edwagreen
Sociologists would have a ball with this 1952 anthology film describing the different facets of American life- it's various forms of culture whether they be religious, social, political, etc.The anthology is made up of 8 straight stories,vignettes, if you don't know and has quite an array of movie talent in the film which is narrated by Louis Calhern.Even Nancy Davis shows up as a prim and proper schoolteacher who runs into conflict with a student's father when she tells him to have his son's eyes checked for glasses.Gary Cooper salutes Texas and there is an effective display of contributions of African Americans. Ethel Barrymore is upset in her story that she wasn't counted in the census and S.Z. Sakall portrays a bigot against Greeks whose daughter, Janet Leigh, quickly weds Greek Gene Kelly.The problem with the film is that each segment only lasts for about 20 minutes or so and therefore there is little time for character development. Marjorie Main steals her vignette as the mother of a dead Korean War soldier who gets a visit from Keith Brasselle, a fellow serviceman, who reads a letter that his friend sent just before his death. This was poignant, but too brief as well.The film depicts various forms of Americana.
utgard14
Well-intentioned anthology film from MGM that lacks a clear focus. It's a collection of short stories that don't seem to have any other point except, I suppose, that the United States is a melting pot and how swell that is. Absolutely nothing wrong with that idea but I feel like more effort could have been put into (a) writing better stories and (b) having the stories connect better to drive home the "we're all different but we're all together" theme. The best anthology films tend to connect their stories and this just doesn't do that well. Still, it's full of old stars and the stories themselves, while not the strongest, are enjoyable enough. Worth a look for classic film fans. Probably kryptonite to cynics.
ABetterDay
Anyone who aspires to those things which have made America the greatest nation the world has known should own this film and watch it often.A who's who of Hollywood in the period 1930 thru 1951, this wonderful telling of America's greatness shows a time when the liberal media was in check and Americans were taught to be PROUD of what we have built. A far cry from the liberal propaganda that is spewed on your 6pm "news" today.Watch the opening interaction between Spencer Tracy and William Powell. If Powell's oratory does not move you to want to see the rest of this outstanding piece of American film history, you might as well book a one-way ticket to another country. Maybe you'd be happier there.A wonderful film of America, for Americans. Easily 10 of 10.
jehrsam
I saw this movie when it originally came out and I took more people to see it in at least two successive trips to the old Crawford Theater. It is touching and worthwhile and depicts an America that all should see. Ethel Barrymore gives one of the best performances of her career. The preacher to the President is another vignette that stands out. There are memorable performances by Gary Cooper, Van Johnson, Gene Kelly, and Marjorie Main. Each vignette is a memorable one and all touch your heartstrings and provoke thought. It would be nice if it were available on DVD or even tape. What a delightful anthology this is. I recommend this to all. It is a movie you will enjoy.
AD
