The Bridge on the River Kwai, 1957

Rated PG

“The Bridge on the River Kwai” is an epic British POW film set in the jungle during World War II. It is based on the best-selling novel The Bridge OVER the River Kwai. (Personally, I think the latter preposition is more appropriate…) The book is loosely based on true events and a real-life character, the British Lieutenant Colonel. In the story, British soldiers are captured and forced to build a bridge for the Japanese army. The bridge will allow the railway to connect major cities in order to bring in more troops and supplies.  I had never seen this film before and was interested in watching and learning about a different area involved in World War II.

As the captured troops are marching into the camp in the beginning, I immediately recognized the tune they whistled: “Colonel Boogey’s March”. I’m sure if someone whistled it to you, you’d recognize it too. (It is also whistled by the campers in the movie “The Parent Trap” with Haley Mills). The original march was actually written in 1914. The one whistled in this film is in fact a counter-march written by the composer. Supposedly, the British audiences fully understood the underlying humor in this whistle since popular lyrics had been circulating during WWII… Hitler Has Only Got One Ball. Let me move on…

After the British and Japanese Commanders settle their differences about codes of conduct and prisoner-of-war rules, the Colonel leads his men in constructing the bridge. With his men’s help, who seem a little all-too-eager, they work hard and fast to ensure the bridge is completed on time, which at first was deemed an impossible task. Meanwhile, back at the British camp, officers have set out to destroy the completed bridge and the passing train on its maiden voyage. They believe it is their duty to destroy something that is so obviously a benefit for the enemy’s army. It seems that the Colonel’s drive and determination to be a good leader and ‘play by the rules’ has clouded the reality of the situation. He even congratulates his men and what they have accomplished in the face of adversity. He thought this bridge was a symbol of British morale. It becomes clear to him, however, after he is wounded at the very end of the film. He asks himself, “What have I done?” right before he himself symbolically destroys his hard work.

The first half of the film seemed to drag on a bit. I couldn’t quite tell what to make of it or where it was going. But then, the second half picked up and I became very invested. I believe the film did a good job in keeping some ambiguity around its themes of war, pride, and heroism which allowed the viewers to have their own viewpoints and opinions. Each character had qualities you could relate to and understand.

After doing a little more research, I can confirm the film is truly loosely based on true events. The bridge was built over a different river in Thailand, not the Kwai. Later, however, that river was renamed Kwae Yai, in order for tourists to find the famous bridge (it’s the #1 tourist spot in Thailand). The bridge took eight months to build, not two. And the POWs had to build two bridges- a temporary one made of wood, and then a few months later a permanent one, made of concrete and steel. The bridge was destroyed in bombings in 1945, not a couple of days after it was completed. This railroad is called the “Death Railway” because of the number of workers/prisoners who perished while constructing it. Sadly, the treatment of these laborers was not accurately depicted in the film. In fact, the construction of the bridge has been considered a war crime.

The real bridge:

“The Bridge on the River Kwai” was the number one box office success of 1957. This movie was up against “Peyton Place”, “Sayonara”, “12 Angry Men”, and “Witness for the Prosecution” for Best Picture. I’m not familiar with the other movies; I have seen the play version of “12 Angry [Jurors]”.  The movie won seven of the eight awards it was nominated for including Best Director and Best Actor. The Award-winning Director went on to win again several years later for his other epic film and Best Picture winner, “Lawrence of Arabia”, which I will blog about at a later date. William Holden, the actor who played American POW Shears was snubbed a nomination in my opinion. I thought his performance was just as deserving of an award as the lead actor (who won).

The movie also won for Best Musical Score which I found a little surprising. Perhaps it was fabulous for that time period, which I need to keep in mind, but there were times I thought the score was laughable and definitely not appropriate in areas. The music played much too suspenseful in some parts and dragged on when nothing significant was happening. The worst was at the end which I noted below.

FAVORITE SCENE:

The last ten minutes of the film had me glued to the screen. The suspense pulled me in as I watched the different characters that I grew to understand react in their own ways. (After the deed is done though, watch the remaining few minutes on mute… In my opinion, the music kills it.)

LESSONS LEARNED:

Determination is a good value and character quality, but beware. Do not become too driven that you fail to see what is real or important.

Live like a human being. I’m stealing this quote from the American soldier in the movie. I’m paraphrasing, but his lesson to another commander was this: “You’re too concerned with dying like a gentleman or dying by the rules, when the only important thing is how to live like a human being”. Sometimes the rules need to fly out of the window so you can really live, show emotion, and respond with truth.

My Fair Lady, 1964

Rated G

It is with great *shame* that I admit that this is the first time I have seen this movie… and in fact, I can't recall if I've ever even seen the stage version. I grew up performing in and watching musical theatre so I know this comes as a shock to many of my friends. I apologize; I know am not worthy. However, having said that, I was able to sing along to more than half of the songs during the film. It’s amazing how the musical score for that film has become so legendary and celebrated. As have the costumes!... but I’ll get to that later.

“My Fair Lady” won Best Picture in 1964 and was one of four Best Picture winners that were musicals in the 1960’s alone. It was even up against “Mary Poppins” that year, another musical. It was also the most expensive film made to date with almost a third of its budget just going to secure the rights of the story. (I would imagine another third HAD to go to the costuming department!)

The adorable Audrey Hepburn plays cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle who agrees to let misogynistic linguistics Professor Higgins teach her to “talk more genteel”. Rex Harrison reprises his Broadway role as the Professor for the film and accepts the challenge more as a game with eagerness, and albeit some frustration. And when he succeeds, he congratulates himself and his dialect partner with no regard for poor Eliza’s hard work. She runs away; a day later he chases after her; she berates him for his treatment of her; he goes back home to sulk and listen to her record (of vowel sound practice) and she returns. (That takes three hours, folks.) Just when I thought the writers wanted us to believe that people can change, Professor Higgins tips his hat over his face and yells, “Where the devil are my slippers?” 

Professor Higgins has some incredibly funny lines all the while maintaining that he is not a very redeeming character. I raised an eyebrow every once in awhile at the language used towards Eliza (i.e. hussy, wretch) and wondered if these two masochists were not meant for each other. I guess we’ll never know since the ending is left unclear (in my opinion). Does she return to Higgins’ house to be with him or does her presence there imply forgiveness and she ends up marrying Freddy (the gentleman who pines for her)? I applauded Eliza’s character for calling out Professor Higgins for his behavior, but you could see there was still some admiration in her eyes which leads her back. So you be the judge.

Even after Audrey went through intense vocal training for this film, being a non-singer, she was told her voice still wasn’t good enough for the soundtrack so she was dubbed with another singer and a mixture of their voices sang the songs. Rex, on the other hand, sings his songs without singing; something I remember him doing in another one of his films a few years later, “Dr. Doolittle”. [That title strikes me as very odd at the moment…]

There was a bit of an upset when Julie Andrews, who played Eliza Doolittle in the stage version but was not offered the part for the film version, won the award for Best Actress for her role in Mary Poppins, while Audrey Hepburn was not even nominated. (Supposedly her not singing completely had something to do with it.) When Rex won Best Actor for the film, he dedicated it to his “two fair ladies”, Julie and Audrey.

“My Fair Lady” was up against “Mary Poppins”, “Zorba the Greek”, “Becket”, and “Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb”. Um… seriously, what’s up with that last title? It should come as no surprise by now that I have only seen “Mary Poppins” from that list and I am even so bold as to say I think that should have won. If there is something I am, it is a musical theatre geek, but even more so, I am a Disney musical theatre geek. But honestly, I think the cutting-edge special effects, endearing storyline, superb acting, and time-honored score are awe-inspiring. “My Fair Lady” received seven other awards that night including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Musical Score, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, and of course, Best Costume Design.

FAVORITE SCENES:

My favorite scenes were any that had Eliza walking about in some iconic costume. I would just stare open-mouthed at her graceful entrance into a room and how she commanded the attention of her surrounding public. (I’d like to know the secret to her not falling over backward from the size of her hairdo though!) Not only was she stunningly beautiful, the costumes were exquisite. Wouldn’t it be loverly to wear one of those sometime… 

LESSONS LEARNED:

“You will get further with the Lord if you learn not to offend His ears”. I learned this from Professor Higgins. Even though he’s referring to Eliza’s awful cockney dialect, I believe it can be true in other ways. Taking the Lord’s name in vain and speaking unkindly about others are just a couple of examples that are not pleasing to Him… and I know I’m guilty of it.

One should not judge on first impressions alone. Although Professor Higgins certainly judged Eliza on first impression, I think he realized what a true flower she blossomed into because of her innate personality. I often think about first impressions when people encounter different American accents. I have lived in areas that regard the southern drawl as less sophisticated or intelligent. And also having lived in and spent a good amount of time in the south, I can tell you that is not the case. An accent or dialect is just as much a part of the culture as food and dress may be and has little to do with one’s education.

There are areas that could use improvement in each of us. If we are motivated enough (and especially if we are able to take constructive criticism well… which I’m working on), we can find something about ourselves or our lives to better.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Certainly Eliza knows this one. Whether it’s the area that needs improvement or a new task, don’t get discouraged- try again and harder!

ADDENDUM (added 2/10/12):
I am currently reading Julie Andrews' memoir "Home" and she writes details of her stage performances in the Broadway and London versions of "My Fair Lady". She mentions how strict Rex and some producers were in keeping the script identical with the the original play, "Pygmalion" by Bernard Shaw. Even though a beautiful song was written for Julie in which Eliza expresses her feelings for Professor Higgins, it was cut in order to stay true to the original: the characters never once speak of love. Instead, they wrote "I Could've Danced all Night" which still conveys Eliza's emotions but without mentioning the word. I think this is very interesting because I, myself, didn't really see this film as a love story.

Another song was cut and used in the strikingly similar story, "Gigi": "Say a Prayer for Me Tonight".

Warner Bros. needed a big name for the marquee and called upon Audrey Hepburn for this role over Julie Andrews even though she was the woman who made it famous. Audrey and Julie became friends and one day, Audrey said to her, "Julie, you should have done the role... but I didn't have the guts to turn it down."

Going My Way, 1944

Not Rated

Man! “Going My Way” was NOT going my way…. This took me about 5 or 6 nights to finish. It never did hook me. I guess that’ll help keep this entry a little shorter.

This movie was a feel-good movie during the war and served as a distraction to raise spirits. It is considered a musical comedy (although I think I can count the number of songs it had on one hand) and stars my man Bing Crosby as the male lead. He won his only Best Actor award for his portrayal of young and charming Father Chuck O’Malley who is sent by the Bishop to St. Dominic's Catholic Church to help the stubborn older priest (see bottom right headshot on movie poster) revive his congregation and help relieve its debt (without the old man knowing). He influences some people along his way including the delinquent boys of the neighborhood, rounding them up into what else? A choir. This movie put the crooner on the map in regards to acting; he was no longer considered just a singer.

I felt that the scenes and sub-plots were a little disjointed. I didn’t quite know the purpose of some of them. The momentum of the movie lagged in areas and I felt some character resolutions weren’t quite there… or perhaps I drifted off at those parts. For example, there’s a scene where Father O’Malley visits an old girlfriend who’s become a performer and claims she never received his final letter to her (the one stating he was going into the seminary). I don’t know what happens to her…

Bing reprises his role in this movie's sequel, “The Bells of St. Mary’s”. Ironically, I’ve heard of the sequel but not this one. Hmm.

“Going My Way” was up against “Double Indemnity”, “Gaslight”, “Since You Went Away”, and “Wilson”. Again, none of them I’ve heard of or seen. This was the first year that the Academy lessened the number of movies nominated for Best Picture from ten or twelve, like in the past, to five. This was also the first year that the Award show was nationally broadcast on television. The movie also snagged awards for Best Supporting Actor, Best Song, Best Original Story, Best Screenplay, and Best Director. Needless to say, it was a very popular movie and the highest grossing one of that year. Interestingly enough, the man nominated (and who won) for Best Supporting Actor was also nominated for Best Actor… I guess they couldn’t define the importance of his role. The Academy changed the rules after this happened. In my humble opinion, the Academy overlooked a very important musical that year… one I’ve watched many times with fondness: “Meet Me in St. Louis” with dear Judy Garland. Boo Academy.

FAVORITE SCENE:

Of course my favorite scene involves Bing singing. After a heartfelt conversation about life “back home”, Father O’Malley sings “Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral (That’s An Irish Lullaby)” to Father Fitzgibbon and subsequently sings him off to dreamland. It is a very sweet scene where the father-son relationship these priests have seem to be reversed for a moment.

(Can anyone tell me why this song is on my Bing Crosby Christmas album?! That’s not a trivia question… I really want to know.)

LESSONS LEARNED:

Don’t do good wishing to be honored or acknowledged for it; do it out of the goodness of your heart. Bing’s character was so sweet to never let on to Father Fitzgibbon that it was he who was really running the show and improving things. He remained humble and gleeful at the same time.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade (or something else cheesy to that effect.) When their beloved church burns down, the priests don’t get (too) discouraged; they hit the pavement fundraising and keeping the hope alive.

Finish movies in two days or less and don’t drift off to sleep. While this last lesson wasn’t IN the movie, it’s a lesson I learned nonetheless. After two days, my movie amnesia starts to kick in and I have to re-watch scenes.

Cavalcade, 1933

Not Rated

This British drama won Best Picture for the 1932/33 Awards show held in March of 1934. It was the only time nominations were gathered from a 17-month period. From this year forward, the Academy kept the nominations from films in a single year. This film is one of only two that you will NOT find on DVD. You can rent it on VHS or be lucky enough to catch it on the TCM channel, like I did. It definitely wasn't the most riveting film I've seen though... it took me three nights to get through.

After looking up the title word of this movie, I’ve concluded that it must refer to its third definition. Its story is surely a cavalcade, or “noteworthy series of events”- unfortunate ones at that. This film was loosely based on a play by the same name and spans thirty years, from New Year’s Eve 1899 to New Year’s Eve 1932. It is basically the story of an upper-class family and their working-class family servants. The dawn of the century brings with it changes and hardships that have to be endured by the families. As viewers, we see the impact of the Boer War [did I fall asleep in history class when we discussed that one…??], the death of Queen Victoria, World War I, the sinking of the Titanic, and at the end, the birth of jazz.  I’m not sure I would say this is an “anti-war” film but it definitely expresses how irrational and wasteful war can be. War is referred to as a way for men to earn their stripes and for nations to flex their muscles. The butler even tells his maidservant wife, “We have to have wars every now and then just to prove we’re top dog”.

I often wondered throughout the movie if people really talked that way and especially if they kissed that way. They were the type of rather short but passionate kisses where they (almost violently) pull each other so close as if trying to take up no more space than one person would- the kind you only see in movies.

The movie ends with a montage of scenes and sounds, one incorporating a jazzy tune with the lyric “chaos and confusion”. I realized that this was the epitome of their lives back then. It was a time of extreme change and obviously accompanying confusion. You feel for the characters as they learn to deal with the tumultuous times.

I caught a little boo-boo in the film however… My husband often jokes that I should be a fact-checker or editor on a movie set; I wish I was around for them in 1932. When the honeymooners (that I discuss later in MY FAVORITE SCENE) finish their conversation aboard a massive ship, they walk away to reveal a life preserver that says “TITANIC – Southampton”. And the music goes, “Dun, dun, DUN!” First, let me say, that I wasn’t at all surprised by this, like the other viewers I read about. Perhaps that is because I’ve seen that Best Picture winner from 1997 over fifteen times and am actually a little obsessed with that ship. The scene starts with the title “April 14, 1912” for goodness sake… I thought everybody in America knew that’s when it went down. Anyways, my point: the real Titanic was registered in Liverpool, not Southampton. So there.

“Cavalcade” was up against “A Farewell to Arms”, “Lady for a Day”, “The Private Life of Henry VIII”, “Smilin' Through”, “State Fair”, “I’m a Fugitive from a Chain Gang”, “Little Women”, “She Done Him Wrong”, and “42^nd Street”. I’ve only seen the last one simply because I’ve had the pleasure in starring in that musical twice. The Director of “Cavalcade”, Frank Lloyd, won for Best Director and inadvertently embarrassed the other director, Frank Capra, when they both stood up to receive the award after the host said, “Come on up and get it Frank!”. Frank Lloyd is one of the 36 founders and later became the President of the Academy. The movie won one other award for Best Art Direction/Decoration.

FAVORITE SCENE:

This poetic scene takes place on one of the decks of the Titanic. The honeymooners are reveling in their love for each other when the new wife simply states that she wouldn’t mind dying; she could even die tonight. She adoringly looks into her husband’s eyes, saying, “We could never in our whole lives be happier than we are now.” Even though it is a morbid thought, I know I want to feel that way before I die.   

LESSONS LEARNED:

Stemming from my favorite scene…

Don’t be afraid of anything.

Be happy right now.

You never know when you’re number is up, so live life joyfully. Then, in turn, you shouldn’t be afraid of death.

Forrest Gump, 1994

Rated PG-13

Ah… Forrest. Forrest Gump. How do I begin to write about a movie that has been ingrained so deep in popular culture? I bet if you stopped anybody on the street today, s/he could recite at least one "Gumpism" from this movie. How did a movie get away with SO many memorable phrases without being corny?

“Forrest Gump” is a drama with basically no plot. I’ve seen this movie several times before, but I still asked myself about an hour into it, “What’s this movie about??” It’s a series of recollections spanning four decades that Forrest walks us through while he sits on a bench waiting for a bus. He entertains at least 4 other citizens on that bench while he regales us of his life’s unbelievable journey for over two hours. Forrest is a gentleman with a lower-than-average IQ who proves to us that life is indeed like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get.

Forrest’s hodge-podge of life adventures include fighting in the Vietnam war, shaking the hands of three US Presidents, discovering the Watergate scandal, becoming an international ping-pong champion, becoming a successful shrimp boat captain, and also somehow coming up with the smiley face icon and the catchphrase “sh*t happens”. Oh, and he’s the one responsible for Elvis’ famous moves.

Although the film invokes a few “come on!”s… there are some deeper and more meaningful moments to take away. While speaking at his beloved Jenny’s grave at the end of the film, he says “I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both.” The computer-generated white feather that flows “freely” around in the air at the beginning and end of the movie obviously symbolizes Forrest’s free spirit. Just as the feather blows wherever the wind takes it, Forrest’s life experiences are just as random. I think the use of a feather is especially significant because of its delicate nature. Forrest’s spirit is a delicate one, but not breakable like a dried leaf; he is a resilient individual. Another awesome spark of symbolism I noticed this time around was the sight and sound of birds leaving the tree when Forrest walks away from Jenny’s grave- when she was young, she had prayed for God to make her like a bird so she could fly far, far away. Perhaps the most important thing to take away from the film is the impact that Forrest had on those around him. He is a selfless individual who stays devoted to his loved ones and influences friends and even passerby.

“Forrest Gump” won six awards from its thirteen nominations on Oscar night. This movie was up against “Pulp Fiction”, “The Shawshank Redemption”, “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, and “Quiz Show”. I’ve seen the first two additional nominations and figure this was a tough choice for the Academy. “Shawshank” is one of my favorite movies that I could watch again and again and I think it got snubbed by walking away with no wins. “Forrest Gump” also won Best Visual Effects and Best Film Editing thanks to its cutting-edge editing that allowed for impossible scenes (ie. Forrest meeting the Presidents, his presence at the first day blacks were allowed at school, and Gary Sinise’s amputated legs). And of course, Tom Hanks won for “Best Actor” which is to be expected. I found it fascinating when I learned that this role was first offered to John Travolta, who turned it down. Could you imagine? No worries for him though; he went on to make the cult classic “Pulp Fiction” that year.

FAVORITE SCENES:

Forrest decides to get up and run one day and it results in a cross-country running trip that lasts 3 years. I find this funny because there is nothing I hate more than running. I never FEEL like running. In fact, I often make fun of marathoners (to no one other than myself, really) because they PAY to run. I feel like telling them, “You know, I can run too. Except I can do it anywhere I want and for FREE.”

Forrest’s devotion to his friends in this movie is so moving. When fighting in Vietnam, he goes back into the strike zone and rescues his lieutenant and fellow soldiers because he couldn’t leave them to die.

LESSONS LEARNED:

A promise is a promise. If you make a promise, you better deliver. Forrest promises to join with Bubba to be captains of a shrimp boat and even though his friend perishes, he goes on to do it alone (and gives the money to Bubba’s mama).

Do want you want to do in life. Whether it’s running (ahem), becoming an all-star athlete, chasing after the woman you love, or being the best Mommy you can be, but your whole heart into it and do it to the best of your ability. Life is too short to put things off and you shouldn’t placate yourself with “it’ll get better” or “I’ll do it later”. Do it now. Be happy.

Everyone's life is valuable and has purpose, no matter the IQ. I take this lesson especially personally because I have a younger sister with special needs. There is no doubt in my mind as to the amount of positive impact she has had on her world, as I am thankfully directly affected. Because of charmingly unique individuals like her, there is always a need for compassion in this world.

Kramer vs. Kramer, 1979

Rated PG

This movie, based on the best-selling novel, is the dramatic story of a couple’s separation, divorce, and custody battle, and the ramifications it has on the newly-single father’s career and family obligations. The novel was a best-seller at the time because it dealt with popular issues such as divorce, custody, feminism, and parental roles.

Dustin Hoffman plays the role of the father, Ted Kramer, absolutely brilliantly thus winning him his first coveted Best Actor award. The movie opens with the mother, Joanna, leaving her husband. Joanna’s friend tries to defend her in a later conversation with Ted, saying she had the courage to leave him. He poignantly asks, “How much courage does it take to walk out on your kid?” From that moment on, you feel for his character and want to root him on as he attempts to tackle single-parenting. I got the impression he might not have been the most hands-on and “aware” dad prior to the split when he asks his son, “What grade are you in?” when dropping him off at school. But, by no means does he throw a pity party or give up and call in help. In fact, he does the opposite. He explains things so well to his little 7 (?) year-old and he continues to speak of his ex-wife with respect when explaining things to him throughout the movie. When divorce can cause such animosity, it was refreshing to see that Dustin’s character kept what was most important as his priority: raising his son in a loving and compassionate home. The looks this father-son team give each other can pull at your heart strings and move you to tears. (The 8 year-old boy who played the son had a well-deserved nomination for Best Supporting Actor; he was, and still is, the youngest nominated actor.)

Meryl also won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this movie. (Her face reminds me a little of “Pam” from the “Meet the Parents” trilogy.) Her character doesn’t come back into the movie until half-way through; after being away for 18 months, she comes back asking for her son. Meryl does a fine acting job portraying such a weak character in my opinion. (By “weak” I mean, “you must have no backbone since you left your young son for over a year and a half!”) I was convinced, however, that she truly cares about her son and feels she is better equipped now to care for him, but I still couldn’t get over the resentment I held from the beginning (and the fact that I was so proud of the father that Ted Kramer becomes).

We get to see Kramer vs. Kramer in the courtroom drama and it is emotional to say the least. At the end, while the tears were flowing, I was satisfied with how it was concluded. Both parents knew what was right for their son.

This movie was up against “Norma Rae”, “Apocalypse Now”, “All That Jazz”, and “Breaking Away”. I have heard of the first three but haven’t seen any of them. It won 5 of its 9 nominated awards that night. It was an inexpensive film to make, but it dominated the box office for that year. Once again, I find myself a little surprised at the PG rating- there was some VERY brief full frontal female nudity. I’m also not the biggest fan of the title… maybe if their last name was different, it would work. But all I think of now is that annoying character from Seinfeld.

FAVORITE SCENE:

Father and son are making their morning French toast for what appears to be the last time. It is done in silence but speaks volumes. They are in sync.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Parenting is the hardest and most rewarding job. It is easy to underestimate child-rearing. Everything we do and say is being watched and evaluated by a younger audience who look up to us like idols. Therefore, it is imperative to think before we speak/act. The “I love you”s are worth their weight in gold.

When life gets tough, the tough get tougher. Ted Kramer is a hard-working businessman who shifts priorities in his life to accommodate his son. It isn’t easy for him (or any single parent). A good parent is one who works to be a better one.

How Green Was My Valley, 1941

Not Rated

“How Green Was My Valley” is a movie based on the best-selling book about the tight-knit Morgan family in a small Welsh coal-mining community at the turn-of-the-century. The story is told through the eyes of the youngest son Huw, who is now a middle-aged man, who recounts the impressionable events during a chunk of time in his childhood. The family’s sentimental story chronicles several years of trials and injustice, as well as issues of family loyalty and romantic but unsatisfied love.

The father was the head of the house and believed in eating dinner in silence for “no one’s talk was better than a good meal.” Huw muses, “If my Father was the head of the house, my Mother was the heart.” When watching how the Father interacts with his sons, I couldn’t help but sadly think, ‘gone are the days when a father can just look at his adolescent boys and command silence and respect.’

The only daughter of the family was played by the beautiful Maureen O’Hara (who I remember from the original “Parent Trap”). She falls hopelessly in love with the town’s preacher, Mr. Gruffyd, whose voice, some musical-lovers like me might recognize as the great Mr. Zeigfeld in “Funny Girl”.

At one touching part in the movie, the Father reads a symbolic passage from Scripture: Psalm 23. He reminds his sons that even in the darkest times in their life, the Lord is with them and will guide them along the right path. This movie is indeed a tender story of life, love, and devotion.

I found it fascinating when I learned that this movie could have been shot in Technicolor, but the director and producer chose to shoot it in black and white. They believed it would make the film more dramatic. It also helped hide the fact that they disguised the hills of Malibu, California as the hills of South Wales. This movie was intended to be a four-hour epic film like “Gone with the Wind” shot on location, but with the impending war and budget cuts, it had to be shortened. On the Netflix wrapper and other online sites, I read that this movie "spans 50 years in the life of the Morgan family". Unless my Mom and I fell asleep for about 45 of those years, there were really only about 5 years documented. Bizarre...

“How Green Was My Valley” was up against “Blossoms in the Dust”, “Here Comes Mr. Jordan”, “Hold Back the Dawn”, “The Little Foxes”, “The Maltese Falcon”, “One Foot in Heaven”, “Sergeant York”, “Suspicion”, and “Citizen Kane”. I have no doubt that when you read that last movie title, you thought, “‘Citizen Kane’ didn’t win!?” I think most the population would join in that chorus. “Citizen Kane” is considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. I’ve seen it and remember being a little bored… I should probably watch it again; but I wasn’t bored with “How Green Was My Valley”. “How Green…” was nominated for ten awards that night and won five. It was an interesting time in Hollywood because Pearl Harbor was bombed just a couple of months before the award show. The community rallied together to boost morale and provide entertainment for the troops.

MY FAVORITE SCENES:

Mr. Gruffyd has a poignant private moment with young Huw in a pasture where he tries to teach him about the importance of prayer. “Keep clean your spirit... by prayer, Huw. And by prayer, I don't mean shouting, mumbling, and wallowing like a hog in religious sentiment. Prayer is only another name for good, clean, direct thinking. When you pray, think. Think well what you're saying. Make your thoughts into things that are solid. In that way, your prayer will have strength, and that strength will become a part of you, body, mind, and spirit.”

In a more light-hearted scene, but still with undertones of seriousness, the town’s boxer pays a visit to Huw’s school teacher. Previously, the teacher whips young Huw for practicing boxing/fighting in the play yard with the other boys. Enraged by the abuse, the older brothers want to give the teacher a taste of his own medicine, but Huw requests that they not.  Instead, Dai Bando (the boxer) and his buddy, make a secret trip there while school’s in session and “teach” the teacher how to box, rendering him passed out on the floor.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Pay attention to lessons taught by an older generation. They are wise for a reason and are trying to pass their wisdom onto you, if you have the heart to listen.

"With strength goes responsibility - to others and to yourselves. For you cannot conquer injustice with more injustice - only with justice and the help of God." This is a quote straight from the good Mr. Gruffyd himself. It reminded me of Martin Luther King Junior’s speech.

You can disagree with a family member and still be respectful and have respect for him/her.  Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, but as long as it is addressed in love and respect, it can prevent the family from being torn apart.