The Farmer's Daughter (1947) User Reviews (40)

Fresh Off the Farm for Mr. Oscar

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 27 August 2007]

When Loretta Young beat out Rosalind Russell in the Academy Award sweepstakes of 1947 it was considered one of the great upsets in the history of Oscar. Russell had gotten a lot of acclaim for her dramatic breakthrough performance in Mourning Becomes Electra which was RKO's prestige picture of the year. The O'Neill drama flopped at the box office. Young was nominated almost as an afterthought to round out the field in 1947. Of course RKO didn't care because The Farmer's Daughter was also one of their films.

Young worked hard to get her proper Swedish accent for the film and the results would have made Greta Garbo proud. I can't see Garbo appearing in a film like The Farmer's Daughter though.

Young plays Katie Holstrum who leaves the family farm to study nursing and in an almost Forrest Gump like set of circumstances winds up working as a maid in Congressman Joseph Cotten's home. She's not working for just Cotten. Presiding over the home and the state of Minnesota itself is Cotten's mother Ethel Barrymore. Ethel's not only queen of her own roost, but she's a Senator's widow and still one formidable power in her state of Minnesota. And there's Charles Bickford the family butler who got an Oscar nomination himself in this film for Best Supporting Actor as Young's gruff, but kindly mentor.

Although at the time this film was made Young was 34 years old she does manage to convey youth here. It worked in this case because in 1947 a lot of people were starting their careers late. It's pointed out in the story that she stayed on the family farm while her beefcake brothers, James Arness, Keith Andes, and Lex Barker were all in the service during World War II.

A long running television series was adapted from this film with the tragic Inger Stevens in the lead and William Windom in Cotten's role. Cathleen Nesbitt was the grande political dame. The butler's role was dropped and Windom was made a widower with two boys. Even with a genuine Swede like Stevens playing Katie, Young still comes out the better.

Too bad Rosalind Russell never got an Oscar, but Loretta Young was one of the great survivors of Hollywood and her award was as much an award for a lifetime as for the still fresh and funny, The Farmer's Daughter.

Poignant story

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 8 October 2004]

Not having seen the movie before, it was a complete surprise to watch it on cable the other night. This film shows that little, if nothing, ever changes in the world of politics. In fact, it could well be compared to this year's presidential contest. The only thing that has changed from the time where this film was done is that in order to win an election in this country, the candidate must be independently wealthy, or have benefactors that are willing to put up the money in exchange of favors down the line, or not be able to run at all.

H. C. Potter's film shows us a slice of what on the surface was an ideal time in America during the 40s, but deep down, this film speaks a lot of what was wrong then, in a subtle way.

Young Katrin Holstrom arrives in Capital City wanting to be a nurse. She has to change plans because when she arrives in the city, she has no money because an unscrupulous man had swindled her out of it. She begins working as a maid at the Morley's mansion. They are the local big name in politics. Mrs. Morley makes candidates, or destroys them. Her own son, Glenn is a Congressman.

All this atmosphere contributes to the growth of Katrin, or Katie, as she is called. She takes an interest in politics and she shows that she can speak and ask the right questions the candidates don't want to answer. The movie shows the dirty side of campaigns, in general, as is the case of with what's happening in 2004 in America.

Loretta Young was perfect as Katrin Halstrom. In this film she out charms everyone that she comes in contact with. Joseph Cotten is as effective as she always was in whatever he appeared in. Ethel Barrymore is Agatha, the rich woman behind the political machine. Charles Bickford is also excellent as Joseph, the butler.

Most movies from that period are sadly dated, but this one keeps the ideals of democracy in check. Bravo to Dory Schary for bringing this movie to the screen.

Opportunity Knocks for Loretta Young

[wes-connors · 8/10 · 28 August 2007]

Loretta Young plays a Swedish "Cinderella" who rises from poor Minnesota farm girl to potential Washington official. This is very much a "Star Vehicle" for Ms. Young, and she is remarkable - lifting the routine rags-to-riches story far above the expected. Some of the supporting players seem a little silly - maybe playing caricatures - but, Ethel Barrymore and Charles Bickford are recommended viewing; and, Young is admirably assisted by Joseph Cotton as "leading man".

There were some surprises in the predictably - at one time, the film looks like it's going to end poorly, but turns around nicely. The production values are relatively high, so ignore the fake snow scene. Surprisingly, the behind-the-scenes political dealings pulled few punches, with Ms. Barrymore's presence strongly felt. A much better film than expected.

******** The Farmer's Daughter (3/25/47) H.C. Potter ~ Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore

Loretta Young is charming in Oscar-winning role...

[Doylenf · 24 May 2001]

Loretta Young with blonde hairdo and Swedish accent is a congressman's housekeeper with lots of common sense ideas herself of how things ought to be. Soon she herself is running for office--but not before romantic developments occur between Young and Joseph Cotten (as Congressman Morley). This is the sort of fresh comedy with warm appeal that made the most of Young's abilities--as did her roles in other such warmhearted comedies as "The Bishop's Wife" and "Come to the Stable". She surprised everyone (including herself) by winning an Oscar against stiff competition--Rosalind Russell, Susan Hayward, Joan Crawford among the nominees. It was quite a year for Loretta. Her other film, "The Bishop's Wife", was nominated in the Best Picture category.

Ethel Barrymore and Charles Bickford lend solid support (Bickford won a Supporting Actor nomination) and a young actor by the name of Lex Barker had a small role as one of Loretta's hunky brothers. Still a fresh and charming comedy.

Love and politics - two things which never change.

[bobc-5 · 7/10 · 17 May 2001]

When a senator dies in office, Congressman Morley and his fellow party leaders have to come up with a candidate to run in the election to replace him. Everyone is agreement, accept for Morley's second maid. A Swedish-American farm girl who came to the city to become a nurse, she had to take temporary jobs when she was conned out of her tuition money. Not nearly as naive or helpless as she appeared, she was quickly given a permanent position at the Morley household. She isn't one to hold back on expressing her own political views, and by the end of the movie she's running against the Morley political machine even as she is finding romance with Congressman Morley.

The movie is a bit dated, but because of the excellent script and acting it still manages to be a fresh and amusing comedy. The political satire is much more restrained then what modern audiences are used to, but the topics haven't aged at all. You've got two parties with no obvious ideological differences engaged in partisan bickering and mudslinging while a small group of wealthy and powerful men decide who is going to run for office. Integrity takes a back seat to party politics and favors. Even an unnamed white supremacy group rears its ugly head. When asked what type of politician she would be, the farmer's daughter tells us exactly what she would not be - a typical politician who only represents the wealthy people who financed their campaign and the powerful elite who backed them. Has anything actually changed in the last 50 years?

Fish For Sale!

[krorie · 10/10 · 2 January 2006]

This one's a winner all the way, not a silly comedy but a wry comment on American politics then, before, and since with some humor sprinkled in every now and then. Too bad there aren't more like Katrin Holstrom and Glenn Morley on Capitol Hill. Strange this movie based on a play and directed by a man noted more for stage direction than for film direction should play like a movie should play and not be just another stage play on celluloid. Also the romantic attraction between Katrin and Glenn seems natural with no saccharine added.

Talk about a cynical approach to mass political rallies to introduce new candidates for popular vote: Joseph Clancy (Charles Bickford) seeing that Katrin Holstrom (Loretta Young) is confused about what is happening before her eyes remarks that the crowd will approve thunderously of anything said aloud. He proceeds to stand up and yell "Fish for Sale" and the entire auditorium roars with unequivocal approval.

And what acting down to the minutest part. Loretta Young deservedly won best actress. Charles Bickford was nominated and should have won best supporting actor. He stands tall above them all and competition is heavy in this flick. You have to be on your toes to out act the likes of Ethel Barrymore and Joseph Cotten, two of the finest acting talents ever, but Loretta Young and Charles Bickford succeed in doing just that.

This is one of those pictures that Hollywood used to make that is fun from start to finish with surprising twists and turns from time to time. Though all comes out well in the finish, getting there is worth the journey. Plus this happy ending fits and is not just tacked on for custom and tradition. This little film actually speaks more appropriately for what is good in America than movies with more ballyhoo such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."

Ahead of its time - Women in politics!

[PudgyPandaMan · 7/10 · 2 April 2008]

I love the premise of this movie - not only is a woman running for Congress, but she's the daughter of an immigrant, and on top of it, she is currently employed as a maid! Talk about aspirations and dreaming big! Not too bad considering women just won the right to vote in 1920 and this movie was released in 1947. "Women's participation in national political life remained low long after the right to vote was gained in 1920. No more than two women served in the Senate at any time until 1994, and fewer than a dozen were Congressional Representatives until 1955. Current representation is 16 senators and 67 representatives, around 15% of the United States Congress." (Wikipedia - History of Women in The U.S.) And here we are some 60+ years since this movie and we have a woman running for President!

But I think this film was ahead of its time showing a woman running for Congress in the 40's. I'm sure it must have raised a few eyebrows in spite of its success and awards. I'm sure there were detractors in its day that dismissed the premise as foolishness or pure Hollywood fantasy. Either way, it is a great movie that stands the test of time and is just as relevant today (especially being an election year).

Happy viewing!

Katie For Congress

[telegonus · 9/10 · 26 June 2003]

The Farmer's Daughter is a disarmingly charming comedy from the late forties featuring an Oscar-winning performance by Loretta Young in the title role, as a farm-girl turned housemaid in a congressman's family who steals her boss's heart. The rest of the cast give nicely tuned performance, with no real hamming from anyone, which in the case of Ethel Barrymore as the family matriarch, is somewhat surprising, as she tended to overdo it with her eyes and that patrician voice,--but not here. Joseph Cotten's natural good natured goofiness works well in the film, and like Miss Barrymore, he reins himself in more than usual here. Charles Bickford as the butler is fine also. The best performance in the movie for my money, though, is that of Rhys Williams, as an amorous and amoral house-painter who is also the villain of the piece. Director Hank Potter paces the film well, and the sets are excellently designed and beautiful to behold, especially that of the main house. There's a lot of surface intelligence in the movie, if not much real braininess despite, near the end, its attempt to wring some Capraesque meaning from its slight story. A very good but not great film, this one's worth seeing for what passed for upper echelon if not quite top of the line entertainment a half century or more ago.

A little too sweet for its own good

[MOscarbradley · 6/10 · 7 June 2018]

Loretta Young was the surprise winner of the 1947 Best Actress Oscar for her performance in "The Farmer's Daughter". It's not much of a performance in dramatic terms but it's a very likeable one in a very likeable, if somewhat silly, film. It's a political fairytale with the good guys naturally coming out on top, (neither of the two parties is actually named), as well as a romantic comedy with the maid (Young) falling for the master of the house, (Jospeh Cotten), who happens to be a congressman. Twenty minutes in and you can see exactly where the film is going; the only real surprise is just how well it did. If the central theme is much too cloying there is at least a decent supporting cast headed by Ethel Barrymore, (Cotten's overly sweet mother), and Charles Bickford, (the gruff butler with a heart of gold). H C Potter was the director so you knew not to expect too much.

A farm girl runs for Congress

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 23 February 2012]

Loretta Young and Joseph Cotten star in The Farmer's Daughter, a 1947 film also starring Ethel Barrymore and Charles Bickford.

Young, in a role originally intended for Ingrid Bergman, won an Oscar for her portrayal of Katie Holstrom, a young woman who lives on a farm with her family. She saves her money and goes off to the big city to become a nurse. Unfortunately, thanks to taking a ride from someone who once worked for her family, she ends up loaning him her money and he won't pay her back. So she takes a temporary job as a second maid in the house of a Congressman (Cotten) until she can save enough for school.

It turns out that Katie is pretty outspoken when it comes to politics and, not only that, knows her stuff. When a congressman dies, Katie goes to a rally for the replacement that the party has put forward and embarrasses him with her questions. Political leaders from the other side are impressed and want her to run against him.

It's always fascinating to me, and a little sad, that films with political themes, no matter how old they are, always seem timely. I guess that's where the term "politics as usual" comes from, though no one adds "for the last hundred years." In this film, 100$ American is described by Finley, the party's candidate, as "white, not foreign born, of the right religion." Now tell me that couldn't be a scene today. The search for dirt is in this film, as is all the back office manuevering.

Loretta Young as a blond is every bit as beautiful as she was as a brunette, and she is a delight as the efficient, intelligent Katie. One can easily see how Joseph Cotten could fall for her. Ethel Barrymore, as Cotten's mother and the widow of a political great, does a wonderful job, strong-willed, clever, and no-nonsense. Charles Bickford, as the family's butler and friend is excellent as tough taskmaster who is nevertheless very impressed with his new charge.

This is a very warm film with a terrific cast that will give you some chuckles and make you realize that the more things change, the more they remain the same - in politics. In movies - well, that's another matter.

Poor, but savy, women can be US congresswomen

[weezeralfalfa · 7/10 · 28 May 2017]

This is a Horatio Alger story. Loretta Young, as immigrant farm girl Katie Holstrom, plans to go to nursing school now that her brothers have returned from the armed services to help run their farm. But, her plan is altered when the painter of their barn offers her a ride to her school, saving her bus fare. But, he has a bad idea with her, wrecking his jeep in front of a motel so that they have to stay at the motel until his car is fixed. Since he is broke and has no insurance, she must pay the damages to the other car. This takes all her money, so after hitchhiking the rest of the way to school, she immediately looks for a job as a maid(with no references,). By luck, she immediately gets a job as a maid for the wealthy, politically influential, Morley family, consisting of the matriarch Agatha(Ethel Barrymore), and her son and US congressman, Glenn(Joseph Cotton). We don't discover their background, but presumably the absent father was/is an important political figure, leaving Agatha an important political powerbroker.

Initially, Katie is met by the house majordomo Joe Clancey(Charles Bickford). She initially planned to work only a few months, to get back on her financial feet. However, she is so talented at household chores, they want her to stay longer. She gets involved with a political campaign to fill a congressional seat left vacant by the death of a local congressman. She digs up some shady dealings by the man favored by Agatha: Finley(Art Baker)and tells them at a political rally. This catches the attention of the opposition party, who decide to run her as their candidate. Of course, Katie has no prior political experience, so she runs on a platform of honest and fair dealing, without bias toward financial supporters of her campaign. She champions certain liberal policies, such as a living minimal wage. Presumably, this would include unemployment insurance, programs that support living prices for agricultural products, the rights of organized labor, and various safety net programs. She seems to have good practical organization skills, as well.

Finley, her opponent, says he believes in "Americanism". By his, he seems to mean policies that favor businesses, the status quo, smaller government footprint, WASPS(White, Anglo-Saxon Protestants) and which minimize welfare programs, and opposes subversive political parties(Communists, included).

Eventually, it's realized that her platform encompasses some goals that both parties subscribe to, hence, she is endorsed by both parties, and including Agatha. After it's revealed that Finley tried to smear her private reputation by false evidence, she wins the race by a landslide.

Along with the political aspects, there is a growing romantic attraction between Katie and Glenn, despite their sometimes political differences. There's even an exciting brawl between Glenn plus her 3 brothers vs. Finley's goons plus the painter.

So, what are the apparent take home messages?

1)Political campaigns should stress specific issues, general philosophy and character, rather than personal wealth or conformity to a political machine.

2) Policies that promote the general welfare, whether they involve strengthening or maintaining safety nets and livable wages, or promotion of meaningful job-creating businesses, should be favored.

3)Women, even immigrants, can make useful politicians. They are less likely to be involved in scandal or corruption, tend to have more practical experience in certain specialties, and tend to be more compassionate toward the disadvantaged and children issues.

In 1947, when this film was released, women made up only 1.5-2.0% of the House of Representatives, and there were no women senators. As of the recent election, women made up about 20% of both the House members and senators. This shows the great increase in women involved in national politics since this film was released.(I'm not claiming that this increase was substantially promoted by this film).

"A Daughter's Surprise ***1/2

[edwagreen · 9/10 · 15 January 2006]

Loretta Young's Oscar-winning performance in "The Farmer's Daughter" was a major upset in 1947. All the so called experts had predicted that Rosalind Russell would win for "Mourning Becomes Electra." Ms. Young had some hefty competition besides Russell. We had Susan Hayward for "Smash-up: The Story of A Woman," and Dorothy McGuire, for the Oscar winning film, "Gentleman's Agreement"

Nonetheless, Loretta is to be congratulated for her authentic Swedish accent as a maid who works for a Congressman and by the end is elected to that high office herself.

We see corruption in politics;unfortunately, not something unusual even for these times. What makes it somewhat scary is the bigotry that is introduced along with the corruption.

With fine support by Ethel Barrymore, Joseph Cotten and Charles Bickford, "The Farmer's Daughter" is a wonderful movie.

A great political lesson

[james-warner-1 · 7/10 · 5 September 2005]

I have never forgotten one magnificent scene from "The Farmer's Daughter" which I saw many years ago when it was first released. Since then, I have never watched a political convention on TV without thinking about it. A very naive and innocent Loretta Young goes to a gigantic political convention with Charles Bickford, an old-timer in the political arena. She is overwhelmed by the crowd's enthusiasm and the confusion. But Bickford is disparaging and tells her to jump up in the midst of everything and simply shout, "Fresh fish!!" She doesn't understand why but does it anyway. Immediately the crowd yells and cheers wildly. It's a magnificent comment on how well convention goers listen to what's going on. I'm waiting for someone who has seen "The Farmer's Daughter" to do the same thing today. But no luck yet!!

The Worst Sort of Propaganda: Obvious

[aramis-112-804880 · 5/10 · 3 February 2022]

I like Loretta Young, I really do. But I watched this weird exercise in agitprop because I'm a bigger fan of Joseph Cotten. I wish I hadn't wasted my time.

Young is a nice girl from a Swedish farm family (I thought I'd like it because I come from poor, country farm stock). On her way to "Capital City" to learn nursing she's cheated out of all the money she has ($75) by a sleazy sign painter and has to take the first job available, which happens to be a maid for very nice, rich politicos. Isn't that life for you? And she falls for the son of the family, a young Congressman himself, who returns her affection.

So far, it's a story that could happen to anyone across this great land of ours.

Young won an Oscar but she's given better performances, including one that very same year. Rosalind Russell was expected to win for "Mourning Becomes Electra" but that movie should have been called "The Big Snooze." Did anyone ever make it through "Mourning Becomes Electra" without so much as a doze?

Young the maid and her boss Cotten quibble over issues for which Cotten's character, a Young but professional politician slowly climbing that greasy pole, has no ready answer (I could have answered it as a member of an informed electorate but the movie people even back in 1947 believed leftists had the right answers and people who disagreed must ipso facto be at a loss, which is simply stupid).

But when she reads what's meant to be a serious speech praising the League of Nations, it's eye-rollingly ridiculous. It would be laughable if someone hadn't thought it was a pious, self-righteously oh-so-serious we might be in church and her face should glow.

It naturally gets all its facts wrong. The League of nations was proposed by that war-mongering autocratic Woodrow Wilson, but after the horrors of the Great War the "little people" (as leftists and Hollywood like to think of the rest of us) wanted to wash our hands of further European involvement. It was a silly idea and anyone who reads a history of the League will see it was a contributing factor in the next European war. In 1947 that bit was no doubt thrown in as a sop to the United Nations (which Solzenhitsyn rightfully described as the "United Regimes" since so many of its members cling to power by holding their people at gunpoint).

At that point I got kind of queasy and stopped watching; but I'd seen most of it. As I understand it, this Swedish non-Nightingale (since she abandoned nursing) ran for office and won. Good for her. Only in America.

A probable political Oscar win was the result of Young's silly attempt at a Swedish accent. But as the other nominees after Young and Russelll were Susan Hayward, Joan Crawford and Dorothy McGuire for movies I haven't seen, I admit that's supposition.

After the mendacious paean to Woodrow Wilson I guessed they awarded Young (though she did better work as the title character in "The Bishop's Wife": holding her own against Cary Grant was a tougher proposition than against Joseph Cotten) a sort of "honorary best actress award" thinking the UN (in movie terms, "League of Nations II"; it's an idea that failed once so we'll try it again) would stop wars. But Truman's Korean conflict, which my father got caught up in, was right around the corner. And JFK's Vietnam. And . . . But this sort of movie was written by the sort of people who cried when the Berlin Wall fell and deny freedom protesters died at Tiananmen Square.

Overall, I favor this woman's climb to power to Mildred Pierce's, but I don't like the movie. It's supposed to be a comedy, but that just means a lot of chweriness and a happy ending, unless you consider Cotten falling through the ice, and a long-signalled fall at that, to be the height of hilarity. To me, nothing in this movie comes near a line from a Thin Man movie where the maid comes in and calmly announces, "The swimming pool is on fire."

"The Farmer's Daughter" is light-head-- . . . Oops, I mean lighthearted but it's not fun unless you slavishly agree with its simple-minded politics. Otherwise, you're the enemy in its crosshairs. Even if you're poor, small-town, farm-stock "little people" like me.

Not just a sentimental comedy

[sullivan-1 · 24 February 2004]

Yes, I suppose there may be spoilers here, so beware.

I just saw this movie for the first time last night on TCM and it surprises me that not even Bob Osborne got it. This is not just a sentimental little vehicle for Loretta Young and Joe Cotton. It is that, of course, and a delightful one. But it also happens to be a subversive political and feminist manifesto.

Oh really?

First, check out the timing. It was made in 1947, the year the House Un-American Activities Committee started rampaging though Hollywood looking for Commie witches and subversive agendas. They need have looked no further than this movie but as far as I know, they missed it too. Loretta Young got an Academy Award.

Second, check out the producer. Dore Schary was notorious for opposing the activities of the HUAC and the Hollywood blacklist. Though I don't think he was ever officially blacklisted, he was certainly outspoken and was frequently painted with a red brush.

Third, check out the issues Katie raises in her campaign: a living wage for American workers, an end to exploiting common people, the right to protest and speak out. And underlying it all, the unspoken admonition to pay attention to what these guys on the podium are actually saying; don't just cheer and follow. All stuff that would have gotten her blacklisted if anybody was paying attention.

Fourth, check out the guy she was campaigning against (spoiler?), who turns out to be a figurehead for a secret right wing group that wants to make sure everybody is on the right ("White?" asks Mrs. Morely pointedly) page. He's booted unceremoniously from the Morely parlor.

And finally, (here's the main spoiler) check out what happens to her. A sappy romantic comedy would have ended in the chicken yard, with Glenn saving her from ignominy by marrying her and whisking her away with him to Washington. She gets to Washington, all right, and she's his wife. But that's not the only way she gets there.

This movie was a delightfully subversive thumb in the eye of the forces of darkness in 1947 Hollywood. And the forces of darkness were too buy mooning over Loretta Young to get it.

Remake, anyone?

Superb Capraesque comedy

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 24 June 2012]

Although this film is not as famous, it reminds me a lot of the general patriotic theme that you find in "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", and while James Stewart's performance in that film was a blockbuster, Loretta Young's performance here earned her an Oscar.

The story is simple. Swedish country girl living in the Midwest travels to the big city. Gets somewhat taken advantage of, but land with her feet on the ground. Scores a job as a maid in a politician's home (Joseph Cotton, a member of the House Of Representatives), whose mother (Ethel Barrymore) is a party leader. Boy falls in love with girl. Girl runs for Congress herself. Blackmailer steps forward. The mother and son do what's wright. Girl wins seat in Congress...and a husband. Illogical? Yes. But charmingly so, and again, there's that Capracornish patriotism, though Frank Capra had nothing to do with this film.

Loretta Young is excellent here, particular in a role which would have been easy to play over the top. But she played it square, and that leads to the success of the film. Joseph Cotton is excellent as the Congressman...in fact, now that I think of it, a very underrated actor. Ethel Barrymore is superb...but, then, wasn't she always? Charles Bickford -- not always high on my list of supporting character actors -- is perfect here...believable as the butler who is a real part of a powerful family. The only disappointment here is Harry Davenport, one of my favorite character actors...who is on screen less than 2 minutes. Interestingly, James Arness plays one of Young's brothers, but he is listed as James Aurness (note the spelling; his real family name).

The only other time I saw this film was years ago on the late show...I remember a scratchy print that I thought was pretty stupid. So I am glad to see this again to correct my opinion. A classic that is well worth watching, and perhaps buying for your DVD shelf.

Great fun

[ctomvelu1 · 8/10 · 27 July 2012]

Brilliantly written social comedy drama about a farmer's daughter who ends up in the employ of a congressman, and then ends up running for office herself. Loretta Young was at the height of her powers as the country girl and Joseph Cotten is the congressman. As I have never cottoned to Cotten, I will say nothing about his performance other than I wish someone else -- anyone else -- had been given the role. I never bought Cotton as an actor, especially as a leading man. Ethel Barrymore is Cotten's politically savvy mother, and the supporting cast is first-rate. The film could just as easily have been made in the 1930s, as it has that era's feel. While it takes a simplistic view of Ame4rican politics, it is still delightful to watch. The subsequent TV series with Inger Stevens was not nearly as interesting.

democracy in one interpretation

[lee_eisenberg · 6/10 · 2 March 2018]

OK, so "The Farmer's Daughter" contains some outdated depictions of gender relations. What's important about the movie is how it addresses the issue of democracy, even though it does so in a hokey manner. Loretta Young's country girl accidentally wanders into politics and has the most direct proposal for what an honest government should be. It reminded me of "Born Yesterday", wherein Judy Holliday's character learns about the US Constitution.

The obvious cliche is that it's a wholesome rural person who comes in and challenges the power structure. But most of the movie still has some enjoyable stuff. As to the issue of whether or not Young deserved her Oscar win for this, I haven't seen the other nominees for that year, so I can't judge.

Anyway, an OK movie.

We need more of these types of films today.

[gabby2001 · 9/10 · 20 March 2004]

I was truly impressed with this movie. It entertainingly told us how important our votes are. It was not heavy handed, but showed us how important each and every voice is. How anyone can run for public office and represent certain values. It showed us how ugly politics can get, the smear campaigns, the lying and payoffs. It is something many of today's voters are painfully unaware of. In this day of apathy, it is time for films such as these to be released and remind us of how wonderful this country is, and how important a single vote is. It is a personal right, a way of running our own government, something that is woefully ignored in today's filmmaking. Capra said it many times over in films such as "Meet John Doe" and "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" -- they were big hits. Hollywood -- it is time to do something right for our country!

Progressive Hollywood

[Bunnymama5 · 6/10 · 3 January 2012]

Even as far back as 1947 the progressive left agenda is inserted: social justice and Woodrow Wilson...too bad it didn't make an impact when I first watched this movie in 1947...good movie but insinuations not subtle...Enjoyed Miss Barrymore, grande dame of both stage and screen...Ms. Young was terrific, as was the supporting staff,ie, the butler...even then the corruption of this city was and is known...makes an impact of the danger of one party in power too long...the attention to detail in the props, the costuming is outstanding...the patronizing tone, the attempt to shut down debate are all too reminiscent of present times...if we neglect the errors of the past it is too easy to repeat our mistakes...surprised this movie is not required for film studies to pour over for relevance.

Hard-to-Resist; Intelligent, Light-hearted Satire; Postwar Political Romance

[silverscreen888 · 8/10 · 3 July 2005]

Perhaps this is Loretta Young's best film ever, and best performance ever. This attractive B/W classic satire stars Joseph Cotten as her handsome politico boss, Ethel Barrymore as his understanding mother, and an outstanding cast who support their political and romantic involvements. But Katie Holstrom does not begin this film as a candidate nor anyone's fiancée; she begins it on a farm with her large family with a plan to go to school as a nurse in the big city.What happens next is she leaves, and within one day has been bilked of her savings. The need for a job drives her to seek employment as housemaid to a Congressman, Glenn Morley, played by Cotten, and his mother. Ethel Barrymore. Under the house major-domo Charles Bickford, she proves herself to be possessed of charm, common sense, lively intelligence and honesty--qualities which please well when they are not exasperating her employers, unused to such qualities in a world of politicians. Katrin and Glenn find themselves attracted, despite his having a fiancée (Rose Hobart). But when the party's candidate for Congress has to be dumped, it is Katie who somehow gets chosen to run, and wins. The film's climax is Katie's victory, the ending is the romantic pair's arrival in Washington. The values of this award- winning films are not hidden ones. Milton S. Krasner, cinematography, sets by Darrell Silvers and Harley Miller , Edith Head's costumes and many more contribute to the overall effect. The lighting throughout is like a sunny outdoors; and the actors are outstanding. Along with the leads, the director, H.C. Potter, featured Harry Shannon and Anna Q. Nilsson as Katie's parents, Lex Barker, James Arness and Keith Andes as her brawny brothers, Art Baker, Rhys Williams, William Harrigan, Tom Powers, Thurston Hall and many others. The script by Allen Rivin and Laura Kerr adapts Juhani Tervapää's delightful play seamlessly to the screen. The film's pace is interestingly steady and unhurried, its dialogue good or better at all points. The theme of the plot it to be true to oneself; and the story develops this in terms of a time when an individual could be offered as a candidate on the basis of his/her attributes, not of inherited millions. As refreshing as a summer breeze, and often as delightful. This is a classic of anti- Establishment thinking that is only occasionally political at all. Dservedly popular achievement.

It raises one's eyebrows

[david-sims8 · 6/10 · 27 January 2007]

I have read all 16 previous reviews containing glowing admiration for Loretta Young in this film. While I enjoyed watching Cotton and Barrymore, I felt uncomfortable watching and listening to Ms. Young. Firstly,she appears to be so much older than her brothers. In fact, if someone said that Ms. Young was the mother of Peter, Sven...it wouldn't have been too much of a stretch to imagine just that.

Secondly, are we to believe that two weeks worth of robust projection lessons would decrease her accent to the point of making Ms. Young sound like no stranger to Toastmasters? If anything, her accent would be more pronounced during such high pressure activities, such as speech-making in front of potential constituents.

Finally, sometimes, one heard a decrease in accent, only to hear a full come back in the following scene. I would have preferred my accent in one of the following three ways:1)a lessoning of accent in direct correlation with the length of the movie; 2)a complete absence of accent; or 3)include in the movie something explaining away the accent, such as diction lessons with Barrymore during the six months of waiting for Cotton's return, The accent grew so annoying after awhile.

A decent and entertaining film...and a GIFT for Loretta Young!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 15 May 2008]

Before I say all the positives I plan on saying about THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER, I feel I must point out that the Oscar that Loretta Young received for her performance was a gift. While her competition was relatively weak that year, there were better ones. One reviewer pointed out that Rosalind Russell was the presumed favorite, but relative newcomer Susan Hayward's performance in SMASH UP was exceptional and truly deserved the Oscar (watch this film--you'll see what I mean). As for Young, she was amusing to watch but also a bit embarrassing with her silly Swedish accent (which, at times, she forgot to employ). Plus, her role was so slight and light-weight that I just can't understand the committee's decision to award her the statuette for such an ordinary performance. There I said it...now on to the film itself.

THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER was a cute little comedy about a nice lady (Young) from the country that moves to the city and becomes the maid to a US congressman (Joseph Cotton) and his mother (Ethel Barrymore). Because she is such a nice, bright and hard-working lady, Young is almost instantly accepted into the family. Cotton, in particular, seems very taken with her and considering how sweet she is, it didn't seem all that surprising.

Quite unexpectedly, in the middle of the film it is announced that another congressman has died and they need to have a special election to fill the post. Cotton and Barrymore are THE party machine for the state and they decide to put up a man who Young dislikes. At the rally to introduce this candidate, Young is so annoyed at the nominee that she gets up and voices her concerns for his fitness. As a result, she receives a lot of media attention and is soon tapped to be the candidate for the opposition party--creating quite a dilemma for Cotton and his party! There's a lot more to the film, but the overall effort seems a lot like a comedic version of MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON. Cute and entertaining throughout and written very cleverly--it's well worth a look and is sure to provide a few laughs.

By the way, look at Young's three brothers in the film. NONE of them has a Swedish accent and one of them is a young James Arness.

A sweet little film about the smallest characters taking over the biggest constitution.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 29 January 2023]

The Farmer's Daughter (1947) : Brief Review -

A sweet little film about the smallest characters taking over the biggest constitution. H. C. Potter's small filmography gave us a few small films that have remained underrated since their release. When I saw "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" (1948) and loved it, I decided to watch more of his works, and that's how this small and less talked-about film, "The Farmer's Daughter," came into my watchlist. I don't blame myself for missing out on his good films because I was busy watching some real known and unknown classics right from 1901, so it took a little longer in that process to reach here. Dear Potter, I am sorry I was late, but it's better than never, right? That famous phrase fits perfectly here. I had a fun time watching The Farmer's Daughter, despite the fact that it's not an out-and-out comedy flick. It's steady fun that keeps a smile on your face and immerses you in an enchanting viewing experience. It is a simple but big story of a young woman who leaves her family's farm to study nursing in the city. She is cheated right after crossing the house gate and then finds a maid's job at a congressman's house. She falls in love with a congressman, but then circumstances put her on the opposite side, where she is to run the elections. The screenplay carries many time-passing moments, if not heavy gags, and then there is good writing that keeps it highly engaging. I don't want to get into the arguments surrounding Loretta Young's Oscar win, but I liked her performance. Her cuteness and innocence are simply adorable. Joseph Cotten was good as always, and Ethel Barrymore sprung a nice surprise. I couldn't really gather what role Charles Bickford was playing in the beginning, but what he did later won me over. Overall, H. C. Potter has made an entertaining film for small and big families, but there are some good social-political speeches too.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Young's Oscar

[Michael_Elliott · 28 February 2008]

Farmer's Daughter, The (1947)

*** (out of 4)

Loretta Young won an Oscar for her performance of a Swedish maid who goes to work for a Senator (Joseph Cotten) but then ends up running against his party for a seat in Congress. This film really is two separate movies with the first half being a romantic comedy and the second half being a political drama. The first half is decent but nothing special, although Cotten really steals this half with his comic timing. The second half belongs to Young who really goes powerhouse with her political speeches and hopes for the country. I think the film should have paid more attention to the political side of things because it made for some nice drama while the love story is very predictable. Cotten and Young have wonderful chemistry together but the supporting cast is just as good. Ethyl Barrymore and Charles Bickford nearly steal the film Rhys Williams, Harry Davenport and Tom Powers adding nice support. The film has Frank Capra written all over it and I'm sure he would have made more out of the overall film but for what's here there's plenty to enjoy.