The Angry Heart (17 Dec. 1979)

A 17-year-old budding criminal named Tod Dortmunder is sent to Walnut Grove to live with his grandparents after his mother loses patience with his ill-tempered behavior. His behavior ... See full summary »

Director:

William F. Claxton

Writers:

Laura Ingalls Wilder (based upon the series of books "Little House" by), Del Reisman

Stars:

Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Michael Landon	...	Charles Ingalls
Karen Grassle	...	Caroline Ingalls
Melissa Gilbert	...	Laura Ingalls
Melissa Sue Anderson	...	Mary Ingalls Kendall (credit only)
Lindsay Greenbush	...	Carrie Ingalls (as Lindsay Sidney Greenbush)
Sidney Greenbush	...	Carrie Ingalls (as Lindsay Sidney Greenbush)
Richard Bull	...	Nels Oleson
Alison Arngrim	...	Nellie Oleson
Scottie MacGregor	...	Harriet Oleson (as Katherine MacGregor)
Jonathan Gilbert	...	Willie Oleson
Dabbs Greer	...	Reverend Robert Alden
Matthew Labyorteaux	...	Albert Quinn Ingalls
Lucy Lee Flippin	...	Eliza Jane Wilder
Dean Butler	...	Almanzo James Wilder
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Malcolm Atterbury	...	Brewster Davenport

Storyline

A 17-year-old budding criminal named Tod Dortmunder is sent to Walnut Grove to live with his grandparents after his mother loses patience with his ill-tempered behavior. His behavior becomes more violent, and when he is caught stealing Charles' watch, the grandparents (in part because they fear for their safety) turn to Charles for help. Charles proves to be the role model Tod never had, and efforts to rehabilitate the lad seem to be working. But even Charles is unaware of some dark secrets from Tod's childhood that don't surface until he destroys the present he gave him.

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Plot Keywords:

grandparents | teen anger | pocket watch | child abuse | stolen watch | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Romance | Western

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 December 1979 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Big Sky Ranch - 4927 Bennett Road, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ed Friendly Productions, National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

As he is driving Tod back from jail, Charles is shown releasing the wagon brake even though they are supposed to have been traveling for quite some time.

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Soundtracks

"Ring the Bells of Heaven"
(1866)
Words by William O. Cushing
Music by George F. Root

User Reviews

Reformation Of A Young Criminal!!

Maury Dexter directed "The Angry Heart" brilliantly. Chicago, Illinois was the setting for the opening portion of this episode. The presence of docks was known as a starting piece for the setting. The Dortmunders were residing near the docks. Joe Dortmunder -- as a dock worker -- was an abusive father that acted cruel and cold to both his wife and then to his son. Supper was on the table. Joe Dortmunder spoke to "Tod!! ... "Tod!" in a tyrannical manner. His blue shirt was ripped into shreds. He would strangle his son into a bear hug motion. His father slapped him in the face for damaging his shirt while in school. The father had enough of both the wife and son. He would then head to the bar in an angry manner. He resented the fact that other dock employees were being hired through connections. He also believed that his experience as a dock worker was nothing more than a distant memory. A futile struggle occurred outside the bar. The intended victim shot and killed Joe Dortmunder in self-defense with a small gun. The wife heard a knock on the outside part of the door. Officer Doyle had told Mrs. Dortmunder that her husband was murdered on the docks ... much to Tod's delight. His mother would send him to Minnesota. A brilliant opening and plot were prevalent in "The Angry Heart."

Tod Dortmunder arrived in Walnut Grove on a stage. The other passengers -- too -- spent a few minutes at Nellie's Restaurant and Hotel. Albert Ingalls was heading on home after spending a few minutes playing horseshoes; moreover, he was leading a mouthy Tod Dortmunder to the Davenports home. Virgina and Brewster Davenport had welcomed him to their home. They were excited about the arrival; Tod had acted cold and indifferent about the following situation. The situation would start turning out to be a wreck at their home.

Tod Dortmunder first shoved his grandfather upon waking up from his bed. He then stole a watch -- which was a time piece Charles Ingalls had from his grandfather -- from their home. Next, he would then take the wagon to Mankato ... contrary to Brewster Davenport's wishes. He noticed the watch that he stole from Charles Ingalls' home. And finally, he seriously slugged Brewster Davenport in the face -- causing emotional and physical pain.

Charles Ingalls found out -- through Brewster Davenport -- Tod Dortmunder stole his watch at the party. He headed out to Mankato to find Tod Dortmunder. He noticed Tod at a casino. Charles was quite livid at Tod Dortmunder for his amoral behavior at them. He had him swap the watch back for the money ... ten dollars in total. Charles grabbed his left arm; and then told him to work off the debt or spend time in jail. He spent the night in jail. He would work off the debt under the supervision of Charles Ingalls. Even so, Tod was angry and nuclear about his father beating him when he was a younger boy. Charles had nothing more to say about the matter.

After spending time working off his debt to Charles Ingalls, he would be planning ahead to live in California. He realized his responsibility to Charles Ingalls was fulfilled in its entirety. He wanted nothing to do with the Davenports; he wanted to be all by himself in California. The Ingalls gave him a shirt to have as a present; he would obviously rip it into a million pieces. Tod Davenport had realized -- only after the fact -- that everybody needed somebody in the real world. He attended church with the Davenports at the end of the show. A Highly Recommended Show!! A Weak 9 ... But A 9!! It would have been a 10 if Tod Davenport had just gone on with his life in California ... especially when he became a reformed individual from the days of misery of Chicago. Any Questions?