Through the vast grassland

Author: Frank Capra
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Aesthetic Enjoyment and Inspiration of Courage
The Covered Wagon—A wagon train of settlers departs from the Midwest of the United States, crossing the undeveloped Great Plains to California in search of gold. Along the way, they face threats from disease, epidemics, wildlife, hunger, and death, yet they persevere. During the journey, the wagon train leader, Rohlf, meets an American girl named Lily and falls in love with her for her bravery, selflessness, kindness, and purity. A passionate and bold romance blossoms between them—around a campfire in the wilderness, a Scottish man plays the bagpipes from his wagon, Americans beat on ox bone rattles, and bundles of willow branches are tied to rifle butts, lit with torches and decorated with flowers and leaves like a flower chariot, where they hold a pastoral-style wedding. Amidst the majestic and strange natural scenery, the echoes of war and love resonate, like the harmonious interplay between a rugged, grand cello and a gentle flute. In the end, the settlers complete their long journey with the heroic spirit of pioneers.