HALLMARK HALL OF FAME: HARVEST OF FIRE (TV)

Summary

One in this series of dramatic specials presented by Hallmark. In this drama, FBI agent Sally Russell travels to an Amish settlement in Iowa to investigate a series of barn burnings which the local sheriff believes may be hate crimes against this peaceful religious community. Sally arrives at the settlement knowing little about Amish ways, and with more than a little arrogance in her manner. But as an "English" -- the Amish term for outsiders -- she soon finds herself frustrated with their reluctance to support her investigation and passive in their beliefs that God will take care of the situation and that the arsonist must be forgiven.

With the help of the local sheriff, Sally develops a list of suspects, including a real estate agent who seems highly eager to "help" the fire-devastated Amish farmers by buying pieces of their land; a local "English" hooligan with a grudge against an Amish boy who became involved with his girlfriend; and an Amish farmer shunned by the community for defying the church elders. Meanwhile, Sally unexpectedly finds herself developing a close friendship with Annie, a devout Amish widow whose barn was one of those burned. The two women, from very different worlds, come to respect and appreciate each others points of view, and in the process, Sally comes to some realizations about priorities in her personal life. At one point, Annie even risks being shunned by the community when she lets Sally live in her home to aid in the investigation. When Sally finally solves the crime, the identity of the arsonist is a shock to all. This program is closed-captioned.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by Hallmark Cards, 1996.

("Hallmark Hall of Fame" aired on NBC from 1952 to 1978; network affiliation varies after 1978.)

(Beginning with the live telecast of the opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" on December 24, 1951, Hallmark has sponsored a series of dramatic specials which, since 1952, has aired under the title "Hallmark Hall of Fame." From 1952 to 1955 Hallmark also presented "Hallmark Hall of Fame," a weekly half-hour dramatic anthology series hosted by Sarah Churchill. The first program, "Dr. Serocold," was televised in January 1952 under the title "Hallmark Television Theatre." This series also ran under the title "Hallmark Summer Theatre" in July and August 1952.)

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