This is one of those entries in which it is possible to read anything to support a point of view so that for academics 'teaching' film it is manna from heaven. Made at the height of the Cold War when titles like The Iron Curtain were tumbling off the assembly lines an obvious reading is a metaphor for Light versus Might. In retrospect rather a lot is being made of Nancy Davis - Reagan to be - when at the time she was just another ungifted actress on the way down. The film loads the dice in electing to portray an 'Everyfamily' almost too good to live who need virtually no coaxing to 'do better'. James Whitmore, more at home as hard-bitten Sergeants (Battle Cry) epitomizes decency in the way Alan Ladd and Jack Lemon did and so is an excellent choice for the patriarch. Director Wellman was equally more at home in masculine situations but makes a decent enough fist of this offbeat entry.
Review of The Next Voice You Hear...
