Christy: Choices of the Heart (2001)

Comprised of two films, "Christy: A Change of Seasons" and "Christy: A New Beginning," the miniseries "Christy: Choices of the Heart" details Christy's (LAUREN LEE SMITH) crisis of faith in the wake of a typhoid epidemic, her emotional catharsis, the life-altering events that cause her to make a choice between the two men in her life and her marriage. Both the storm of the century and epidemic become obstacles and motivators in affairs of the heart as Christy comes of age, catapulted into adulthood through the wisdom of her trials. The miniseries closes one chapter of the beloved heroine's journey and forever opens another, when as an enchanting bride, Christy starts life anew. Mountain folk trust Dr. Neil MacNeill (STEWART FINLAY McCLENNAN). Though he left to study medicine in Scotland, he's one of their own. Preacher David Grantland (JAMES WATERSTON) is considered an outsider who has yet to learn and value the dignity of their ways. It's a reality that renders Grantland ineffective as a minister and in times of crisis only, intensifies existing tension between Grantland and MacNeill, already vying for Christy's love. In the days and months ahead, each makes valiant gestures to Christy and the endearing mountain folk, as mother nature transforms into a fierce antagonist preying upon the cove in the form of typhoid fever and the storm of the century, threatening the very survival of Cutter Gap. Christy's life is turned upside down as she struggles to survive the overwhelming spiritual, emotional and physical tests set before her. The first night of the miniseries "Christy: A Change of Seasons" centers on the deadly typhoid epidemic, the most pivotal point in the novel's adaptation. The disease preys upon the mountain folk in isolated Cutter Gap causing enormous terror, suffering and leaving tragedy in its wake. For many generations superstition has led the isolated mountain folk to believe that all real danger comes from outside the cove. MacNeill exhausts himself caring for them, trying to get them to see that their own water and lack of sanitation is making them sick. The tragic death of her cherished friend, Fairlight Spencer (INGRID TORRENCE) affects Christy in cathartic and intimate ways, sending her into an emotional tailspin, catapulting her into a primal crisis of faith questioning the fairness and even the existence of God. She leans on Grantland's faith and accepts his proposal. The second night of the miniseries "Christy: A New Beginning" begins three months later as the storm of the century hits the mountain cove, ripping away all evidence of civility, leaving physical devastation in its wake. As wind and floods wash away cabins, the mountain folk seek refuge from the hostile mountain environment in the mission house, the highest structure in the cove. In the height of the storm, MacNeill and Christy are stranded in a hunter's cabin where before it's too late, despite their differences, (Christy was born into wealth, MacNeill into poverty) the doctor proposes. Before she can sort through her feelings, Christy bolts out into the torrential rain, running and falling down a steep ravine. MacNeill rescues her and tends to her back at the cabin where she starts burning up with a fever. As dawn breaks so does Christy's fever, and MacNeill carries her back to the mission house. Christy's struggles to survive the spiritual, emotional and physical tests of the typhoid epidemic and storm have brought her to a place of maturity. She has earned the wisdom of a woman who believes what she experiences as distinct from a girl who listens to what she is taught to believe. Christy walks without help from either man, and in that moment, she makes her choice. Puffy clouds fill the air and colorful ribbons stream from maypoles on the day of Christy's wedding. A beautiful bride, Christy is radiant as she walks down the path in her wedding gown with her groom awaiting in the archway.