"Pioneers in Petticoats"

Many things can be said about “Pioneers in Petticoats.” It was a Sunday afternoon movie for me growing up and my brothers and I valued it mostly for its comedic value. Really, the low production value, contrived plot, and melodramatic acting just begged for giggles from adolescent boys. Recently, though, it has struck me that this movie says a great deal about the values of the Church and how the media of film can be used to promote important values.
This film explains clearly that personal standards are delineated by Church leaders for the protection of its members. Abigail’s dismissal of the values of the Retrenchment Society brought upon her undesirable results. She found herself in an unsavory environment and nearly fell victim to the designs of a dangerous man largely because of her apathetic treatment of Church standards.
Interestingly, the movie was made in 1969, a time when issues of modesty, morality, and obedience to Church leaders were of utmost importance. Certainly, the Church leaders saw the growing trends of disobedience and promiscuity in the world and made a film both to commemorate the origins of the Young Women’s organization and to drive how the standards for which it has stood since its commencement so many years ago. Melodrama and silliness aside, the message is important and likely made a significant difference in its time.