Reviews (30)

A MAGICAL CHARMER .
This unforgettable film is for lovers of love stories. THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE contains the message that true love is etched in the human heart and beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Young is an embittered, suicidal and facially disfigured WWI veteran who meets McGuire, a girl so plain that no one would look at her twice. They eventually marry and move into a secluded cottage which is enchanted by the love found within its walls by its previous occupants over the years: it is a Honeymoon cottage of which Natwick knows to contain a legendary spell. Slowly and miraculously, through their love for each other, the couple find each-other immensely attractive to each other: Young has regained his youthful handsomeness and McGuire is blossomed into a great beauty. The film's theme of love's triumph over adversity was cruelly attacked by many critics in 1945, but the story is beautifully handled, written and tastefully acted. Young and McGuire underplay their roles which would easily have been labled histrionic in less capable hands. In supporting roles, Mildred Natwick and Herbert Marshall are fine. First filmed as the silent FOREVER in 1924 with Richard Barthelmess and May McAvoy, this was Robert Young's personal favourite of all his movies.

A classic love story that uplifts the heart.
The kind of movie you can watch with your teenage children and not squirm because of nudity or offensive language. The story is set during WWII when Oliver Bradford, played by Robert Young, joins the Air Force before his planned wedding and is disfigured and partially crippled in action. When he returns, his fiancee is shocked and turns away. He retreats to the cottage where they were to have spent their honeymoon and encounters a homely young woman who is its housekeeper. They find solace in each other's company, and the enchantment of the cottage turns their companionship to love. In love, to each other they become perfect and beautiful, and believe they have physically changed until Oliver's mother, in the moment we have been dreading, bursts the bubble. But true love sees beyond the surface and triumphs touchingly at the conclusion.

Wonderful performances from the film's cast which includes Dorothy McGuire, Herbert Marshall, Mildred Natwick, and Alec Englander.

If The Enchanted Cottage were re-released on video, I would buy a dozen copies as Christmas gifts.

Serendipity Cinema #2
A Recommended Film You May Never Have Heard Of, But Should See. Trust me. Some will call it a "Chick Flick," others just a "Romantic Love Story" and some might even call it "Fantasy," but this film is about the power of hope, the magic of love. With magnificent performances and simple honesty, it paints a picture that would never be attempted today. It is glorious, and will leave no one who sees it unchanged. If you have a romantic bone in your body seek it out, and you will thank me for pointing you in its direction.

"The inner eyes of the imagination."
"The Enchanted Cottage" is the story of the redemptive power of love. The setting is the early 40s. Plain Laura Pennington (Dorothy McGuire) accepts a job as a maid at a cottage that has a rather interesting history. The owner of the cottage, Abigail Minnett, agrees to rent the cottage to future honeymooners Oliver Bradford (Robert Young) and his snotty, but beautiful, sweetheart, Beatrice Alexander. But WWII intervenes, and both the wedding and the honeymoon are postponed. Oliver later returns to rent the cottage, but he is alone and disfigured due to an accident.

It becomes clear to both Laura and Mrs Minnett that Oliver is hiding himself--and his disfigurement--from the world. Oliver Bradford's dreadful, insensitive parents and fiancee Beatrice come to visit. Rather than being grateful that Oliver is alive, Beatrice cannot accept the disfigured Oliver, and her horror is punctuated with tears of pity for herself and what's she's lost. And so Oliver retreats even further into a lonely shell of bitterness and self-pity.

Oliver's pain and loneliness is slowly penetrated by Laura's quiet, patient kindness and by the blind--but understanding presence of fellow injured WWI pilot Major John Hillgrove. "The Enchanted Cottage" is primarily a love story. The message that love is indeed blind is not a new one, but it is delivered in this black & white film with sweet honesty and purity--displacedhuman.

The Eyes of Love
The Enchanted Cottage is one of the most beautiful and fondly remembered films of the 1940's. John Cromwell's direction and a lovely score from Roy Webb give this sensitive and tender film about true love and real beauty the perfect atmosphere. Adapted from a Sir Arthur Pinero play by DeWitt Boden and Herman J. Mankiewicz, it is a film held close to the heart by all who have ever seen it.

It begins at a cocktail party as blind composer John (Herbert Marshall) awaits the arrival of Laura Pennington (Dorothy McGuire) and Oliver Bradford (Robert Young). As they wait, he tells their magical story of love that inspired his latest work. It revolves around a Noblemen's estate burned to the ground long ago, only a wing untouched by the flames. Over the centuries, only newly wed couples have stayed there, etching their names in a window. All who have stayed there have been happy, feeling something special at the cottage. According to Laura, the cottage is not haunted, but enchanted.

The chain of happy couples was broken by Mrs. Millet (Spring Byington) when her husband was killed in WWI, and only when Laura returns to the cottage to work as the maid does she begin to feel the cottage come to life again. For Laura, who is plain and homely, the cottage is a place to belong, somewhere she can live out her dreams of happiness on the inside, beneath her unexciting exterior.

Plans to rent the cottage are made by Oliver and his shallow fiance, but the second world war interrupts and the scarred and disfigured Oliver, shot down over Java, returns alone. John befriends the lonely Laura and the frightened and bitter Oliver, watching them find the beauty inside each other as the cottage works its magic once more and they begin to fall in love.

When a miracle occurs and they are no longer plain or disfigured they can not wait to tell their friends and family. To relate the chain of events that follows their decision would ruin the impact of the films moving message about love.

The cast is stellar, especially Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire. Their inner angst and loneliness, and their feelings of joy as they are transformed are brought forth in a tender and real manner. Every couple should see this wonderful film together at least once, as a reminder that true love lets us see the more important and real beauty of the heart. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Clifton Webb brings the imperious fussiness that made him a prissy film noir icon in such films as Laura and The Dark Corner to the role of Lynn Belvedere, the self-proclaimed genius who takes a position nannying a trio of bratty boys. This professed child-hating bachelor proves to be a godsend for flustered parents Maureen O'Hara and Robert Young. Within days his unconventional mix of child psychology and strict discipline tames the three rambunctious boys--faced with an infant who insists on spattering him with oatmeal, he simply dumps the bowl on the tyke's head. The trouble in paradise begins when a snoopy neighbor spreads gossip about an affair between Belvedere and the mother of the house, which sends hot-headed Dad into a tizzy, but just as things look their darkest Belvedere turns the tables on the neighborhood when the real reason of his suburban relocation is revealed. Director Walter Lang underplays his hand so much that the film takes on all the style of a 1950s TV sitcom, but his fine direction of performers brings out the humor of this middle-class satire with warmth and wit. Ultimately, however, the film belongs to Webb, whose witheringly snide insults and cutting comments roll off his tongue with comic effortlessness. He proved so popular that he starred in a pair of sequels: Mr. Belvedere Goes to College and Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Window to a sweeter time
It is a farce/comedy. The story has mystery, romance and humor. What it lacks is the harshness of the movies today. A brief escape to a sweeter time. I love looking at the decor their home.Very enjoyable.

Can children really love a man like Mr. Belvedere?
The jack of all trades and self-proclaimed genius Mr. Belvedere is appealing enough, but can a stiff man with admitted contempt for children be truly loveable? None of his unconventional methods of child discipline would account for the doting behavior of the three boys, and that's mainly why I can't recommend this movie. Every character has their appeal, but as a group, it's difficult to believe they interact as well as they do. And the problems that do crop up are equally unbelievable: How could Robert Young be jealous of a rigid fop like Mr. Belvedere? The fantasy of an uber-nanny appearing mysteriously to enrich our lives and control our household is worthy of a suburban comedy like this, but the story here just doesn't use the possibly delightful premise as well as it could. The ending is much too pat without the absurdity that a Preston Sturges would make of it (like the dual marriage at the end of Palm Beach Story).

sitting pretty
this is a wonderfully funny and entertaining movie.clifton webb is great as mr. belvedere. robert young and maureen o'hara were also terrific as the parents of the 3 boys. also if someone knows where i can get the 2 sequels on video mr. belvedere goes to college mr. belvedere rings the bell i would appreciate it very much.

Clifton Webb is a scream
This is not a particularly well-known movie any more, but it is a great film worth buying and enjoying. Clifton Webb plays the prissy and effeminate Mr. Belvedere, a no-nonsense butler who moves into Robert Young and Maureen O'Hara's home to watch their bratty sons. Webb immediately instills discipline into the home and the boys end up adoring him, even if he is a martinet. The hilarious scenes he finds himself in... delicious!

Clifton Webb's comedic timing is underrated and the plot twists and ancillary characters will entertain and delight you throughout. This is one of the best sleepers from the 1940's and will have you laughing from beginning to end.

Delightful farce
This is a delightful little farce about turning the tables on the local busybodies and bullies. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Yipes!
This is VERY loosely based on Book One of John Galsworthy's "The Forsyte Saga". The story is so altered from the original that it's barely distinguishable, aside from the fact that the main characters are Soames Forsyte, Irene "Herrinford" Forsyte, and Phillip Bosinney. Despite being set in 1880s London, there is no real sense of the period, and no one really has an English accent--but that's the least of the film's woes. In the original book and subsequent mini-series adaptations, Irene is a beautiful, free-spirited woman who wants to marry for love. She is forced into marriage with Soames Forsyte, who is an extremely repressed individual who loves her but cannot express it. Irene does not have any feelings for Soames, which makes the one-sided love affair all the more heart-wrenching. Here, in this film version, Irene seems not to mind Soames at all. She smiles and laughs and actually seems to enjoy his company during their courtship. She then inexplicably rejects his proposals of marriage, even though she seemed to be pretty well taken with him. Later she begins to drift away, but even then it isn't the coldness that comes through in the novel. Irene remains the focus of the rest of the film, which does borrow some plot elements from the original work, but it deters greatly towards the end. Like Irene, Soames is not quite the character that Galsworthy described, though he is given a few chances to exhibit that Forsyteian preoccupation with property. His treatment of Irene is somewhat believeable; he has a formalness around her, as though dealing with a valuable object, but he does not show that underneath it all he really loves her. The film is lacking in scenes with the entire Forsyte clan. This is possibly the most damaging to the film, since just about every Forsyte has something unique and entertaining to give to the story. If you like old period films, this one is worth a look. But if you are a fan of the books and/or the mini-series, it's not.

MGM costume drama at its best
THAT FORSYTE WOMAN is the film of part one of John Galsworthy's "The Forsyte Saga", and stars Greer Garson and Errol Flynn in two of their finest performances.

Irene (Greer Garson), reluctantly marries Soames Forsyte (Errol Flynn) a charming and genteel man. After the marriage, however, Soames shows his true colors; cold, controlling and manipulative.

Two years go by, and Irene's niece (Janet Leigh) introduces her to her beau, an architect (Robert Young). Without knowing it, Irene and the architect begin a torrid love affair that ends in tragedy..........

Stunning Oscar-nominated costumes and lush, plush sets abound in this engrossing film. Very good indeed.

A classic MGM film
"That Forsyte Woman" is the type of movie that MGM is known for-- a first rate cast, good script, excellent scenic and costume design, and top notch direction.

An adaptation of a classic novel, MGM legend Greer Garson is cast as Irene, a piano teacher who not only marries well-to-do lawyer Errol Flynn, but also into his family, the Forsytes.

At first, all seems like a perfect little Victorian era marriage, however there is a dark side to Flynn's character. Ms. Garson ends up falling for her niece's fiancee, a young architecht, played by Robert Young. Garson tries to stop Young's pursual of her, however, they both succumb to their love. When niece Janet Leigh learns of the affair between her aunt and fiancee, she does a deed that will bring turmoil to the good Forsyte family name. The film co-stars Walter Pidgeon, as Leigh's black sheep father, and Harry Davenport, as Leigh's grandfather, patriach of the Forsyte clan.

The film is a jewel in the crown of MGM and deserves a place in the classic film library of someone who appreciates Hollywood greatness.

Errol Flynn Acts
Offered his choice of the two heroes in this lavish MGM soap opera, Errol Flynn demonstrated his integrity by opting to play the unsympathetic role of Soames Forsyte. He does some really memorable work portraying the Victorian "man of property" who unwittingly loses his wife because he can't see her as anything more than a possession. In the Galsworthy novel, we only see the wife through Soames' eyes, but she is made into the protagonist of the movie, with motivations noble enough to suit tedious Greer Garson, who ends up yet again with Mr. Miniver, Walter Pidgeon. There is also, you should be warned, a poisonously bad performance by Robert Young as a dashing, dreamy architect (the role Flynn wisely refused). But from the first images of the tortured characters emerging from the Technicolor fog, this is a gripping and intelligent film. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Delightful ghost story based on a classic tale
Based on a short story by non other than the legendary Oscar Wilde this version of the "The Canterville Ghost" makes really delightful viewing boasting top notch production values, a superb cast in fine form, and a terrific look that gives the film an appealing and enjoyable appearance.

Being in theory a ghost story the story is full of much well seasoned comedy and really is a film suitable for the whole family to enjoy. I tend to watch this film around Christmas each year and never fail to enjoy the high spirited carryings on of Charles Laughton in what I feel is one of his most appealing roles. "The Canterville Ghost", set in one of those far off misty castles that only MGM could cunger up, tells the story of how Sir. Simon de Canterville through an act of cowardice is walled up in a room of the castle and is doomed to walk the face of the earth for all eternity unless a relative can commit an act of bravery to lift the curse from him. The story jumps ahead a few centuries to the present (1944) where the castle is occupied by visiting soldiers involved in the war. Among them is Sir. Simon's distant relative Cuffy Williams (Robert Young at his most endearing) who is the one selected to perform the brave deed to free his ancestor from his ghostly imprisonment. The tale is an amusing one as Laughton's character first tries to scare and then win over his cynical relative to help him. Charles Laughton is wonderful as the cowardly ghost appearing out of nowhere, screaming, rattling chains and showing his own failings only too obviously. He is surrounded by a terrific supporting cast beginning with gifted child actress Margaret O'Brien as Lady Jessica de Canterville the present owner of the castle. O'Brien, at the peak of her career around this time with triumphs in "Journey for Margaret", and "Meet Me in St. Louis", is a cute delight as the spunky little girl who is not afraid of Laughton's over the top bellowing and corny scare tactics. Robert Young in his last MGM film is also in top form as the young soldier who first is in danger of falling into the same habits as Sir. Simon but who in the end comes through to succeed in freeing his ancestor from his ghostly sentence by an unselfish act of bravery.

"The Canterville Ghost" is about as English a tale as you can get and came along during the war years when all things British were revered in Hollywood. Keeping company with such British outings as "Mrs. Miniver", and "The White Cliffs of Dover", "Canterville' also boasts a superb supporting cast of stalwart British performers so popular in Hollywood during these years. Headed by Laughton himself the film contains great work by the likes of Reginald Owen, Una O'Connor and Peter lawford who give just that right British feel to a production which because of the war had to be filmed in the USA. Technically the film is a superb achievement with Laughton's ghostly special effects a remarkable effort. The sight of Laughton disappearing through walls and flying across a room remind one of that great 1930's ghost story "Topper". Being a product of MGM the film boasts top flight production values in every department and has superb settings with the castle interiors appearing wonderfully spooky and beautiful on the eye.

Among the many versions filmed of "The Canterville Ghost", I feel this is by far the best. Centred on Charles Laughton's unforgettable ghost the production is enjoyable and a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Before computers created all the special effects this film proved what the old Hollywood was capable of achieving. A totally delightful film to be enjoyed by the whole family.

A Charming Bit of Hollywood Fluff
Very, very loosely based on a short story by Oscar Wilde--so loosely that he is probably turning in his grave--THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is nonetheless a charming bit of 1940s Hollywood fluff about an English ghost who runs afoul of American pragmatism. In the film version, the Americans arrive in the form of WWII soliders, including Robert Young, who are billeted at a notoriously haunted castle where they encounter a legendary spectre much given to theatrical materializations.

Although the story is very, very slight, the cast makes it enjoyable. Child star Margaret O'Brien gives a typically enjoyable performance as the unwilling heiress to the castle, and Robert Young and his fellow actors mug their way through the script with entertaining aplomb. The greatest pleasure, however, is Charles Laughton as the ghost, which he plays most delightfully. The emphasis is on comedy rather than ghostly thrills, and although the comedy is quite mild it is expertly done. THE CANTERVILLE GHOST will never make any one's short list of "great cinematic art," but both grown-ups and kids alike will have a good time with it; recommended for an old fashioned family night.

How could it miss?
This is a movie that could cure a rainy day. Great story, great cast, fun SFX (even by modern standings). I think this is the kind of movie they're trying to make again, with mixed success. Funny without being coarse, outrageously sentimental without being cloying, and, my goodness--the "chemistry"! Entertainment you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying.

Very Enjoyable!
By far the Best version of the many made of Canterville Ghost! Robert Young plays his part so well! And the little girl is an inspiration! Many laughs! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"CAIRO"
Although I'm so old as to have one foot already in the grave, I had never heard of this one before seeing it adverted in Amazon's list. I had first become old enough to go to the show alone the year this movie was made, 1942.Somehow I was fortunate enough to miss it.Musical numbers are as far apart in this movie as are water holes in a desert and good ones are non-existent. A severely truncated version of The Bell Song from Lakme'-a medley done by Jeanette,Ethel Wathers,and Robert Young(1 song) includes, "To A Wild Rose","Beautiful Ohio","Waitin' For The Robert E.Lee" and "Home Sweet Home" which would be a good place to go if it's not 'too late' in your case. Ethel Waters is out of her element in this cinematic quagmire,being so far ABOVE it, she rises to the surface like cream in milk.At one point she says to a would be swain "Don't be lookin' toward me---I aint Mecca--just bow three times and...blow!" At one point Jeanette opines to her maid Cleo,(Ethel Waters).."I"malways left holding the bag." wellduno 'bout always, but...a man snoozing in a movie theater says to a woman who has just sat down in front of him and taken off her big flouncy hat,"Madam,would you mind putting your hat on?" She does and he proceeds to continue napping. Which just abouts sets the tone for this movie,and not the high C (for century note) ofJeanette's which serves to open things for her. Since I can resist anything except temptation (Oscar Wilde) I paid the $... required to sate my curiosity,and since I plan to be lowest priced when I re-sell this one I figure I can say it was good for a laugh and didn't cost me too much. You could do the same y'know not funny 'nuff to play at parties like was Florence Foster Jenkins.I'm awarding this movie 2 stars. One,for having been made,and one for the opportunity to see Ethel Waters who was destined for greatness,and for Lionel Atwill who was his delciously menacing spooky character. Robert Young's name as Jeanette's butler his Juniper Jones, an odd name,but so is this flick. (His real name was Homer Smith)* (correction) "The Bell Song" should be "Les Filles De Cadiz." &"To a Wild Rose" may be instead "To a Water Lilly" By Mc Dowell.

Faten Hamamah Speaks English!
I knew that Faten Hamamah, the Egyptian superstar, played a role once in am MGM movie. But it didn't know it was Cairo until I had seen the movie. Unlike Omar Sharif, her ex-husband, who became a Hollywood superstar after Lawrence of Arabia; this movie had never been a fare chance for her.

Anyhow, still many Arabs, including myself, want to hear and see Faten Hamamah (and some other Egyptian stars at that time) speaks English! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One is compelled to say, in these Politically Correct times, that Northwest Passage takes a distinctly "unenlightened" view of the 18th-century American colonists' Indian neighbors. Then again, everything about the world portrayed in this early-Technicolor production is harsh: the repressive policies of the Crown-backed Boston magistrates, the expectations Maj. Robert Rogers (Spencer Tracy) has for his guerrilla warrior band, the bloodthirsty war-making by the Abenagi Indians (reciprocated in kind by the colonials), the ferocity of flood-swollen wilderness rivers, and the breathtaking, unforgiving vastness of the virgin forest in which, surrounded by beauty, Rogers's Rangers very nearly starve to death. As an action film, Northwest Passage peaks early with a predawn, retaliatory raid on an Indian village--horrific choreography by the master filmmaker who made The Big Parade. But the grim march back from this mission is too harrowing to call anticlimactic. Robert Young and Walter Brennan costar. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A wonderful movie
"Northwest Passage," based on the first part of Kenneth Roberts' historical novel of the same name, is an American classic. One of the first Technicolor features, it brings to life colonial America and the brutality of the French and Indian War, which proved to be the training ground for George Washington and other leaders of the Revolution. The fascinating aspect is that the troops of Rogers' Rangers not only have to battle the enemy (Abenaki Indians, who are allied with the French) but also the environment and, at times, their own commander, Maj. Robert Rogers, played by Spencer Tracy as an almost-superhuman leader. (The novel paints a different portrait by its conclusion; there is foreshadowing of this in the film.) Notable are the performances of Tracy, Robert Young (perhaps his best big-screen role) and Walter Brennan. The delightful music of Herbert Stothart completes the picture. As fans of the film would say, "See you at sundown, Harvard."

Top of the line Adventure film
Northwest Passage still holds up after 60 years. Great outdoor locations and excellent color cinematography make this a most watchable classic. Spencer Tracy is perfect as Robert Rogers, the first American commando during the French and Indian wars. Robert Young is also excellent as Langdon Towne, a Harvard failure talked into joining Roger's Rangers. Add the always entertaining Walter Brennan and you have a very good movie, perfect for almost all ages. This film will keep your attention. I'm surprised that this movie hasn't been mentioned more often as one of the better adventure films ever made. Historically speaking, the film follows the Rangers' raid on St. Frances without adding any undo Hollywood hype. I strongly recommend this film for anybody 8 years old and up.

Tracy at his Best
Without a doubt, this is Spencer Tracy's finest performance; and since most of his contemporaries in Hollywood regarded him as the best actor in town it's a pretty high standard. (Clark Gable said it embarassed him to work with Tracy in "Boom Town", his fellow actor was so good). King Vidor's film is based on a portion of Kenneth Robert's historical novel and doesn't soft-pedal for a moment the mutual hatred that existed between whites and reds during the French and Indian War. The movie is about a raid into Canada by a troop of American guerillas led by Tracy, and the fantastic hazards they faced coming and going, with a blood-curdling battle sandwiched in between. That battle action is the most realistic 18th-century warfare I've ever seen captured on film and a highlight of director Vidor's career. Robert Young and Walter Brennan provide stalwart support, but it is Tracy's performance that overawes everything else as the forceful but flawed leader in search of the impossible.

Spencer? Uh, yeah!
I couldn't help laugh about another reviewer complaining about the choice of Spencer Tracy as the star of this movie. He believes that because of World War II most of the "better" actors were in the service and thus the studio had no choice but to hire Tracy. And yet he still questions this casting decision. No offense, but that is a laughably absurd.

Ignoring the fact that the U.S. was not yet involved in World War II at the time this movie was released (1940) and thus none of Hollywood's leading men were in the service, one would be hardpressed to say who was a better actor than Spencer Tracy at this period. The man had just come off two back-to-back Best Actor Oscar wins ("Boy's Town" and "Captains Courageous") and was at the pinacle of his spectacular career when this movie was made. Asking if someone better than Spencer Tracy could be found in 1940 is like asking if someone better than Tom Hanks could be found in 1998 or better than Russell Crowe in 2002.

Spencer Tracy was an amazing actor and he does a terrific job bringing to life the legendary Robert Rogers. As a huge fan of the Kenneth Roberts' book upon which this movie is based, I confess that everytime I read Rogers' dialogue I hear the voice of Spencer Tracy. That's how good Tracy embodies this character. He really demonstrates the courage, determination, and command presence of the man. Tracy's "Major Rogers" is the kind of man you would follow into combat! Yet Tracy also brings out the human side of this legend- hints of Rogers' failings are dropped on occasion and showing his breakdown when he realises that a promise he made to his men will not be kept by reasons out his control. It's a great performance and it truly propels the movie.

The only problem with Tracy's casting in this role was not his talent, the man was at the TOP of his profession in 1940, but his age. The real Robert Rogers was just in his mid 20's when he leaped onto the pages of history and legend. Spencer Tracy was well past age 40 when he made this movie. Yet, most people aren't aware how young some historical figures really were and generally have no problem with middle-aged actors playing these parts. (I noticed this trend in reading reviews for "Glory" and the recently released "The Alamo." Some reviewers complained that the actors who play Col. Robert Shaw in "Glory" and William Travis in "The Alamo" are too young which ignores the fact that Shaw and Travis were both just 26 when they died.)

A very good view of the French & Indian War
Northwest Passage is a very good account of the attack on St. Francis. It is very accurate in many ways and I recommend it highly.
Robert Young plays a fictitious character shot though the mid-section and was still able to walk all the way back to civilization. Beleive-it-or-not, it did happen. I believe the real man's name was Lt.Ogdon. He did survive such a wound in that battle.
Spencer Tracy is excellent as usual and the scenery is beautiful.
Some will say that the film is racist and brutal. It was; but this is an historical film and you must view it, or any historical film or book, with the morals of the time in which it is set. You cannot look at it with present-day morals. If you are unable to do so, then, to be an educated person, you need to read more history and learn what things were like and what people thought about the American Indians, and the French for that matter, in the 1750's and 60's. Thus you will learn how far we have come in the last 200 years in our relations with other peoples. We may not be perfect yet, but we're getting there. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Loyal Shipmates and a Wise Coach
I caught the part where a young (no pun intended!)Robert Young
avenged his roomate's(Dick played by Tom Brown) tormenters, a few years ago. I bought the movie, watched the whole thing and I was not disappointed!! The three midshipmen meeting Skinny (played by Lionel Barrymore)and wins his admiration, is one event out of several, that I enjoyed.Truck (James Stewart)taking a risk to clear his father's name adds the family value to the movie.The scene at the Gates Christmas time is touching. Last but
definitly not least is Graves. At the Gate's estate and at the
football game. He is the true meaning of the term, gentleman's
gentleman!

A great actor in a classic NAVY film.
A great movie for USNA grads and Army/Navy football fans. This movie gives a unique view of college football's greastest rivalry. Plus, a young Jimmy Stewart is a bonus.

As for the "praying to a statue" scene mentioned by the other reviewer, it really happens. Visit the Yard during Army Week and you might just see this for yourself. As a 1995 graduate of USNA, I repeated "that scene" every year to do my part to ensure a Navy victory.

Maybe you have to be a former middie to get it, but this is a great movie. Highly recommended.

Enjoyable yes! but please...
Let's start with the good stuff. The charactor development of the three main guys in this is solid. Jimmy Stewart and Robert Young give strong performances with what they have been given, and the story line is basically good. The relationships are nicely brought along, and Lionel Barrymore is completely wasted! The giant talents of Mr. Barrymore are treated as if he were some kind of newcomer! The scene where he's praying to a statue is a hoot. I guess it's not a bad movie, but rent this and save your money for someting more worthwhile. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Fine Crawford and Sullavan chemistry in interesting drama
"The Shining Hour" displays the interesting meshing of two fine talents in talented actresses Joan Crawford and the magical Margaret Sullavan. Having seen very few of Sullavan's films I was amazed by her confident playing and husky appealing voice. Together these two really create an interesting pair of characters that look believable interacting with each other so natural is their rapport with each other.

"The Shining Hour" was a mildly successful Broadway play that Joan Crawford developed an interest in and got MGM to buy the option on as her next film in early 1938. She was experiencing a box office slump at the time despite having a success with Spencer Tracy in "Mannequin" and was eager to start exploring film properties that might offer her more of a challenge. While it has a similiar theme to alot of Joan's earlier work where she climbs the social ladder and is torn between the love of two men, here she is provided with fine performers and some literate dialogue that make "The Shining Hour" a memorable viewing experience. Despite being dismissed by some critics as more of a personality than an actress here Crawford delivers an honest and naturally presented performance that contrasts so well with Sullavan's very different delivery. The two became good friends during the production of "The Shining Hour" and it clearly shows in their on screen friendship as well.

The film relates the story of Olivia Riley a night club performer from a humble background who marries wealthy gentleman farmer Henry Linden and returns with him to the family property in Wisconsin. Olivia gets more than she bargained for when she meets the rest of the family as she is left to deal with the jealous and bitchy reception by Henry's sister Hannah who resents her presence in the house and the hate turned to love directed at her by David, Henry's brother. She does find an automatic friend and ally in David's wife Judy but complications set in when she finds herself falling in love with David despite knowing that those feelings are wrong and will destroy Judy's life completely.It takes a near tragedy at the farm to finally bring Olivia and David to their senses and to realise that what they already have with their respective spouses is too precious to throw away.

Out of such a romantic story comes some very fine acting indeed. I believe Joan Crawford shows a real maturity in her acting style in this film. She makes the character of Olivia a well rounded one and some of her best scenes are when she is showing the dilemma that she has found herself in over her feelings for Henry and David. Margaret Sullavan is superb as the frail and tender Judy who is prepared to sacrifice her own life for the sake of her husband. The film boasts strong performances from all the leads, a standout being the terrific Fay Bainter as Hannah Linden the nasty spinster sister of Melvyn Douglas and Robert Young. Her cold manner and nasty cuts at Olivia create a real feeling of tension which give "The Shining Hour" its dramatic edge. Melyvn Douglas and Robert Young as Henry and David Linden really are overshadowed by the three female leads but do good work and Robert Young in particular is very effective as the brother torn between his sweet wife and his sister in law. Rounding out the cast in one of the main supporting roles is the always wonderful Hattie McDaniel as Belvedere, Joan Crawford's personal maid. She has some great lines and the last scene of the film which ends on a very comical note is really hers which she handles in her usual capable and highly comic manner.

If you are a Joan Crawford or Margaret Sullavan fan you are guaranteed to enjoy "The Shining Hour". The film has the polished look typical of MGM productions of that period but really this film is more than just a prettily packaged romance story. It delivers an interesting story and some great acting by all the leads along the way.

Suprisingly moving Crawford melodrama
Crawford is a New York dancer who marries a dashing gentleman farmer. She has led a somewhat brazen life with no shortage of male company, but having been around the block and found no satisfaction, she is attracted to the idea of quiet country life. Of course, that is not what awaits her on the farm, where she must content with a hateful spinster sister-in-law and an amorous brother-in-law also ensconsed in a loveless marriage.

There are plenty of the standard elements to keep any Crawford student happy: soapy plot, a strong but wronged woman, a bit of bitchy dialogue, and of course Joan is immaculately dressed and coiffed throughout.

However, there is much more in this film. The support cast is excellent, especially richly-voiced Margaret Sullavan as the undervalued and devoted wife of aforementioned amorous brother-in-law, and Melvyn Douglass as Crawford's understanding husband.

One of the interesting notions in the film is the fantasy that for each person there can only be one "true love", hence the marriages in this film are threatened not by falling out of love or falling in love with more than one person, but rather because a person who has settled might meet the one they were truly made for.

Overall, a very interesting and enjoyable film.

¿And in 1938 Crawford was voted box-office poison!!
Every time I watch a Crawford film from the 1930s that I hadn't watched before, the oft-quoted opinion of film critics of that era about Joan's lack of acting ability/talent, surprises me even more...because each time, again and again, her acting & technique seems (to me) so fresh and contemporary, so much more natural than the acting style of most of the other ladies from the '30s.

In this entertaining film she acts and holds her own opposite a different type of talent, lovely actress Margaret Sullavan, who, as always, excels as Crawford's sister-in-law. I repeat, Crawford's playing, as a dancer married into an aristocratic rural family, looks very natural and sincere.

Kudos too, for wonderful character actress Fay Bainter, as the unpleasant spinsterish sister of Robert Young and Melvyn Douglas, who was the first screen actor to be nominated for an Academy Award in one year, in both categories: best actress for "White Banners" and best supporting actress for "Jezebel" (she won this one), and like "The Shining Hour" (MGM), both films were released in 1938 (by Warner Bros.), so it was definitely a good year for Ms. Bainter.

Robert Young and Melvyn Douglas are second fiddle to this trio of excellent actresses, but nonetheless very effective as the Linden brothers, married respectively to Sullavan and Crawford, torn between love and family. Hattie Mc Daniel (future "GWTW" Mammy) is very funny as usual, as Crawford's maid.

AN UNUSUALLY FASCINATING DRAMA
A rather unusual film which is redeemed by the performance of Margaret Sullavan. In 1938, Joan Crawford's career in films was in serious jeopardy: she was considered "box-office poison". Joan demanded that MGM give her better stories with scripts written by prestigous playwrights.
This was a valiant but failed attempt to rescue her position at the box office. Here we have Joan Crawford as a glorified gal of the streets - an erst-while Tenth Avenue chippy - turned ballroom dancing queen who marries Wisconsin farmer Melvyn Douglas. The family doesn't exactly give the couple their blessings, and fireworks emit while the newlyweds stay at the cozy little farm (with 2,000 cows!). Robert Young (he's married to Maggie) develops feelings for Crawford which she reciprocates...confusion ensues. The best performance in the entire film is given by Margaret Sullavan as Judy Linden. Sullavan manages to capture some poignancy combined with a touch of hopeless heroism in her self-sacrificial role. Fay Bainter is excellent, playing with spiteful arrogance. Douglas and Young - as the gentlemen farmers - are charmingly dull. Crawford is noticeably thin here, and although she looks lovely in some becoming gowns, her performance lacks conviction; she and Sullavan, however, make for a most interesting contrast. In the original play, the story took place in Yorkshire, England.

MARGARET SULLAVAN STEALS THE SHOW FROM JOAN CRAWFORD...
This is another compelling melodrama in which Joan Crawford stars as popular nightclub dancer. Tired of the tawdry world of the demi-monde, she agrees to marry a rich man (Melvyn Douglas) from Wisconsin and live a quiet and simple life on his Wisconsin farm. Unfortunately for her, his jealous and domineering sister (Fay Bainter) lives there, as does their brother (Robert Young) and his wife (Margaret Sullavan).

The brother, who had initially disapproved of the match, finds himself falling for Joan, while his wife looks helplessly on. The sister is viscious towards Joan, and Joan and her husband build their own home in hopes of riding out his sister's hatred of Joan. Alas, this is not to be, as the sister's hatred takes a dramatic turn, which brings all the parties to a crossroad in each of their lives.

Margaret Sullavan gives an achingly poignant performance as the wife who loves a husband who does not return that love. The nuances of her performance steal the show away from Joan Crawford, who also gives a strong performance but does not reach the heights that Margaret Sullavan does with hers. Melvyn Douglas and Robert Young are excellent as the brothers, who are in love with the same woman. Fay Bainter is terrific as the hateful and jealous sister, whose hatred would culminate in tragedy.

Though some of the film is somewhat preposterous, it is entertaining, nonetheless. Fans of Joan Crawford and Margaret Sullavan will enjoy it, as will all those who love classic films. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Fantastic Fun Movie
I absolutely love this movie. It is heartwarming! Shirleys talent shines in this movie.

Ching-Ching the Witch is Dead
Soon Wizard of Oz would come but in " 37 " for now Shirley was the queen of the screen. You wouldnt believe how much talent showed in this movie of hers. She spoke chinese and amazed the crowd. She did a hilarious imitation of Giner Rogers and Fred Astaire. I was surprised how well she did in this more dramatic film of hers not only was she all you wanted to see but the story of the other characters was really entertaning too. I was glued to the screen for the entie film!

Shirley at her dramatic best!
I love Shirley! This is one of her best dramas vs. musical. Her chemistry is good with Robert Young, and she even does well with foreign language. A must for a Shirley Temple collector.

A Great Temple Film
Filmed in 1936 at the height of Shirley Temple's popularity, "Stowaway" is a lovely, light-hearted comedy.

Shirley plays "Ching-Ching," the orphaned daughter of missionaries in China. When her village is threatened by invaders, she is plucked from school by the village elder and sent off to the big city for safety. Along the way, her purse is stolen, she loses her guide and, while wandering through the streets, she befriends American playboy Tommy Randall (Robert Young, in a character that is miles away from his clean-cut "Father Knows Best" role!). After falling asleep in Randall's car, she finds herself an unwilling stowaway on a luxury cruise ship. Of course, she gets to stay on the boat, plays Cupid with Randall and Susan Parker (Alice Faye) and attempts to stay out of the mean old orphanage.

The story here is a lot of fun, and the setting is interesting. Temple was given a great showcase for her dramatic, rather than musical, abilities, and worked well with both Faye and Young. She spoke hundreds of Chinese phrases with correct tone and accent and did hilarious imitations of Al Jolson and Ginger Rogers. "Goodnight My Love," which was sung in the film (with different lyrics) by both Temple and Faye, was a 1936 radio hit.

Playing matchmaker :)
As an orphan from China, Shirley plays a little matchmaker aboard a ship. She is discovered with her dog and claims she doesn't know how she got aboard ship.

There are some funny moments, as in all her films. This one is filled with Chinese Proverbs. Shirley also helps her "uncle" find the right girl and ends up with a mom and dad. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Fantastic Fun Movie
I absolutely love this movie. It is heartwarming! Shirleys talent shines in this movie.

Ching-Ching the Witch is Dead
Soon Wizard of Oz would come but in " 37 " for now Shirley was the queen of the screen. You wouldnt believe how much talent showed in this movie of hers. She spoke chinese and amazed the crowd. She did a hilarious imitation of Giner Rogers and Fred Astaire. I was surprised how well she did in this more dramatic film of hers not only was she all you wanted to see but the story of the other characters was really entertaning too. I was glued to the screen for the entie film!

Shirley at her dramatic best!
I love Shirley! This is one of her best dramas vs. musical. Her chemistry is good with Robert Young, and she even does well with foreign language. A must for a Shirley Temple collector.

A Great Temple Film
Filmed in 1936 at the height of Shirley Temple's popularity, "Stowaway" is a lovely, light-hearted comedy.

Shirley plays "Ching-Ching," the orphaned daughter of missionaries in China. When her village is threatened by invaders, she is plucked from school by the village elder and sent off to the big city for safety. Along the way, her purse is stolen, she loses her guide and, while wandering through the streets, she befriends American playboy Tommy Randall (Robert Young, in a character that is miles away from his clean-cut "Father Knows Best" role!). After falling asleep in Randall's car, she finds herself an unwilling stowaway on a luxury cruise ship. Of course, she gets to stay on the boat, plays Cupid with Randall and Susan Parker (Alice Faye) and attempts to stay out of the mean old orphanage.

The story here is a lot of fun, and the setting is interesting. Temple was given a great showcase for her dramatic, rather than musical, abilities, and worked well with both Faye and Young. She spoke hundreds of Chinese phrases with correct tone and accent and did hilarious imitations of Al Jolson and Ginger Rogers. "Goodnight My Love," which was sung in the film (with different lyrics) by both Temple and Faye, was a 1936 radio hit.

Playing matchmaker :)
As an orphan from China, Shirley plays a little matchmaker aboard a ship. She is discovered with her dog and claims she doesn't know how she got aboard ship.

There are some funny moments, as in all her films. This one is filled with Chinese Proverbs. Shirley also helps her "uncle" find the right girl and ends up with a mom and dad. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great movie to see and hear
This is one of my all-time favorite movie musicals, believe it or not. It has a very nice story, is well-written, and seems the perfect movie. It's not a paper-thin plotline as seen in many other musicals, nor is it overly bombastic with huge production numbers and the like. It's right in the middle, a fairly normal film, but that is what makes it most appealing. And sadly, it is no longer available on video, so you have to try your luck finding it on TCM. As with any Burns & Allen vehicle, this film has its comedic moments, especially for Burns. An often overlooked aspect of this film is the original music that was written for it, mostly by songsters Harry Warren and Gus Kahn; incidentally, this was Warren & Kahn's only film project together. Eleanor Powell does a roller skate dance around a ship's pool as Gracie sings the rather banal title tune. At a costume party, a singer dressed as (I think) Bing Crosby croons the (greatly under-rated) dreamy love ballad, "This Night (Will Be My Souvenir)," while Gracie and the Kings' Men cut up with the very humorous "The Leader Doesn't Like Music." Needless to say, Gracie is Mae West and the Kings' Men are none other than the Marx Brothers, with TWO Groucho's. There are other stock numbers, mostly for a Hawaiian medley later in the film. The story of the film is of course the mistaken-identity one, but I will leave the details for when you hopefully watch this great and unduly forgotten film.

Dancing
Eleanor Powell performs a fabulous jazz and tap dance to Hawaiian music. I have watched this video over and over and am in awe of her talent. Another plus is seeing Gracie Allen tap dance and sing.

Superb Early George Burns Film!!
This was the last movie(1939) starring George Burns until he made the Sunshine Boys (1975).Also,co-starring Gracie Allen is a film concerning mistaken identities in Hawaii.It's a superb musical comedy classic!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Innovative Film
I am not a big movie buff, but purchased this film because I am a fan of silent film star Henry B. Walthall. Walthall is only in the film for the first seven minutes and then his character dies. Rather than losing interest in the film, however, I kept watching and found it very enjoyable. It is a very innovative film, based on the Eugene O'Neill play, that includes thoughts of the characters that are audible to the audience. The main character is Nina Leeds (Norma Shearer). Nina is a very obsessive, neurotic woman who controls the hearts of three men while pining away for her dead fiance Gordon, killed in the Great War. Nina continues to control the lives of her three suitors (one of which is played by Ralph Morgan, brother of the Wizard of Oz). She enters a marriage with a man she does not love and, due to a secret curse in his bloodline, cannot bare his child. She decides, as any woman would, to have another man's child and pose it as her husband's. Curiously, she names her son Gordon and, of course, falls in love with the baby's real father (played by Clark Gable). The film covers their lives through old age. It's interesting watching the characters get older. The make-up people did an excellent job. The film is actually quite good once you get used to the audible thoughts and the overall sappiness. It is long (almost 2 hours) but moves very quickly. I recommend Strange Interlude to any classic movie buff or Clark Gable fan.

A NOVEL EARLY TALKIE.
All about the problems of an unfullfilled wife and her lover. What made this picture notable was the novel idea of combining on-screen dialogue with voiced-over thoughts of the characters. After a time, 1932 audiences giggled as the actors adjusted their facial expressions to correspond to their off-screen voices which made the film unusually novel. The O'Neill play originally ran for a full 5 hours. In 1932, this was considered heavy stuff: it looks very dated now, but in its day it was a small milestone in the cinema. All the adult characters age 20 years in the movie, and the process is done quite convincingly. Gable's restrained performance as the he-man-turned-whimp via love is effective and this performance earned him stature in films. The film is not without merit, and although it isn't entirely successful at bringing O' Neill to the screen, it certainly deserves more kudos than some viewers give it: it was a valiant try at using a new and novel technique which would be used far more successfully in smaller doses in later films. Naturally the synopsis is far more complex than what I gave, it's my way of inviting viewers to catch a rare glimpse of young Gable in the film which introduced his trademark moustache!

Strange Interlude is Strangely Dead
It must have seemed like a good idea at the time.

Eugene O'Neil's famous 1930s drama set the theatrical world on it's ear when it arrived on Broadway. A complicated, interesting story of a woman who depends upon a variety of men to meet her various psychological needs, the play was most noted for the fact that the action often came to a screeching halt to permit the various characters to voice their unspoken thoughts unheard by the other players.

It must have seemed a natural for film, for the "spoken thoughts" device could be-- and are-- done via voice-over and therefore create less of an interruption in the action of the film. But there was this one little problem... Hollywood of the 1930s simply was not up the challenge of converting an extremely long play with considerable sexual innuendo into a film.

The play has been chopped down considerably and the sexual issues largely deleted, and the result is a well-crafted but strangely dead film. A lesson in how not to transfer a stage landmark to film. Two stars for an interesting cast and the usual first-rate M.G.M. production values. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Fantastic Fun Movie
I absolutely love this movie. It is heartwarming! Shirleys talent shines in this movie.

Ching-Ching the Witch is Dead
Soon Wizard of Oz would come but in " 37 " for now Shirley was the queen of the screen. You wouldnt believe how much talent showed in this movie of hers. She spoke chinese and amazed the crowd. She did a hilarious imitation of Giner Rogers and Fred Astaire. I was surprised how well she did in this more dramatic film of hers not only was she all you wanted to see but the story of the other characters was really entertaning too. I was glued to the screen for the entie film!

Shirley at her dramatic best!
I love Shirley! This is one of her best dramas vs. musical. Her chemistry is good with Robert Young, and she even does well with foreign language. A must for a Shirley Temple collector.

A Great Temple Film
Filmed in 1936 at the height of Shirley Temple's popularity, "Stowaway" is a lovely, light-hearted comedy.

Shirley plays "Ching-Ching," the orphaned daughter of missionaries in China. When her village is threatened by invaders, she is plucked from school by the village elder and sent off to the big city for safety. Along the way, her purse is stolen, she loses her guide and, while wandering through the streets, she befriends American playboy Tommy Randall (Robert Young, in a character that is miles away from his clean-cut "Father Knows Best" role!). After falling asleep in Randall's car, she finds herself an unwilling stowaway on a luxury cruise ship. Of course, she gets to stay on the boat, plays Cupid with Randall and Susan Parker (Alice Faye) and attempts to stay out of the mean old orphanage.

The story here is a lot of fun, and the setting is interesting. Temple was given a great showcase for her dramatic, rather than musical, abilities, and worked well with both Faye and Young. She spoke hundreds of Chinese phrases with correct tone and accent and did hilarious imitations of Al Jolson and Ginger Rogers. "Goodnight My Love," which was sung in the film (with different lyrics) by both Temple and Faye, was a 1936 radio hit.

Playing matchmaker :)
As an orphan from China, Shirley plays a little matchmaker aboard a ship. She is discovered with her dog and claims she doesn't know how she got aboard ship.

There are some funny moments, as in all her films. This one is filled with Chinese Proverbs. Shirley also helps her "uncle" find the right girl and ends up with a mom and dad. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

. . . One of my favorites . . .
featuring the late Robert Young as "Judge Charles Raleigh," the widower father of four high-spirited daughters "Susan" (Darleen Carr), "Charlotte" (Fawne Harriman), "Jennifer" (Sharon Gless)& "Robin" (Judy Strangis), all of whom decide to marry on the very same day.

In its sequel (filmed a year later) - "All My Darling Daughters' Anniversary" - it's the Judge himself who decides to remarry, much to the delighted surprise of his family. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

...TOMORROW WE DIE.
Diana Boyce-Smith, an aristocratic English girl, tries to do her part at home while her father fights at the front during the early years of the World War; she rents the family home to an American studying in England whose name is Bogard and there is an inevitable romance in the era of WWI. Joan Crawford seems awkward playing with a less than expert English accent; the part was actually a total figment of the scenarist's imagination: the original Faulkner story contained no women whatsoever! Gary Cooper is restrained, sympathetic and fairly believable in this; he and the great character actor Roscoe Karns seem to have the only genuine touches. Director Howard Hawks endowed the film with period detail; the air shots were esteemed in their day and the shots at sea are superb. This story was drawn by William Faulkner; this was his first literary effort transferred to the screen and it was done rather uneasily. Faulkner handled the dialogue (which sounds like short, urgent telegrams, instead of dialogue between people), himself.

Faulkner's story on men at war becomes a romance
"Today We Live" is adapted from William Faulkner's story "Turnabout and stars Joan Crawford as Diana Boyce-Smith, an aristocratic English girl doing her bit on the home front during World War I. While her father is at the front, Diana rents the family home to Richard Bogard (Gary Cooper), a young American studying in England. Then, on the day she learns her father has been killed, her brother, Ronnie (Franchot Tone), and her childhood sweetheart, Claude Hope (Robert Young), are ordered to the front. Sooner Diana has joined an ambulance unit to be near Ronnie and Claude, who are operating a torpedo boat, while "Bogie" jons the American Flying Corp when the U.S. finally enters the war. Then the love triangle between Diana, Bogard and Claude become entangled in a suicide mission to blow up a ship.

This 1933 film was directed by Howard Hawks, who certainly lends his talents to the action sequences in the air and on the sea. Interesting enough, Faulkner's original story did not have a female character, which must have made doing the dialogue for this film a real treat for the author. Adding the romantic triangle basically turns Faulkner's story into a melodrama, and while Crawford and Cooper make a nice enough couple, the soap opera ending is just so absurd. The best parts of "Today We Live" are clearly at the front when Crawford is not around.

visto dall"Italia
la storia non è gran che,ma Gary cooper è sempre all"altezza;un po" gigione nei momenti leggeri,ma capace di espressioni intense nel momento del dramma. Di più non posso dire perchè non so l" inglese e faccio fatica a capire i dialoghi. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the best American pre-war films to attempt to explain the crisisbrewing in Europe, this 1940 MGM film documents the effects of the new Naziregime on a small, peaceful Alpine village. James Stewart and Margaret Sullavanstruggle to understand the unjust changes being forced upon their community bythe growing Nazi influence. Helpless to avert the horror unfolding before them,Stewart and Sullavan witness old friends becoming fearful and suspicious. Otherscast their lot with the new order and become cruel, jealous, and vengeful--evendrunk on Nazi power. The small German village seduced by the corrupt Nazimessage is an excellent analogy for what happened in Germany as a whole. At thetime, Americans did not want to get involved in another "European war," butfilms like The Mortal Storm tried to show Americans that what washappening overseas could also happen on Maple Street, USA. --Mark Savary ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A brutally depressing film about the horrors of Nazi Germany
"The Mortal Storm" is the most depressing but arguably the most powerful movie about what was happening in Germany produced by Hollywood before America entered World War II. University Professor Viktor Roth (Frank Morgan), a non-Aryan, is dismayed when his sons Otto (Robert Stack) and Erich (William T. Orr) become Nazis, following their fanatical friend Fritz Marberg (Robert Young). The professor's daughter Freya (Margaret Sullavan) tries to escape the country with her anti-Nazi friend Martin Breitner (James Stewart), but this is one of those films where nobody gets out alive. When this 1940 film directed by Frank Borzage and based on the novel by Phyllis Bottome was released in Europe, Hitler banned all MGM films from being shown in territories occupied by the Nazis. However, "The Mortal Storm" was a box-office failure in the United States, mainly because by the time it was released it was all too obvious what was happening in Germany. So on the one hand this film is a blistering indictment of Nazi Germany and on the other hand it produced about a year too late to have much of an impact in this country. On balance, I go with the fact that the film is brutally honest at a time when Nazis were being reduced to cartoonish buffoons in films to determine how I would rate this film. For me this is an unforgettable story with a message that could never have been repeated often enough.

An Important Pre-WWII Film
The VHS version of the 1940 MGM film, "The Mortal Storm" is certainly worth viewing, and makes a strong contribution to any resource library dealing with the history of the Second World War.

This film version of Phyllis Bottome's book is expertly crafted in classic MGM style. Jimmy Stewart, Margaret Sullavan, Robert Young (Father Knows Best), Frank Morgan (The Wizard of Oz); gowns by Adrian, and art direction by Ward B. Rubottom (later to become Art Director at WED Enterprises / Disneyland Inc. for 1955's Main Street USA in Disneyland); all add up to a cast and crew that Hollywood can be proud of.

While the bombs had not yet dropped on Pearl Harbor, some in our nation could foresee the storm that was rising while Hitler seized power throughout Europe. This is the story of that rise, and the consequences for both action and inaction as power is centralized and abuse of that power spins out of control.

An historic and highly recommended story.

A Powerful Indictment Of Nazism
THE MORTAL STORM is an excellent movie about the early days of Nazi oppression. The film is adapted from a book by Phyllis Bottome.

The story concerns a young couple played by James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan who attempt to flee Germany to Austria on skis after Hitler gains power in 1933. The acting by Stewart and Sullivan is superb. A Strong supporting cast includes Robert Young, Frank Morgan, Robert Stack and Bonita Granville. Frank Borzage is known for directing many other fine movies including A FAREWELL TO ARMS.

Understanding "The Mortal Storm" means Understanding Borzage
Probably the best movie concerning the rise of Hitler and Nazism ever made. By far, the most compelling performances were that of Jimmy Stewart (Martin Breitner) and M. Sullivan. There are many familiar faces in this film that went on to even greater heights: Frank Morgan (The Wizard of Oz), Robert Stack (The Untouchables), & Robert Montgomery (Father Knows Best, Marcus Welby MD). But to really understand this film you have to understand the director, Frank Borzage. A 2-time Oscar winner (Seventh Heaven, The Bad Girl), he attained high rank in the Masonic Order. A primary axiom of the Masons was their belief in the universal brotherhood of man. The idea that all had value. This themes is very evident in the film. The alpine village depicted here serves as an excellent model relative to what happened in nearly every German home. Although a box office failure, the film serves as perhaps the best commentary ever on the effects of Nazism on the individual German family.

Powerful WWII-era political drama
A chilling and surprisingly effective political drama detailing Germany's transition from a center of European high civilization into the totalitarian paranoia of the Nazi regime. Jimmy Stewart is a free-thinking, kind hearted Everyman, whose best friends turn on him when he refuses Party membership, and whose life and career are destroyed by the people who were once his neighbors and confidants. The sense of horror and surprise at how swiftly things changed is made manifest in this film, which is one of Hollywood's most effective pre-war antifascist propaganda films. Margaret Sullavan plays opposite Stewart, and once again adds a nice touch to her role as the girl he loves, and the daughter of an eminent scientist who runs afoul of the local Nazi fanatics. Robert Stack also appears, so young (and so blond!) that you'll hardly recognize him. A powerful film; well worth watching. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Drew's films are brilliant! 20th may 2004.
Drew barrymore is a great actress in this aswell as her other films, and because i think she is ace that was why i probably loved this film. It is a touchy kind of drama, it happens to people in real life and the same thing as happened to jodie[barrymore]. It's about a 12 year old girl who as divorced parents and she would like to meet her dad, her life hasn't been that easy for her, due to how her parents are. She makes the time to catch back up with her grandfather and gets as close to him as any kid would do. Her mother decides to stop her from seeing her grandfather, and it all ends up in court. Jodie dosen't speak to him for a while cos of the lies he as told her. But it gets to where she does get back with him again, and does eventually see her father. THIS REFERS TO THE DVD EDITION.

Drew Barrymore at 13 and a star already. Good story.
Drew Barrymore plays a pre-teen who's father left her and her moher. Her mother is bitter and tries to keep Drew from seeing her father's father. The grandfaher, Robert Young, reaches out to his grand daughter. They each have fantasies to reconcile. Warm story. Nice lesson about commucation and the importance of grandparents, dreams and love. Not sticky at all. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Western Union is nominally one of those epic celebrations of great pioneer achievements, and its official heroes are an Eastern-bred, Harvard-trained engineer named Blake (Robert Young) and a visionary named Creight