This superficial, ultra-glossy family saga features an outstanding cast, but like so many MGM efforts, that does not a good film make. Garson is unconvincing in her scenes as the aged matriarch, and her usual warmth is missing in one crucial scene: The maid has just told Agnes Moorehead how Mrs. Parkington is still, after a a year, despondent over the death of her son, when we see Garson, pouting like a young girl who's been told to get off the telephone.
Walter Pigeon, however, is quite good in a rare role as a less than perfect gentleman. Overall, solid story telling. But is the story worth telling?
Walter Pigeon, however, is quite good in a rare role as a less than perfect gentleman. Overall, solid story telling. But is the story worth telling?