Little House: Look Back to Yesterday (1983 TV Movie) User Reviews

Another never before seen Walnut Grove resident

[laley-58182 · 9/10 · 31 December 2021]

In this movie Melora Hardin plays, Michele Pierson (Albert's love interest), who has supposedly lived in Walnut Grove for years but we had never seen her before, however in the season eight, two-part episode The Reincarnation of Nellie, Melora played Belinda Stevens...I don't understand why they didn't just bring her back as Belinda Stevens.

One of the Sadest

[mitchrmp · 9/10 · 1 December 2013]

Though it's sort of a "revisit" to an earlier episode, it's still really good. If I remember correctly, Charles Ingalls Jr. basically died from the same thing. I believe they both died from leukemia. It's interesting that Charles didn't mention this when the doctor told me. I half-expected him to say "Not again" or something like that - but he didn't.

So, Albert is just about to start medical school. Charles has gotten a new job and is being sent back to Minnesota for a month. After visiting the University, Albert and Charles head to Walnut Grove to relive old memories.

Walnut Grove is having some sort of baseball tournament. We see all the old cast there - except Harriet Oleson, whom we will not be seeing again because the actress had moved on. Things haven't really changed that much since the ending of Season Nine, but I guess they wouldn't have since (I understand) these three movies were done very soon after the closing of the season. I'm assuming they sort of had to do them since they didn't finish season nine and probably had contract obligations to finish...The baseball game is a side-story. Other side stories: Jason wanting to kiss a girl (the one he tried to impress with the glasses in Season Nine), and trouble with the farmers selling their crops to the grange.

The story is a sad one. I've only seen it a few times because it's just too awful to watch. I'm thankful they ended the movie before "the event."

If my son was dying, I know I would moved Heaven and Earth to be there. I think Caroline would have found somebody to watch the children so she could come be with her dying son. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't buy that. But since Karen Graslie didn't have a contract, she probably wasn't able to play in this episode. I'll be happy to see her return for the final movie.

Memories of a Better Time...

[ExplorerDS6789 · 8/10 · 18 May 2012]

Our story begins in Burr Oak, Iowa, where Charles has been promoted to purchasing agent for J.R. Bennett & Company, and the best part is, he was being sent to Minnesota on a month-long business trip, and Albert will come along! You know what this means: a stopover in Walnut Grove, where at this moment, the town is engaged in a baseball game, with Reverend Alden is still a flimsy umpire. Afterwards, they sit down to a lovely picnic in the Wilders' yard and discuss how bad crops are driving some farmers away, so really not much has changed; Charles and Albert stopped by the university where Albert hoped to enroll and begin his studies to be a doctor, so he can force Doc Baker out...nah, only kidding, he's more than happy to retire, he's earned it. During the meeting with the dean, the boy began experiencing nose bleeds, which apparently he's been getting quite often. Albert may qualify for a scholarship so Charles wouldn't be stuck with a huge tuition. Things were looking up, which can only mean that they will soon come crashing down. Meanwhile, Jason has taken up a new hobby: voyeurism, watching Miss Plum and her sweetheart swapping saliva, and instantly started obsessing over kissing. While he goes around bugging everybody about what to do with his lips, Charles and Albert arrive and reunite with the old gang. Edwards brings him up to speed on failing crops, while Laura takes Albert on a picnic. He gets another nose bleed, but it's probably nothing serious. After that, he stopped by the school and met an old sweetheart whom we've never heard about until now, Michele Pierson. They have an awkward conversation. She wants him, but I wonder if the feeling is mutual. In Redwood Falls, Charles has a meeting with their supplier, Otis Wagner, who tells him that they mainly look to big farms for goods because they deliver more than little farms. Charles proposes a co-op among the smaller farmers, after all, he's done it before. Otis remained skeptical, but Charles guaranteed they'd deliver the goods. They had nothing to lose. Hope Charles can bring the community farmers together again, because this time it's for all the marbles. But enough about that, let's play ball! Edwards' team versus Carters, and so far the former was in the lead 8-5. Next at bat: Albert Ingalls. He hit it out of the park, rounded third, headed home. Slide, Albert, slide! And he's... out, or so the unholy umpire ruled. But what's this? Albert's passed out and his nose was bleeding something awful. He's still out, though. Doc Baker examined him and recommended Albert be taken to the hospital in Mankato. Dr. Houser diagnosed him with a severe blood disorder for which there was no treatment, and no hope.

Charles wanted to take him back to Burr Oak to be with the family, but Albert decided he'd rather stay in Walnut Grove until the time came. It was his life and he was going to do whatever he darn well pleased. When they got back, Albert wanted to act as if nothing happened, he even wanted a rematch with John Carter's team. He's got spirit, I'll give him that. So Charles held a town meeting about his co-op plan, and made a new "friend", Zack Taylor, who was sure Charles had something up his sleeve. Albert shamed Zack, who belittled him and Edwards informed him that the boy was dying. Zack humbled himself by agreeing to Charles' plan, and the other farmers followed suit. We got us a town again. Yes it seems the farmers of Walnut Grove became at odds with each other since Charles left. And so they all took to planting, plowing and tilling, with Albert helping everywhere he could. He seemed to be taking this dying thing really well. He also got that scholarship to the university, and he and Michele share a romantic moment together on her porch...lucky bastard. Meanwhile, Laura assumed the role of Albert's overbearing mother by trying to forbid him from playing ball and joining the class field trip by climbing up Harper's Bluff to the "keepsake tree." Albert shouldn't be allowed to have fun, a dying boy like him needs to stay in bed and suffer, I guess. But seriously, she was beside herself over the situation and couldn't even admit that Albert was going to die. She was going to pieces. Soon came the field trip, with Albert leading the way and a cautious Laura behind him. Will he make it? Five'll get ya ten. Despite his strength giving out on him, Albert made it to the top! Eventually Miss Plum and the others caught up and they proceeded to put their crap in the tree. Despite his condition, Albert never felt more alive. Oh, and I guess we can assume the co-op failed since no mention of it was ever made again.

Albert's fate is left ambiguous, but we assume that he passed away after this episode, since he isn't seen or mentioned in the other two finale movies. During the end credits, I think there should have been a montage of Albert's first appearance up until the last scene of this episode. Would've been nice. This is Albert Ingalls' final appearance, and Matthew Laborteaux was outstanding. Several scenes, particularly the nose bleeds, are difficult to watch, and he pulls them off nicely. Michael Landon was fantastic as well, so were Melissa Gilbert, Victor French, Melora Hardin, David Friedman, Charles Cyphers, Shannen Doherty and Leslie Landon. I enjoyed the baseball games, hearkening back to"In the Big Inning." The tone was similar to "Home Again", except this time Albert's disorder was not self-inflicted. This movie shows that Little House was still fresh and intriguing this late in the game and should have continued its run. I recommend Look Back to Yesterday that closes out Albert's story, and we find out that we hardly knew him.

I cried me a river!

[Caitlion · 10/10 · 25 August 2001]

• for a make-believe boy in a make-believe world

I have strange concept of what is a good way to start the weekend. You see - around here, one of the satellite channels show re-runs of Little House on the Prairie on weekend mornings. And I love that show. I've read all of Laura Ingalls Wilders books and I know that the TV-show is not really very close to her real life. In a way you can say they took the essence of the books and created a make-believe world based on that. The TV-show took on a life of its own, in a way. To me, the characters are very real, even though I know they are just make-believe characters in a make-believe world. Don't misunderstand me - I am perfectly able to see the difference between Laura Ingalls Wilder of the TV-show and Melissa Ellen Gilbert the actress - and the real Laura Ingalls Wilder. But to me, Laura of the TV-show is almost as real as the other two. I've witnessed her life since the very first shows. I've cried with her and laughed with her. She and her father, the character Charles Philip Ingalls as portrayed by Michael Landon, have been my moral guideline at times. They've been my reminder of a way of life based on honesty, kindness and faith in God and your fellow man.

So when I woke up this morning, I turned on the television and watched another episode of Little House - or as it is, a movie sequel to the Little House series called "Look Back to Yesterday". It is a very sad story. Albert Ingalls (Laura's adopted brother) is diagnosed with leukemia. The story, although sad and heartwrenching, is still a story of hope and life. Charles and his family has moved away from Walnut Grove at the time. After receiving the diagnosis, Albert decides to go home to Walnut Grove - to live out his remaining days in the small town where he became Albert Ingalls. Charles and Albert move in with Laura, who is still living in Walnut Grove with her husbond, Almanzo, and their family. And the story goes on from being about sadness and loss to being about hope, memories and the fact that life goes on.

Albert, despite being weakened by his leukemia, is determined to go on creating good memories. His last romance, which could have been a sad tale of the lost dreams of a sick boy, is a beautiful rendering of a love which has no time in this world, but is sweet in all the sadness.

The last part of the movie, directed by Victor French (Isaiah Edwards) takes us to the Keepsake Tree on one of the hills (or small mountains) outside Walnut Grove. Albert, supported by the love of his family and friends, climbs the mountain unassisted and open the Keepsake strongbox to add a memento to the box. To add his last memories to those of his childhood. And in the background, a young boy steals a kiss from a young girl - which is that one ray of light the story needed to be more than just a sob story. It is a reminder of hope that goes beyond hope - that life goes on, even right up to the end and that even in the darkest hours, there is a ray of light.

I'm not a religious person. I'm not sure what I believe in. But the strength of faith which has lead Michael Landon and Victor French to create a world so poignant and strong, so memorable and so believable based on the unforgettable stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder is admirable. What I do know is that Michael Landon himself died from pancreatic cancer in 1991, a few years after the Little House ended and two years after the death of his friend and co-star through many years Victor French. And I believe they used the Little House moviesto convey that ray of light, that hope beyond hope, which they found in their faith in God. That is what makes me come back to Little House now, many years after their deaths.

Yes, life goes on. That's an important lesson taught to me by the death of a make-believe boy in a make-believe world, conveyed in reruns of a TV-show now long gone.

Laura and Albert

[spasek · 10/10 · 7 March 2020]

The Laura and Albert dynamic was my favorite on LHOP, and while Charles is featured prominently, I loved how the climactic scene at the end was between Laura and Albert. Frankly, I felt that Melissa Gilbert and Matthew Laborteaux had a strong chemistry that worked very well during the series. The scene, which to me is now iconic, at the top of the mountain, with everyone holding hands and forming a circle, was beautifully done.

I remember seeing this TV movie when it had aired. You have to realize that back then, it wasn't common at all for a major character to die/be killed off. So, you can imagine how stunned I was when the doctor gives Charles the diagnosis. I was like, "What?!" I couldn't believe it was happening. And I kept waiting for a, "Okay, he's going to survive somehow" moment, which of course, never came.

Besides, "I Remember, I Remember" this is my favorite LHOP feature. The story was touching, heartfelt, and inspirational which fit perfectly with the other LHOP storylines. I adore Michael Landon for not being afraid to give us sentimental and loving stories. Perhaps nobody else was better at tugging at your heart-strings and making you feel that it was perfectly all right. And nobody has done it as well since either. Maybe that is why his shows (especially LHOP and Highway to Heaven) are so beloved by fans all over the world.

I have noticed that there is a lot of debate about the contradiction between "Home Again," where Laura narrates that Albert came back years later to become the town doctor, and this episode. There are quite a few continuity contradictions throughout the series that are quite evident. You have to realize that this series was done when storylines were episodic. In other words, they only lasted one-two episodes. This is a formula that is unlike today's shows that more often feature a central plot that runs throughout one or even multiple seasons. Clearly, the writers and producers, at the time "Home Again" was done, had no plans for Albert's demise at that point in time.

Didn't they remember?

[ravmeltt · 6/10 · 6 April 2020]

I would have thought somebody would have remembered "The Odyssey" episode when the guy Dylan had been getting lots of nosebleeds. It was subsequently found that he had leukemia. He wanted to follow his deceased father's wish and go to see the ocean.

I'm surprised that Michael did the same storyline with Albert. Unless it was true, which I don't think it was.

I also thought somebody would have brought up the similarities. Anyway I'm now watching the episode so I don't know what's going to happen, and I'm sure I saw it when I was little but I can't remember.

Brought back allot of old memories.

[peterpuckfan · 10/10 · 6 February 2007]

First off, I must add that I don't what's sadder, this particular show itself, or the fact that the last post on this Movie was 6 Yeasr ago! Is anyone watching these old Shows, or maybe this website is too obscure?

I was lucky enough to grow up when there was only a handful of Channels on TV, and you could actually go to school and most would know what you were talking about. Nowadays with so many Channels to choose from, I feel it has disconnected us a bit, though not completely.

Anyways, I was also lucky enough to watch this show from its inception,(pre-teen Years) with my Mother and Sister, and remember many times looking up at my Mother while she cried, with me and my Sister laughing at her, not really fully understanding why she was so emotional.

Also, as with the previous Poster, my Mother never brought us up on religion, and to this day, it is not prominent at all in my life, and I feel that this series "little House On The Prarie" may have made the perfect "substitute" if you will, for teaching morality, and life's lessons.

I really feel, I should make my Kids watch every episode, as it deals so well with many of life's, and Family challenges.

As I watched this Episode yesterday, it brought back both fond and sad memories, a renewed appreciation for what Michael Landon did while he had his time on this Earth, and a renewed sense of connectivity with the Characters.

Guess what? My 10 Year old son watched me cry yesterday and asked why, and boy, how strange it is to be on the other end of the spectrum now:). though he has no reference for any of the characters, as he has never watched the show before, I did my best to explain, but allot of it was the fact that Albert reminded me of my own son in allot of ways, and also the fact that I watched Albert grown up on that show.

Anyways, in a world with so much to watch these days, I hope that little gems like this show don't go totally unnoticed, as it really does have allot to offer Humanity.

Bamboo under fingernails less painful!

[lucyfan-3 · 16 September 2003]

I love this movie. Every time I see it, I choke up. Matthew & Melissa deliver scenes that would melt the coldest of hearts! Get past the corny music and break out the razors. Tissue paper stock must have gone through the ceiling when this special first aired! My only question would be ... as a fan of LHOTP, Didn't Laura narrate at the end of Albert's morphine addiction episode, that he returned to Walnut Grove as Dr. Albert Ingalls? Watch it and you will understand my question. Why aren't long running series consistent with storylines? I suppose that writers don't look back at previous episodes. Inconsistent, but heart wrenching all the same!

"The Odyssey II"

[awarlock-17703 · 7/10 · 29 August 2023]

They definitely reused the idea from a previous episode for this one. This one hits closer to home though, since it involves Albert.

Albert wants to commit to being a doctor.. Once Charles find out how much it costs, he says to the recruiter that it's beyond his means. The recruiter tells him that since Albert's grades are so good, he may be eligible for a paid scholarship. Charles tells him they are definitely interested.

During all this, Albert has been suffering fatigue and nose bleeds. Early on, theyre not too concerned about it.. But after being back in Walnut grove for a while, the bleeding & fatigue became more frequent. After collapsing during a baseball game, the Dr. Examined him and suggested he be tested in Mankato. They find out Albert has Leukemia. The rest of the episode focuses on Albert living out the rest of his life doing what makes him happy. This is one of the times I am annoyed with Laura. She's being very bossy and selfish to Albert, telling him he should get into bed and rest. Finally, Charles sits her down and sets her straight. He tells her to let Albert do what he wants with the rest of his life. Laura said, Albert should rest. Charles said "for who? For you (Laura) or Albert?" Then Charles finally convinces Laura to admit "My brother is going to die".

Brilliant acting as usual from Matthew. it was a REALLY! heart rending story.

[PhllFnt · 10/10 · 4 September 2002]

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS***

I cried for ages after it finished. And I still cry every time I watch it again. Why oh why oh why!!! did he have to die.

Further more, I am really surprised that we haven't seen Matthew as a mature actor. He was so brilliant as a young actor; there was so much passion.

I do hope that we may see him in another role in the near future.

Still a great one!

[hook0331 · 7/10 · 19 August 2020]

This one holds up still. Given some of the odd timeline issues that the final season had, this one completed Alberts story.

One question

[nonnie-09970 · 10/10 · 14 February 2021]

Where was Carolyn Ingalls?

The movie is great and full of life how it was for the Ingalls. I cried several times. Full of real emotion and healthy life responses to real life situations

One last tragedy

[gregorycanfield · 7/10 · 19 February 2022]

Although well done, this story is unnecessarily bleak and somber. Albert is diagnosed with an incurable blood disorder, and has only a short time left to live. If this situation had come up earlier in the series, it would have been a way of writing Albert out of the show. At this point, the series was ending, anyway. There was no need to "write off" any character. In any case, note that Albert's disease is never identified. I guess one life-threatening illness is as good as another. Albert's reaction is to do "as much as he can" before his time ends. A commendable outlook, but not entirely believable. Charles is initially devastated, but later pulls it together. Laura's reaction is another matter. She takes it bad. Really bad. Charles tells her that she has to be strong, and she tries to be. However, Laura has limited control of her emotions. What's inside her will eventually come to the surface. Watching Laura and Albert together here, something occurred to me. Laura's feelings for Albert seemed to go beyond a brother-sister relationship. Remember, Albert was adopted. He and Laura weren't related biologically. Who knows what Laura was really feeling? Overall, this is a pretty downbeat story, but it's made watchable by good performances. Melissa Gilbert was particularly effective.

Sad, Just Sad

[AngelHonesty · 5/10 · 4 November 2022]

Why did they have to add this? The series was over, that was sad enough, but adding in this movie was beyond depressing. Yes it was well filmed and really hit the heart strings. As always it's another Little House story, which is awesome. But the story of Albert dying... Why? Albert was my favourite character in the series, I always looked forward to seeing him each episode, when they started to phase him out of the series I was really saddened by it. But I had hope since he was supposed to become a doctor and return to Walnut Grove. But of coarse my heart was shattered when they had to add this final movie of his death. Like come on! Why couldn't they have added a better plot then his death? Why have an episode not to long ago with Albert getting clean from drugs, and then he just dies? It makes no sense.

look back to yesterday

[alan_heimer · 16 September 2006]

I loved the movie-i've pre-ordered it when it's released on 10/24/06. The part that choked me up the most, was when Pa made Laura except the truth about Albert's illness-the way she broke down, really hit hard-it was an excellent movie-i've seen it many times, and am looking foreward to seeing it many more times. I'm looking foreward to seeing the commentary that Melissa Gilbert is going to give, regarding the series-Look back to yesterday ranks among my favorite little house story I guess i'd better get the tissues ready- I never tire of seeing this movie-it's just as good, as when I first saw it.

Adam

A great episode

[LaverneandShirleysucks · 10/10 · 13 October 2021]

It's great because Albert dies and goes to hell for killing Alice Garvey and Mary's son in the fire after stealing an old man's pipe. Good riddance to that murderous, thieving morphine addict.

I wish there was a memory of the best of Albert

[scoshicat · 10/10 · 6 May 2023]

Every time I see this episode sometimes I wish they had included a memory of all the scenes that were the best of Albert.

They could have had like the ones the little house years where it's a three-part episode when Laura talks about the memories.

The scenes that I'm talking about they should have put a scene the first time they met Albert, the time when Mr Ingalls ask Albert to live with him , Fagan the time when the Ingalls adopted Albert the lake kezia monster the cheaters, boys will be boys. And the world of Walnut Grove. And of course they could have ended the part where Albert lectures the class not to use drugs. This was such a great show.

Albert here and there

[svenohrberg · 6/10 · 11 March 2024]

In "home again", Laura said that Albert would return years later as "Dr. Albert Ingalls". It's not so easy if he's dead! I never really cared for the character "Albert" (actor Matthew Laborteauk did a perfect job though) after he was responsible for Mary's child and Mr. Edward's wife died in the fire after Albert had smoked a pipe in the basement in an earlier episode. Funnily enough, Albert was never punished for causing 2 deaths. Apparently it wasn't murder, but negligent manslaughter. He also later used heroin, so he wasn't very smart either.

But the chemistry between Laura and Albert in this movie is amazing, even if Caroline wasn't in it.

Albert's Logic Is Flawed

[coreycitn63 · 8/10 · 24 December 2022]

Look Back To Yesterday was one of the saddest Little House on the Prairie stories. It started optimistic with Albert looking forward to Medical School but he started to get nosebleeds. Once again Walnut Grove is beset of financial jeopardy. At the baseball game we see a weakened Albert who apparently hits a home run but passes out unconscious. Albert goes to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Leukemia in which he is given a very short period to live. Albert wisely tells Pa that he doesn't want to burden his Ma and brother and sisters to watch him die and wants to return to Walnut Grove for his final days. One flaw is what about Laura? It is cruel and sad for Laura to watch Albert to weaken and die.

Would have given it more, but...

[brendencarlson-73683 · 6/10 · 12 February 2024]

We have a soft spot for Little House. Grew up watching the shows and read the books to my kids (the books and TV show share only the name, let's face it, save a few isolated stories).

Having said that, even though the movie is touching, it was a completely unnecessary storyline. For starters, they had previously said that Albert went on to become Dr. Albert Ingalls. And it wasn't as if that statement about Albert was a one-off from the earliest appearance of the character and so forgotten in the timeline. That statement had been made after the addiction episode. What was the point? Why make a statement about Albert becoming a doctor after beating his addiction, and then using that goal of becoming a doctor to start a story that ends with him dying?

Michael Landon seemed to have a strange need to write and produce the most heart rending stories even if it meant doing violence to an established plot. I've read others apologize for this plot hole by using the "different era of episodic writing" defense, but I say "baloney." There were plenty of shows that didn't do it do the degree that Landon did throughout Little House. But, hey, lets go on to blow up the down where Albert wanted his last resting place to be as one more last punch.

In and of itself was it a decent story? Yes. But set against the backdrop of the Little House universe, completely unnecessary. It's worth watching for those that enjoy the series, but I always thought it was pointless.

Inconsistancy

[RepMaj04 · 18 April 2007]

I'm glad somebody else noticed the inconsistent story line too. I asked my wife, "How could he be dead if he came back to Walnut Grove as a doctor later?" Other than that one error, I love this look back at a time before the American people were spoiled and soft, and knew the importance of God and country, hard work, and REAL hard times. Patriotism and unity were the American stronghold. It's sad to think that there may be no more Michael Landons or Victor Frenchs' in Hollywood, to remind us of who we are and how we got here.

I never get tired of Little House, or many of the old re=runs from the golden days of TV.

I was sure that Mathew Labeatereaux would go on to become a renown adult actor, but I called that one wrong. What happened to him?

wasn't walnut grove blown up?

[tvtime · 18 April 2007]

I'm just catching the last part of this movie; I've never seen it before, although I'm a fan of the series. I'm just curious--are they all back in Walnut Grove? In the last episode of the series, the townspeople blew up all the buildings in Walnut Grove because some men (not sure who they were) claimed that they owned the town, so everyone refused to hand over what they built, and blew everything up. So did they all move back there and re-build? I'm just wondering what happened. Was it explained in the beginning? And Albert didn't die, right? Also in one of the last episodes, Laura said in her narration that Albert returned to Walnut Grove years later as "Dr. Albert Ingalls."

Question

[gmichaelsanchez43 · 21 November 2021]

Spoiler alert....spoiler alert Why wasn't Harriet Olsen in the last 3 made for television movies? :( She was a vital part of the show in my opinion. Poor Albert :(