Dr Quinn Medicine Woman The Heart Within 2001
Dr Quinn Medicine Woman The Heart Within 2001 is a made-for-television movie based on the popular Western drama series, Dr Quinn Medicine Woman. The movie was directed by Jerry London and written by Beth Sullivan, who also created the series. It premiered on CBS on May 12, 2001, and was later released on DVD.
Plot
The Heart Within takes place in 1867, two years after the end of the television series. Dr Michaela Quinn (played by Jane Seymour) and her family are living happily in Colorado Springs when they receive a telegram informing them that Michaela's mother, Elizabeth (played by Chad Allen), has fallen ill in Boston.
Michaela and her husband, Sully (played by Joe Lando), travel to Boston to be with Elizabeth. While there, Michaela discovers that her mother has been keeping a secret from her: she has a half-sister named Marjorie (played by Kimberly Norris Guerrero) who was born out of wedlock.
As Michaela tries to come to terms with this revelation, she also has to deal with the racism and prejudice that Marjorie faces as a mixed-race woman. Meanwhile, Sully gets involved in a labor dispute between Irish immigrants and their employers.
As the movie progresses, Michaela and her family must navigate these challenges while also trying to help Elizabeth recover from her illness.
Cast
The Heart Within features many of the same cast members as the original series, including:
- Jane Seymour as Dr Michaela Quinn
- Joe Lando as Byron Sully
- Chad Allen as Matthew Cooper
- Jessica Bowman as Colleen Cooper
- Orson Bean as Loren Bray
- Barbara Babcock as Dorothy Jennings
- Henry G. Sanders as Robert E.
The movie also introduces several new characters, including Marjorie, Elizabeth's half-sister.
Reception
The Heart Within was generally well-received by fans of the original series. Many praised the performances of the cast, particularly Jane Seymour and Chad Allen. Some also appreciated the themes of family and acceptance that the movie explored.
However, some critics felt that the movie was too formulaic and predictable, and that it relied too heavily on nostalgia for the original series.
Legacy
The Heart Within was the last Dr Quinn Medicine Woman production to be released. While there have been rumors of a revival or reunion in the years since, nothing has come to fruition.
However, the original series remains beloved by many fans, and its themes of family, community, and acceptance continue to resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion
Dr Quinn Medicine Woman The Heart Within 2001 is a touching and well-acted movie that explores themes of family, acceptance, and social justice. While it may not be as groundbreaking as the original series, it offers a satisfying conclusion to the story of Dr Michaela Quinn and her family.