An excellent version of the popular Lloyd Douglas novel which had its world premiere in Douglas' home town of Columbia City, Indiana in 1938 The picture is one of the most heartwarming of the era and is very deftly directed and acted.There are plenty of opportunities for the picture to become mawkish, but it never does. It stars Fay Bainter in a role that would garner her an Academy Award nomination for best actress (she won best supporting that year for JEZEBEL). Claude Rains, her costar, is as impressive as ever and the other members of the cast are all top-flight. It was especially good to see Kay Johnson again. Jackie Cooper and Bonita Granville were very winning teenagers. And last, let us not omit Max Steiner's rich score.
Review of White Banners
