Retro Nails Exposed: Little House Cast Reveals Anachronistic Manicures

In a recent episode of the Little House 50 podcast, the cast of the beloved 1970s-80s TV series Little House on the Prairie is reflecting on some of the show's historical inaccuracies. One of the most surprising revelations is the widespread use of modern acrylic nails with French manicures, a trend that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s but appeared throughout episodes set in the late 1800s.

Co-host Pamela Bob points out that the shiny, synthetic nails can be clearly seen in pivotal moments, such as when Mary Ingalls accepts Adam Kendall's marriage proposal. Alison Arngrim, who played the mischievous Nellie Oleson, admits that while she avoided wearing acrylics during filming, her co-stars Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson sported the trendy look.

Arngrim notes that the producer, Michael Landon, was aware of the anachronistic nails but seemed unfazed by the historical inaccuracy. "If it was any any later ... God, the 1930s, maybe we'd gotten away with it," Arngrim quips.

Despite the show's occasional disregard for period authenticity, the Little House on the Prairie cast remains fondly remembered by audiences, with co-host Dean Butler praising Landon's ability to "capture audiences in this profound way" through his honest storytelling.