I saw this movie in the theatre when it came out in 1965 when I was nine years old. It is in large part a very entertaining and subtly poignant film with a strong message about the horrors of war. I have never failed to be very moved by it.
The movie is largely carried by the wonderful performance by James Stewart. This is one of his greatest performances. IMHO, he deserved an Oscar nomination at least. Stewart indeed has the best lines as the Patriarch of a large family trying to remain neutral in the middle of America's Civil War. There are very good performances by a number of young actors who would go on to careers varied in success such as Kathryn Ross, Patrick Wayne, Tim McIntire, Doug McClure and Glenn Corbett. Philip Alford as the youngest child "Boy" was just a few years past his wonderful role as "Jem" in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and is equally fine in this role.
There are other great supporting performances by George Kennedy as a war weary federal officer, James Best as a confederate foot soldier, Denver Pyle as the Pastor who must put up with the noisy Anderson Family and most especially a terrific performance by Paul Fix as the Doctor. Fix you might also remember from another excellent performance as the Judge in "To Kill A Mockingbird".
Andrew McLaglen, son of former Oscar winner and John Ford stock member Victor McLaglen does a solid job of directing. His old mentor, John Ford would have been proud of his efforts. McGlaglen was an asst. director on some of Ford's films. Although, McGlaglen doesn't quite have the touch of the old master he does a very good job of bringing together a large talented cast, a sprawling film and creating a fine period piece about the Civil War from the perspective of one family.
The movie points out the tragic loss suffered by the mass of people during the war. The family suffers loss and tragedy in their efforts to remain neutral and although often painted in broad strokes we do see the suffering that existed for both sides. The tragedy of slavery however is touched on all too briefly and again broadly in a few short but memorable scenes with Eugene Jackson Jr. in a fine performance as Gabriel the Anderson's slave who is freed by union soldiers.
A particularly poignant monologue occurs towards the end of the film where Stewart confesses his frustration and sadness over the war and the awful impact it has had on his family. It is all the more poignant when you consider that the film was released in 1965 when we were beginning to see tragic losses of our own troops overseas in Vietnam. Intentional or not, this is indeed an anti-war film. Thank God.
Do watch this film. It is very well done with great respect, and humor for all sides. Guaranteed you will be choked up at the end. No matter how often I've seen it, it always happens to me.
The movie is largely carried by the wonderful performance by James Stewart. This is one of his greatest performances. IMHO, he deserved an Oscar nomination at least. Stewart indeed has the best lines as the Patriarch of a large family trying to remain neutral in the middle of America's Civil War. There are very good performances by a number of young actors who would go on to careers varied in success such as Kathryn Ross, Patrick Wayne, Tim McIntire, Doug McClure and Glenn Corbett. Philip Alford as the youngest child "Boy" was just a few years past his wonderful role as "Jem" in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and is equally fine in this role.
There are other great supporting performances by George Kennedy as a war weary federal officer, James Best as a confederate foot soldier, Denver Pyle as the Pastor who must put up with the noisy Anderson Family and most especially a terrific performance by Paul Fix as the Doctor. Fix you might also remember from another excellent performance as the Judge in "To Kill A Mockingbird".
Andrew McLaglen, son of former Oscar winner and John Ford stock member Victor McLaglen does a solid job of directing. His old mentor, John Ford would have been proud of his efforts. McGlaglen was an asst. director on some of Ford's films. Although, McGlaglen doesn't quite have the touch of the old master he does a very good job of bringing together a large talented cast, a sprawling film and creating a fine period piece about the Civil War from the perspective of one family.
The movie points out the tragic loss suffered by the mass of people during the war. The family suffers loss and tragedy in their efforts to remain neutral and although often painted in broad strokes we do see the suffering that existed for both sides. The tragedy of slavery however is touched on all too briefly and again broadly in a few short but memorable scenes with Eugene Jackson Jr. in a fine performance as Gabriel the Anderson's slave who is freed by union soldiers.
A particularly poignant monologue occurs towards the end of the film where Stewart confesses his frustration and sadness over the war and the awful impact it has had on his family. It is all the more poignant when you consider that the film was released in 1965 when we were beginning to see tragic losses of our own troops overseas in Vietnam. Intentional or not, this is indeed an anti-war film. Thank God.
Do watch this film. It is very well done with great respect, and humor for all sides. Guaranteed you will be choked up at the end. No matter how often I've seen it, it always happens to me.