Heidi (miniseries)

Plot

At the beginning of part one of the miniseries, John and Adelheid are killed in a tree accident following an argument with John's father, Tobias. Their infant daughter, Heidi, survives the accident. Eight months later, Heidi is being raised by her cousin Dete in Switzerland following the death of her parents. Dete soon becomes selfish and unwilling to incur the costs of raising Heidi. Dete decides to take Heidi to live in the Alps with her grandfather. Still distraught over the death of his son, he initially resents Heidi's presence. However, as the story progresses, Heidi's innocence and charm break through her grandfather's tough exterior, and she also makes friends with a young goat herder named Peter. Later, Heidi's charmed life falls apart. Dete comes to take her away from her grandfather, placing her with a wealthy family in Frankfurt. She is enlisted as a companion for Klara, a wheelchair-bound girl who is considered an invalid by her family. Heidi manages to spread her joyous disposition in this environment as well.

In part two, three months have passed and Heidi continues to live in Frankfurt. However, she becomes very homesick. After finding Heidi sleepwalking one night, the Doctor tells Herr Sesemann that Heidi needs to be sent back to the Alps, otherwise, she will become much worse. Reluctant for her friend to leave and become lonely again, Klara agrees to let Heidi return to the Alps, in return for that Heidi promises to come back to Frankfurt after a month once she feels better. Heidi returns back to the Alps and regains her energy back. During her return, she sends a letter to Klara with two requests: to come to the mountains and visit her, as well as for the doctor to check on Grandmother. While in the Alps, Heidi convinces Klara that they should both live their own lives. Klara takes Heidi’s words to heart, and finds the strength to walk again. The children then part ways, and Heidi continues her life with her grandfather and Peter.

Release and reception

Heidi aired on the Disney Channel in two parts on July 18 and 19, 1993. Reviews of the series are generally positive, and pay special attention to the performance of Noley Thorton as Heidi. A review in the Chicago Tribune describes Thorton’s work as an “outstanding performance as the girl who has the innate ability to change people's lives.” Gary Marsh, vice president of original programming for the Disney Channel, says that Thorton did not play the typical happy, carefree role of Heidi. “She is not the happy-go-lucky, carefree waif played by Shirley Temple, who frolics through life making everybody happy. She's an orphan in a desperate search for a permanent home."

The Philadelphia Inquirer lauds the miniseries for its lavish production when compared to previous adaptations. Heidi was filmed on location in Austria, and Lee Winfrey wrote “the new Heidi is an elaborate and elegant production.” These factors led to the show being nominated for best miniseries or TV Film in the 51st Golden Globes.

Production

The series was shot in both Salzburg and Tirol in Austria. The Church is the St. Nikolauskirche, Bichl, Matrei, Osttirol.