The Civil War is still burning in Missouri, months after the war. Gill MacBean (Thomas Mitchell), his wife Sairy (Selena Royle), his daughter Lissy Anne (Janet Leigh), and his youngest son Andrew (Dean Stockwell) are waiting for the oldest son Ben's return. He's still not home and hope is fading. As a southerner, Gill advocates against continuing the fight but still holds a grudge against his northern sympathizing neighbors, the Yearys. One night, a stranger named Henry Carson (Van Johnson) arrives in town. Gill reluctantly takes him on for the much-needed labor despite his refusal to claim a side.
This is a fascinating story especially with its post-war message. It may not be taken that well at the time. I don't know. The ending is very poetic but it doesn't hit with intensity. It needs some reworking. It is worth saving for the poetry.
This is a fascinating story especially with its post-war message. It may not be taken that well at the time. I don't know. The ending is very poetic but it doesn't hit with intensity. It needs some reworking. It is worth saving for the poetry.