"Prairie Rose" is the first film effort of a promising new film director and producer, Rebecca Sutera Tulloch. It should not be her last! Set in 1862 Kentucky and Chicago it chronicles the daring journey of two young women, Cath (played by Kaeleen Taylor) and Sarah (played by Elisa Ford), determined to free the latter's husband from the Federal death camp known as Camp Douglas. Both actresses are both making their feature film debuts. Drawing on the resources of Chicago's local reenacting community, it has the look, feel and cadence of the nineteenth century. It brings a variety of fresh perspectives to an old conflict, and carves out a unique niche in independent film-making.
The adventure begins when Kath makes her way to a small Kentucky farm pursued by a couple of Pinkerton detectives who have uncovered her covert work for the Confederacy in Camp Douglas. While in the hospital she met a wounded soldier who pleaded that a message be given to his wife in Kentucky. Wounded in her flight South by one of the Pinkertons, she is nursed to recovery by Rose and her mother, portrayed by Ruth Bukowski who turns in one of the strongest performances. The journey North to recover her husband will be even more perilous as they must elude the detectives and the Union army.
Camp Douglas is both historically accurate and deeply disturbing. It portrays the inhumanity, corruption and deplorable conditions that created its notorious reputation. This unusual combination of women's and prisoner perspectives set this film apart and is especially daring in an era where political correctness has such a stranglehold on story-telling. Several outstanding cameo appearances merit mention, including Max Daniels as Lincoln, Pam Welcome, Phil Lauricella, Stan Bukowski and curmudgeonly cavalry officer Ward Brown. Cath is especially compelling with a pluck that is authentic and convincing.
My only criticism would be directed at some of the accents which could have been acquired with some practice but were conspicuous by their absence. As to a rating there are some gruesome hospital scenes inappropriate for very young children but the film is refreshingly free of gratuitous profanity and vulgarity. With two children of my own I would deem it fine for anyone over the age of ten. Otherwise I look forward to her next film with eager anticipation. I am expecting great things from Mrs. Tulloch.
The adventure begins when Kath makes her way to a small Kentucky farm pursued by a couple of Pinkerton detectives who have uncovered her covert work for the Confederacy in Camp Douglas. While in the hospital she met a wounded soldier who pleaded that a message be given to his wife in Kentucky. Wounded in her flight South by one of the Pinkertons, she is nursed to recovery by Rose and her mother, portrayed by Ruth Bukowski who turns in one of the strongest performances. The journey North to recover her husband will be even more perilous as they must elude the detectives and the Union army.
Camp Douglas is both historically accurate and deeply disturbing. It portrays the inhumanity, corruption and deplorable conditions that created its notorious reputation. This unusual combination of women's and prisoner perspectives set this film apart and is especially daring in an era where political correctness has such a stranglehold on story-telling. Several outstanding cameo appearances merit mention, including Max Daniels as Lincoln, Pam Welcome, Phil Lauricella, Stan Bukowski and curmudgeonly cavalry officer Ward Brown. Cath is especially compelling with a pluck that is authentic and convincing.
My only criticism would be directed at some of the accents which could have been acquired with some practice but were conspicuous by their absence. As to a rating there are some gruesome hospital scenes inappropriate for very young children but the film is refreshingly free of gratuitous profanity and vulgarity. With two children of my own I would deem it fine for anyone over the age of ten. Otherwise I look forward to her next film with eager anticipation. I am expecting great things from Mrs. Tulloch.
