st-shot
Arnold Boult ( Spencer Tracy ) is a higher rank than just captain of industry as he dupes, browbeats and bribes his way to power in Twentieth century London. With limitless ambition and drive he is not concerned about being liked but having his way. Son Edward is another story however and he slavishly dotes over the boy spoiling him at every turn and using his considerable power, he holds the mortgage to the prep school Edward is about to be expelled from, to allow him to do as he pleases. With this kind of powerful enabling it is little surprise sonny grows into irresponsible adulthood.Directed sluggishly by George Cukor, Edward, My Son has a stage feel to it as it trundles slowly from scene to scene. We never see the title character but the little he has is fleshed out excellently in conversation and argument between the parents. Tracy as a bullheaded industrialist from across the pond ( Canadian instead of Ugly American ) does a fine job of going against type, playing one of his many fatherly roles with reckless arrogance. Playing opposite Tracy as his wife Deborah Kerr simply walks away with the picture as she goes from housewife to millionaires wife with title before descending into the depths of alcoholism after the loss of her son and a lifetime with Arnold. It may well be the celebrated Kerr's most challenging and finest performance in a career that has had many.Mid picture the film really begins to bog down as Boult begins an affair with his secretary (Lueen McGrath) that Cukor attempts to sum up in one long laborious scene at her apartment slowing the pace even more, though salvaged somewhat by Kerr who saves her best for last. The denouement is more than satisfying. It's the getting there that's the problem.
edwagreen
Outstanding 1949 film with Spencer Tracy giving one of the best of his many performances ever. This time, Tracy is conniving as a father who supposedly will break all the rules for his son, but it must be remembered that at the same time Tracy benefits as he spoils his son to ultimate tragedy, and literally loses his wife, admirably played by Deborah Kerr.Amazing that despite 10 Oscar nominations, Tracy wasn't nominated here. Kerr received her first of 6 losing bids as she is perfect as the wife, who was so much better off as a struggling partner. Wealth, a title and success, certainly did not help her.It is very effective that you never see this spoiled, pampered son Edward throughout the picture. Yet, you are able to convey a full imagine of him just like you did with 1940's "Rebecca."The film poses many ethical, moral problems such as starting a fire to gut his business but at the same time pay for his son's much needed operation.The person who made up Kerr up deserved an Oscar for that job. Kerr goes from a young housewife to an elderly souse, looking like a tragic Norma Desmond, depicted by Carol Burnett.Tracy's preaching to the audience is well effective. You know that he shall come up as the devil. Ian Hunter is just fine in the supporting role as the doctor who loved Evelyn, (Kerr) but could not bring himself to lead her away from an emotionally abusive Tracy.
blanche-2
"Edward, My Son" is a 1949 film based on the play that starred Robert Morley. Here the stars are Spencer Tracy, Deborah Kerr, and Ian Hunter. The title role, Edward, is never seen. The movie is really about his father, Arnold Boult, who spoils the boy and ruins everything and everybody he touches.There was a mention that Spencer Tracy was miscast, that the character shouldn't be so amiable but more acid. I think in a way, Tracy's amiability was more sinister - he threatened people and seemed so cheerful about it. It's quite effective.The revelation, the stunning, knockout performance comes from Deborah Kerr as Arnold's unhappy wife Evelyn. Young, pretty, and cheerful in the beginning, her character development, in looks and personality, is remarkable - right down to her osteoporotic walk with the slightly stooped shoulders. How often do we see really wonderful actors play older people with just a little gray in their hair, with nothing else changed? The only other "aging" performance I have seen to equal this was Emma Thompson at the end of "Remains of the Day."I always knew Deborah Kerr was a fine actress, but obviously, she mostly did roles that were beneath her capability.Ian Hunter is very good as the doctor s a man who see through Arnold's behavior, and who has always been in love with Evelyn.Don't miss Kerr's performance in this film.
bizweb
Very sophisticated writing and restrained acting performances make for a compelling drama of a ruined father's dreams. Spencer Tracy plays the not very lovable father who's desire to protect and give "the best" to his son distorts his behavior with all those around him, including Deborah Kerr as his wife, his business partner, and ultimately his son himself, whose character is never allowed to develop. A nice conceit is that we never see the son, Edward, just his birthday cakes.
AD
