Two brothers who can’t get along, their sons and a young horse, a thoroughbred, a “hunter,” not a farm horse. So the play “War Horse” starts on a stage setting as surprising as the story that enfolds within it. The horse transforms into a majestic mount and a dedicated companion of surprising capabilities who leads the sons to war. What happens after and to the end is the stuff of story, and I would not spoil that for you. It is a journey into new lands, places and friends for you to enjoy.

“War Horse” was first a 1982 children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo. Michael lives in the village of Iddesleigh to the southwest in Devon, England. His appears an amazing writer’s life and is worth a peek. One granddaughter and her mom read the book and remember it well.

After the book was the stage adaption by Nick Stafford. The play opened in London in 2007. From there, it moved to New York where it received the Tony Award for Best American Play in 2011. I saw the touring version yesterday in Dallas. That granddaughter and mom have tickets and can’t wait.

Somewhere along the road a famous Hollywood director sat and watched Joey gallop by. “Joey” is the name of the young horse who grows and goes to war. Steven Spielberg released the movie “War Horse” on Christmas Day, 2011. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It did not win. My granddaughter and her mom enjoyed it greatly. I plan to watch, after experiencing the play.

Horses have long been brought to war. Books have long been brought to plays, and plays to screen not as long but often now. Books and plays and screen are the safe environs of modest entertainment. War is not and never will. Rememberers write and script and film for us to remember, wipe a tear and raise a sad smile wishing that it were not, but thank you all for showing us that it was so.

May the eyes of the past guide your journey home,

Grandpa Jim