This haunting film tells the story of the ill-fated party of pioneers and their doomed attempt to get to California in 1846. More than just a riveting tale of death, endurance and survival, the Donner Party's nightmarish journey penetrated to the very heart of the American nation's dream of "manifest destiny." Touching on some of the most powerful social, economic, and political currents of the time, this extraordinary narrative remains one of the most compelling and enduring episodes to come out of the West.

Running time: 81 min, Year released: 1993
Close captioned?: N, Color?: Y
Avail. formats: VHS
ISBN: 1-55974-399-9
Language: English, Subtitled?: N
For classroom?: Y, Study Guide?: N
Grade level: 7th and up