“Little House on the Prairie” is an iconic television show with many interesting behind-the-scenes stories and facts. Here are some lesser-known interesting tidbits about the show:
1. **Based on Books**
– **Book Origin**: The show is based on the best-selling “Little House” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but several changes were made to the original stories to suit television.
### 2. **Michael Landon’s Multiple Roles**
– **Multiple Roles**: Michael Landon not only played Charles Ingalls but also served as a producer, director, and writer for many episodes. He had a significant influence on the show’s storytelling.
### 3. **Character Disappearances**
– **Vanishing Characters**: Some characters, such as Grace and Albert Ingalls, abruptly disappeared without much explanation. This was often due to contract issues or changes in the script.
### 4. **Real House**
– **Actual House**: The Ingalls’ house was built in Simi Valley, California, and became a popular tourist spot after the show ended.
### 5. **Age Differences**
– **Real Ages**: Karen Grassle, who played Caroline Ingalls, was only about 13 years older than Melissa Sue Anderson, who played her daughter Mary Ingalls, but convincingly portrayed her mother on screen.
### 6. **Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon**
– **Special Relationship**: Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls) and Michael Landon had a close relationship off-screen. Landon became a mentor and protector for Gilbert throughout the filming process.
7. **Walnut Grove Destruction**
– **Town Destruction**: In the series finale, the town of Walnut Grove is destroyed. This was done because the production team did not want the set to be used for other purposes after the show ended.
### 8. **Challenging Scenes**
– **Underwater Scene**: In one episode, Laura and Mary had to film a scene underwater in a creek. They had to endure extremely cold water conditions during the shoot.
9. **Theme Music**
– **Theme Music**: The show’s theme music, composed by David Rose, became an iconic and beloved part of the series.
### 10. **Historical Accuracy**
– **Historical Inaccuracies**: Although based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s real-life experiences, many events in the show were altered or fictionalized to enhance the storyline.
“Little House on the Prairie” is not just a popular TV show but also an important part of American culture, with many surprising and interesting behind-the-scenes stories.