The long-running award-winning family drama was based upon the series of "Little House" autobiographical books, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Television producer and NBC executive Ed Friendly became aware of the endearing and enduring story in the early 1970s. He asked Michael Landon to direct the pilot movie. He said he would if he could also play the father. The Time: beginning in the 1870s. The Place: the American frontier - more specifically (mostly) Walnut Grove / Plum Creek, Minnesota. The Characters: the Ingalls family - as seen through the eyes of Laura Ingalls - the precocious, winsome second daughter of Charles 'Pa' - a homesteader farmer/woodworker; demanding and compassionate. Caroline 'Ma' - sensitive and understanding wife and mother. Mary - pretty older sister (12 when the series began), who would become blind due to illness. Carrie - cute younger sister. Jack - the loyal, lovable family dog. (he would be replaced by Bandit in the season 4 premier