I don't know why, but I've never cared much for most films about Scotland. Oh, there are a few rare exceptions, but there's just something about Scotland that turns me off...usually big time. But this one such exceptional film.And what makes it exceptional, more than anything else, is the strength of the performances.
Charles Coburn, one of my favorite character actors, was almost always a gem. But here is his tour de force. Coburn was nominated for an Academy Award for this performance, and deservedly so. I would say he's charming here, but that word just doesn't do it. Quite remarkable.
Dean Stockwell (now nearly 80 years old) plays the main focus of the story as a young boy. Perhaps the best of the child actors of that era, he doesn't disappoint here.
Gladys Cooper, another venerable character actor, plays the estranged wife of Coburn, and she's almost unrecognizable. Another stellar performance.
Selena Royle plays the "mother" of the household; Royle was, supposedly, romantically involved with Spencer Tracy at one time.
Hume Cronyn, actually a very versatile character actor, plays the "father" of the household. Another fine performance, even though his character is sort of the cheapskate type. His real wife -- Jessica Tandy -- plays his younger sister here.
About halfway through the film, the young boy turns into a young man, played by Tom Drake. Drake has a difficult time following young Stockwell in the role, but he does alright.
Richard Haydn, whose career often careened into nearly embarrassing roles, is actually very good here as the school master.
I can't think of a thing to criticize here. A superb film, though perhaps not for everyone...but highly recommended.
Charles Coburn, one of my favorite character actors, was almost always a gem. But here is his tour de force. Coburn was nominated for an Academy Award for this performance, and deservedly so. I would say he's charming here, but that word just doesn't do it. Quite remarkable.
Dean Stockwell (now nearly 80 years old) plays the main focus of the story as a young boy. Perhaps the best of the child actors of that era, he doesn't disappoint here.
Gladys Cooper, another venerable character actor, plays the estranged wife of Coburn, and she's almost unrecognizable. Another stellar performance.
Selena Royle plays the "mother" of the household; Royle was, supposedly, romantically involved with Spencer Tracy at one time.
Hume Cronyn, actually a very versatile character actor, plays the "father" of the household. Another fine performance, even though his character is sort of the cheapskate type. His real wife -- Jessica Tandy -- plays his younger sister here.
About halfway through the film, the young boy turns into a young man, played by Tom Drake. Drake has a difficult time following young Stockwell in the role, but he does alright.
Richard Haydn, whose career often careened into nearly embarrassing roles, is actually very good here as the school master.
I can't think of a thing to criticize here. A superb film, though perhaps not for everyone...but highly recommended.