I never read Nevin's novel. The TV series spoke for itself. As I recall it was three 2 hour episodes, but could be wrong.
It is a classic story about the exploring and opening of the American west. The cast of historical characters include Fremont, Bridger, Benton (Thomas Hart and daughter Jessie). Gen. Kearney. Staging and costuming were excellent. Love to see it on Blue Ray.
While it may have had a soap opera quality, it still was entertaining and historically close. I had a VHS recording of the show, but sadly accidentally erased it. I had a college history professor ask me if I had a copy as he wanted to use it in class.
I understand that Chamberlain and/or others were upset with the result/reviews and that was part of the reason the series never surfaced again in any form. Well, boohoo. Tchaikowsky disliked his Nutcracker ballet, but there weren't a lot of lawyers around in his time to sink it to the bottom of the lake - like CBS etc.etc.
