Alison Arngrim, who starred as Nellie Oleson in ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ recently joined the Little House 50 podcast to discuss the 1977 episode ‘Here Come the Brides.’ The episode, which aired as part of the show’s fourth season, features a brief romance and elopement between her character, Nellie, and a much older actor, Luke Simms, played by Bob Marsic. Arngrim, who was 15 at the time of filming, noted that the episode’s portrayal of an age gap would not be made today, given current standards and the presence of intimacy coordinators in modern productions.
During the podcast interview, Arngrim and co-star Dean Butler discussed the challenges of filming the episode. Arngrim recalled the awkwardness of the initial meeting with Marsic, who was in his late 20s at the time, and the difficulties of portraying a romantic relationship with such a significant age difference. Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder, shared his own anxieties about the scene, particularly given his age at the time and the lack of modern safeguards surrounding on-screen intimacy. He noted that the episode was handled with care and that the audience was prepared to accept the storyline, largely due to the trust and guidance provided by the show’s creator, Michael Landon.
Both Arngrim and Butler emphasized the importance of trust and preparation in bringing the scene to life. Arngrim highlighted how the young actress, Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder, had complete faith in Landon’s direction, which allowed her to overcome her nerves and perform the scene authentically. Butler described the unique dynamics between the young actress and the older actor, noting that such a casting decision would be unlikely today due to evolving industry norms and the emphasis on protecting young actors’ well-being.
The episode, titled ‘Here Come the Brides,’ is remembered for its iconic kiss, which was captured with the help of nearly 100 people surrounding the set to ensure perfection. Butler reflected on the significance of the scene, acknowledging the challenges it posed for both him and Gilbert but also the impact it had on the show’s legacy. As a result of the episode’s production, it remains a pivotal moment in ‘Little House on the Prairie’s’ history, showcasing the differences in creative and ethical standards between past and present television productions.