I missed the opening credits so I didn't know the source material for this film, but all during the picture I kept thinking that it reminded me of "Magnificent Obsession"...and of course Lloyd Douglas wrote the story for this picture as well.
This is a small masterpiece, well written, nicely and realistically produced on a small scale, leaving room for the largeness of the story and its message about faith and true character, which both seem to be lacking in modern life.
The acting is the most outstanding element in this dated but beautiful piece. Rains of course was the most famous and accomplished character actor of his time and he takes this character and makes him his own, though Rains was English, as the character is not, and makes no effort to hide his British accent. Still, we believe him. Bonita Granville and Jackie Cooper are splendid as the two youngsters.
The big surprise is Fay Bainter. She was a renowned stage actress of her time and if you only know her later character work on film, you wouldn't suspect it. Here, she shines brightly and gives a touching, riveting performance. It's clear why she was so revered! I kept watching just waiting for her next scene to see what she would do with it.
Try to catch this when it's shown again. You'll be deeply moved by the story and by its people, living their lives full-tilt!
This is a small masterpiece, well written, nicely and realistically produced on a small scale, leaving room for the largeness of the story and its message about faith and true character, which both seem to be lacking in modern life.
The acting is the most outstanding element in this dated but beautiful piece. Rains of course was the most famous and accomplished character actor of his time and he takes this character and makes him his own, though Rains was English, as the character is not, and makes no effort to hide his British accent. Still, we believe him. Bonita Granville and Jackie Cooper are splendid as the two youngsters.
The big surprise is Fay Bainter. She was a renowned stage actress of her time and if you only know her later character work on film, you wouldn't suspect it. Here, she shines brightly and gives a touching, riveting performance. It's clear why she was so revered! I kept watching just waiting for her next scene to see what she would do with it.
Try to catch this when it's shown again. You'll be deeply moved by the story and by its people, living their lives full-tilt!