New film relates stories of the Martin and Willie Handcart companies


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SALT LAKE CITY -- Most Westerners know at least something about the two handcart companies that experienced harsh conditions and loss of life coming to Utah in 1850s. Now descendants of these pioneers are part of a new independent film, shot in Utah, that they feel tells more of the story.

They became known as the ill-fated Martin and Willie Handcart companies crossing the plains too late in 1856, encountering fierce weather as hundreds died.

T.C. Christensen, Director "17 Miracles"
T.C. Christensen, Director "17 Miracles"

The new independant movie "17 Miracles" follows their trials and triumphs.

"I got a call from the people who rated the film in Hollywood and the guy who's in charge of it told me I've never heard of Levi Savage, said filmmaker T.C. Christensen. "I went down to the L.A. library and I've been researching him, what a fascinating guy."

Most of the extras and some of the cast members are actually descendants of the real members of the Martin and Willie Handcart companies.

Kim Stinger is a descendant of Nathan Tanner Porter, he traveled part of the way with the Willie company members, then helped rescue them. She and her six children are in the film.

"It gave me that sense of they had no refuge, they were just out in the middle of nowhere and really, all they could do was pray for a miracle," said Stinger of the experience.

"17 Miracles" premieres in Utah theatres June 3rd.

E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com

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