classicanne

This picture is glossy, stylishly photographed, full of vibrant characters, with periods of excellent dialogue. It was fun seeing several future stars in their first big movie roles...but I didn't like it.

I gave the movie 4 stars because of the qualities listed above, but I found it to be a high-powered soap opera that really did not develop the characters well because of a lack of time (even in 150 minutes!)for developing that many major characters. It was also hard to LIKE any of the characters, except perhaps for Polly, as she seemed one of the few characters with a modicum of common sense (though not always). Aside from that, it was depressing, aggravating and sad. I know there are those who love this movie, and I am disappointed because I expected to love it, too. For me, the best thing about it was when it was over.

I was interested in reading the story of the "real" Mokey and pleased that things eventually turned out well for him, but this movie was extremely aggravating. A thoughtless and irresponsible father and an ill-equipped, unsympathetic stepmother--no wonder this poor kid ran away! Granted, he always seemed to be getting into trouble, but most often he meant well and was only trying to please the adults in his life, such as they were. I realize this movie reflects life in a different time period, but the "licking" Mokey's father gave him does not make him suddenly a responsible dad; his being absent 99% of the time speaks volumes. And his stepmother! Well, let's just say it's too bad parenting classes weren't available in the 1940s...

As far as the movie itself goes, it was a bit slow in spots, but well-acted, particularly by little Bobby Blake. Donna Reed seemed rather stiff in this part; by the time "It's a Wonderful Life" came along she'd loosened up a bit and was a much more believable mother. Dan Dailey really didn't have enough scenes to make much of an impression. The African-American members of the cast all made positive contributions to the film.

Worth seeing, but if you love children, you'll want someone to give these parents a swift kick in the proverbial pants!

I had not watched this movie until today, passing up each opportunity over the years to view it, as I feared it would not live up to the 1954 blockbuster starring Judy Garland and James Mason.

I was right, it does not; it far surpasses the 1954 remake. Judy Garland is my favorite all-round entertainer, favorite singer, and the songs in the 1954 movie are classic treasures, and James Mason never disappoints in any film. However, in the 1937 version the story is told more sensitively, with more shading. Janet Gaynor is perfect as the home-grown farm girl seeking to make her mark in Hollywood, and Fredric March is very convincing as the has-been who cannot cope with his declining value in Hollywood, especially since he caused much of it himself.

I had thought that I might miss the music in this earlier version, but I found after having watched it that I didn't miss it at all. The movie was engrossing from beginning to end and stood on its own merits. I was moved by this film in a way that I never had been by the later remake.

SEE this film if you love a good story; don't put it off for years the way I did. Simply, simply wonderful...