I disagree, a bit, with several of the other reviews here. Yes, this is a very sentimental movie. But this was about life in the 1800s -- a simpler time. Not that Miss Bishop didn't have her challenges -- the love of her life stolen by her sister...who then dies while bearing a child...a child whom Miss Bishop raises while she herself becomes a spinster...a second love who cannot get a divorce to marry her. No, Miss Bishop did not lead a lovely life, even if she maintained her dignity throughout. No, Miss Bishop didn't have the fiery character that some character played by Bette Davis might have. But a Bette Davis character was not what author Bess Streeter Aldrich had in mind. This was a story of the heartland of America...a sort of adult "Little House On The Prairie". For those who want something more spicy, go elsewhere. This is not the film for you.
This was Martha Scott's film. No question. And whenever I see her, it amazes me that this is the lady who later played memorable roles in "The Ten Commandments" and "Ben-Hur". Miss Bishop is a very different type of character here, of course, but what a fine actress. Too bad she didn't make more films.
Supporting players of note include William Gargan (who later in life developed throat cancer, had his larynx removed, and then spoke through an artificial voice box), Edmund Gwenn (who doesn't seem much like Santa Claus here, but does very nicely), Rosemary DeCamp (making her film debut here), Sterling Holloway, and Sidney Blackmer.
This film is not for everyone. But, I enjoyed the simple tale, nicely told. Not for the DVD shelf, perhaps, but worth a watch for film buffs.
This was Martha Scott's film. No question. And whenever I see her, it amazes me that this is the lady who later played memorable roles in "The Ten Commandments" and "Ben-Hur". Miss Bishop is a very different type of character here, of course, but what a fine actress. Too bad she didn't make more films.
Supporting players of note include William Gargan (who later in life developed throat cancer, had his larynx removed, and then spoke through an artificial voice box), Edmund Gwenn (who doesn't seem much like Santa Claus here, but does very nicely), Rosemary DeCamp (making her film debut here), Sterling Holloway, and Sidney Blackmer.
This film is not for everyone. But, I enjoyed the simple tale, nicely told. Not for the DVD shelf, perhaps, but worth a watch for film buffs.