“True Women” (1997)

“True Women” (1997) is a historical drama miniseries based on the novel by Janice Woods Windle. The film, which originally aired on CBS, follows the lives of three strong women—Sarah McClure (Dana Delany), Euphemia Ashby (Angelina Jolie), and Georgia Lawshe Woods (Annabeth Gish)—as they navigate the hardships of life in Texas from the early 1800s to the aftermath of the Civil War.
Plot Summary
The story begins in the Republic of Texas, a dangerous and untamed land. Sarah McClure is a young woman who marries Bartlett McClure (Michael York) and moves to the frontier, where she must endure violent conflicts with Native Americans, personal losses, and the hardships of pioneer life. Her closest friend, Euphemia Ashby, experiences a different kind of struggle as she fights against societal expectations and later becomes involved in the abolitionist movement.
As the years pass, Sarah and Euphemia’s lives intertwine with that of Georgia Lawshe Woods, another strong-willed woman who defies gender norms and expectations. The three women face war, displacement, and personal tragedies, yet they remain resilient and courageous. The Civil War brings further hardships, with loved ones lost and society changed forever.
Despite the violence, suffering, and oppression, True Women highlights the resilience and strength of women in history, showing how they contributed to shaping America in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Themes & Significance
The miniseries explores themes of female empowerment, survival, love, loss, and the role of women in history. It presents a powerful message about the strength of women in a time when they had little power or recognition.
Cast & Production
- Dana Delany as Sarah McClure
- Angelina Jolie as Euphemia Ashby
- Annabeth Gish as Georgia Lawshe Woods
- Michael York as Bartlett McClure
- Powers Boothe as General Sam Houston
With a star-studded cast and a gripping narrative, True Women is a tribute to the real-life women who helped shape American history.