The Farmers Daughter is such a unique and rare 60s gem that I've always been disappointed that it has been mostly forgotten. Maybe it was the tragic death of it's gorgeous star that tainted it's value in syndication so a subsequent audience was never allowed an opportunity to "rediscover" the show in reruns.
It was loosely based on "The Farmer's Daughter" a '40s movie starring Loretta Young and Joseph Cotten. In this TV version, Katy Holstrum, the main character, is a Swedish-American farm girl, with simple, gracious common-sense and a patriotic determination to make a difference in the world. She visits her congressman in Washington in hopes of securing a Peace Corps-esquire appointment educating children in the Congo.
Instead, Congressman Glenn Morely, a widower, observes first-hand that Katy is exceptional with children (his) and offers her a job as "temporary" governess awaiting her assignment to the Congo. However, Katy falls in love with the two boys and the Congressman's mother (who has been acting as "First Lady" for her son) and ends up staying indefinitely.
Of course, because Katy is a very intelligent woman with progressive, feminist views, she and the Congressman are often in conflict on a variety of issues. Indeed, almost immediately, there is romantic tension between the lovely Governess and handsome politician which is also the basis for many story lines.
In general, the show is an excellent reflection of a un-traditional family life in the 50s 60s, much like its contemporary "My Three Sons" and its successors "Family Affair" and "The Real McCoys." The glamorous portrayal Washington is timely as John F. Kennedy and is Camelot administration was in full glory.
Inger Stevens, is very charismatic in her starring role and is just a joy to watch, even if you don't appreciate the show on it's own merits.
It's very interesting to see a very young William Windom, after being more acquainted with his well-respected character work of later years.
Interestingly, in the 90s, THE NANNY appears to have been greatly influenced by The Farmer's Daughter's premise and plots--with the exception of the title characters being absolute opposites!
It was loosely based on "The Farmer's Daughter" a '40s movie starring Loretta Young and Joseph Cotten. In this TV version, Katy Holstrum, the main character, is a Swedish-American farm girl, with simple, gracious common-sense and a patriotic determination to make a difference in the world. She visits her congressman in Washington in hopes of securing a Peace Corps-esquire appointment educating children in the Congo.
Instead, Congressman Glenn Morely, a widower, observes first-hand that Katy is exceptional with children (his) and offers her a job as "temporary" governess awaiting her assignment to the Congo. However, Katy falls in love with the two boys and the Congressman's mother (who has been acting as "First Lady" for her son) and ends up staying indefinitely.
Of course, because Katy is a very intelligent woman with progressive, feminist views, she and the Congressman are often in conflict on a variety of issues. Indeed, almost immediately, there is romantic tension between the lovely Governess and handsome politician which is also the basis for many story lines.
In general, the show is an excellent reflection of a un-traditional family life in the 50s 60s, much like its contemporary "My Three Sons" and its successors "Family Affair" and "The Real McCoys." The glamorous portrayal Washington is timely as John F. Kennedy and is Camelot administration was in full glory.
Inger Stevens, is very charismatic in her starring role and is just a joy to watch, even if you don't appreciate the show on it's own merits.
It's very interesting to see a very young William Windom, after being more acquainted with his well-respected character work of later years.
Interestingly, in the 90s, THE NANNY appears to have been greatly influenced by The Farmer's Daughter's premise and plots--with the exception of the title characters being absolute opposites!