His Father's Footsteps

I really think it is about time that movies in Hollywood move back towards family entertainment and good characters. We dont need all those special effects, they come at the price of good story telling.

You may be the answer to many people's prayers for decent stories. Hollywood has gone so far in angry, loud noise films that they have forgotten the folks who crave quiet stories with themes of love and respect and God. One film comes to mind and that is Jimmy Stewart in "Harvey." Please give us more like it.

Sometimes we don't know why we do what we do. This is in regard to the post about the move about M.L. Jr. on his father. We all have different ways of dealing with sudden changes in our lives. Perhaps, he had to write this movie this way to let it go and move on. I believe he has done this otherwise he wouldn't be making the wonderful movies he has been. Please lets all keep in mind what the word says. Matthew chapter 7: 1. Judge not lest you be judged. We should be mindful in choosing our words when it comes to critizings another member of our family. God bless you and pray you will be able to be free. Adios!

Michael Landon, Jr. is a friend of mine whom I respect and admire for his courage to go against the trend of putting violence, sex, drugs and foul language in his movies...or for that matter in his life. When I met him almost 3 years ago, I was amazed at his humbleness. I will tell you, happybunny, from knowing him personally, that Michael Landon, Jr. is a respectful, loving, and devoted father, husband, friend and Christian. He honors his father every time that he makes a movie or writes a book. The main thing that strikes me about Michael, though, is his devout love for God and his belief that family as the center of that love. His message is real.. it is not just a way to make movies. I feel truly blessed to have him and his family a part of my life as an example of what "it's all about".

I am so inspired by this young man. He has tapped into an area that is not well represented. It's true that his father made wonderful series of television entertainment. But, contrary to his father, Landon Jr.'s films represent his own devout belief. He must have suffered greatly at the age of 15 when he went through his father's affair and subsequent breakup of the family. I'm glad he was able to find Christ and make a wonderful life for himself and his family, and not repeat the pain that his father caused him.

As for happybunny, I think that your criticism of Landon Jr. who made a film about his experience when he was a child and the tragedy of his family breakup is cruel. It was probably very cathartic for him. It seems you're the one harboring bitterness over that film. Remember, you are just a fan. He actually lived it. Anyway, Landon Jr. appears to have moved on and today has a family that he loves and honors. Maybe you should move on too.

I have such a problem when Michael Landon Jr talks about his faith, because I keep remembering his "Daddy Dearest" movie that he made in 1999 or so (called "Michael Landon, the Father I Knew"). It was a hatchet job on his father, who was by then dead--and could no longer refute what his son said. His other children distanced themselves from the project. Most critics thought that perhaps he used this film to gain some attention to his filmmaking. Seems that was true. I just feel that was not a terribly "Christian" thing to do to one's father. Sure, Landon Sr was not perfect--who is? But he didn't deserve what his son wrote about him in that movie (portrayed him as a womanizer, blamed him for the divorce, etc). While I am sure that he experienced pain from his parents' divorce. it appears that Landon Jr harbors much bitterness over it, still. God teaches us to forgive, and he has not. I understand that forgiveness is a process, but the film was a cheap shot, and one that alienated many of his father's fans--some of whom were very quick to point out how un-Christ-like it was. In short, Junior became a stumbling block for others. So it is all well and good that he does these nice family films, but he should remember that putting his families' dirty linen out there did not serve his testimony well at all.

I would like to suggest a book for a tv/movie that Michael Landon, Jr. might like to do. The book is old but can be found on Amazon. It is titled A Peculiar Magic by Annabel and Edgar Johnson. How can I send him my suggestion? I love Love Comes Softly.

When Michael Landon Sr. died. I thought wholesome programing would die with him. I was deeply saddened by his loss and ours. He could touch the innermost places of hope and renewal. Little did I know that our heavenly Father had other plans. It was all in our Father's hands. Thank you for continuing in your father's footsteps, Michael Landon Jr. You have both your Father's gifts! Will be watching for ALL your productions.
Sincerely, Katrina

I for one enjoyed watching Bonanza & Little House on the Prairie when I was younger. I loved Michael Landon Sr.'s acting role in Little House. Most of the stories on it moved me to cry they were so heart- wrentching.
I'm glad to know that Michael Landon Jr. has found some peace with God in his life & offers families good wholesome films to view. There certainly aren't enough of them.

What an fascinating story! I think that growing up with a famous dad must be both a blessing and curse. And then to lose him at such an early age was terrible. I remember at the time how sad everyone was about Landon. Interesting, though: ML Jr. doesn't look anything like his dad. For one thing, he doesn't have that long brown hair. But I don't see it in the face either. I wonder what his mom looks like.... Anyway, thanks for the excellent read!