Caroline, who is working in the field, he says the only thing he regrets about being married to her is that he cannot ever again have that moment of asking her to be his wife. However, he actually does get to ask her again in a special way in Season 7's I Do, Again. Edit
- Although it can't be certain, there's a good chance that the Laura/Charles scene in the barn (when Laura is crying over Nellie and Willie's cruel words) was shot during the day, even though it was supposed to be at night. It looks like the sun is shining in as they talk, but because it could also be perceived as the moon or outdoor lights, it could really make sense either way. Edit
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Notes
ADD NOTES- Filming Locations: Filmed at Big Sky Ranch, Simi Valley and Paramount Studios, Hollywood, California. Edit
- In the scene where Laura and Miss Beadle are walking toward the mercantile after school, notice how much green growth there is in the school yard. It's incredibly weedy and overgrown, nothing like it would be in future seasons, where that same space was completely brown and big enough for a baseball diamond. Edit
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Quotes
ADD QUOTES- Charles: You'll never guess what Carrie just did. Caroline: What? Charles: (to Carrie) Go ahead. Tell them. Carrie: I got to milk the cow! Mary: Wow! Charles: A real fine job, too. Caroline: You're getting to be a big girl! Pretty soon, you'll be helping with all the chores. Laura: Yeah! Want me to teach you how to clean out the chicken coop? Carrie: No! Laura: I thought you'd say that. Edit
- Charles: Nels, I don't know when I'll be able to pay that bill. It'll be as soon as I can. Harriet: But not by the end of the week. Charles: No. I'd appreciate it if I could keep my account open. I won't be charging much, just necessities. Nels: Certainly. Harriet: Now, just a moment! You already owe a tidy sum of money, and now you want to charge more? Nels: Harriet! Harriet: Well, I'm speaking, Nels! Now, you weren't the one who was insulted by Mrs. Ingalls! (turns to Charles) If you expect charity from us, I will expect a full apology from your wife for the remarks she made to me yesterday. Nels: Harriet, please. Harriet: I'm waiting, Mrs. Ingalls. Charles: Well, you're gonna have a long wait, Mrs. Oleson! Nels, I'll be in to pay that bill as soon as I can. Nels: Oh, I know that. Charles: Come on, Caroline, let's go. Harriet: "Pride cometh before a fall, and a haughty spirit before destruction!" Proverbs! Charles: Correction, Mrs. Oleson. It's pride goeth before destruction, and as for the rest of it, I'd let it fall into the Grand Canyon before I let my wife go begging to you! Edit
- Mary: I'll get started on the dress now. Miss Whipple: Now, hold on just a minute there. You know, you weren't even supposed to finish this skirt today, let alone get started on another garment. Mary: But I-- Mrs. Whipple: No buts. Now, it's 4:00. School is just getting out. Why don't you go and walk home with Laura for a change? Mary: I can get started on the dress. Mrs. Whipple: Mary, you musn't argue with old people. It's not good for them, and anyway, you can't win. Edit
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Allusions
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