Given the cynicism, division, chaos and downright bleakness of this moment in our American experience, to be able to be immersed in a story of hope like that presented in The Human Comedy is a welcome respite. Is it overly sentimental, simplistic and, as some reviewers said, schmaltzy? Yes, but the older I get, I realize that those qualities in a film are just what I need sometimes to course correct from my ever-present pessimism to to a more realistic perspective of everyday life. That any film or media of this current day would celebrate faith, family and service for a greater good is rare enough; to have a film of this current day celebrate those things and be as excellently crafted as this one is nearly impossible.
The story is old-fashioned, gentle, even treacly, but the vignettes presented are vibrant and heartfelt. The war propaganda certainly hits you in the face in the 2020's, but the intentions of the propaganda were to unify a country to help a world in turmoil and felt genuine.
The acting is rather good throughout. Superb performances are turned in by Mickey Rooney and Frank Morgan, their best that I have seen. Rooney can tear at your heart one minute and make you smile through tears the next. His chemistry with Fay Bainter, who plays his mother, is natural, warm and sincere. Jackie Jenkins and Darryl Hicks, as Ulysses and Lionel, give performances by child actors that cannot be taught. They truly highlight my favorite scene in the movie. The radiant Donna Reed has a small role. Robert Mitchum pops up in an even smaller role, but just his physical presence cannot be underestimated. John Craven, as Tobey, is saddled with the role of a soldier who is just to good to be believed, even in a picture chocked full of sentimentality.
The technical aspects are good as it gets for 1940's black and white cinema. The art direction makes the town of Ithica, California, as inviting and dreamy as Bedford Falls.
There is much to be enjoyed in this classic, especially if you take your 21st century glasses off. I'll revisit this film whenever I need to feel good about humanity and the country in which I am blessed to live.
The story is old-fashioned, gentle, even treacly, but the vignettes presented are vibrant and heartfelt. The war propaganda certainly hits you in the face in the 2020's, but the intentions of the propaganda were to unify a country to help a world in turmoil and felt genuine.
The acting is rather good throughout. Superb performances are turned in by Mickey Rooney and Frank Morgan, their best that I have seen. Rooney can tear at your heart one minute and make you smile through tears the next. His chemistry with Fay Bainter, who plays his mother, is natural, warm and sincere. Jackie Jenkins and Darryl Hicks, as Ulysses and Lionel, give performances by child actors that cannot be taught. They truly highlight my favorite scene in the movie. The radiant Donna Reed has a small role. Robert Mitchum pops up in an even smaller role, but just his physical presence cannot be underestimated. John Craven, as Tobey, is saddled with the role of a soldier who is just to good to be believed, even in a picture chocked full of sentimentality.
The technical aspects are good as it gets for 1940's black and white cinema. The art direction makes the town of Ithica, California, as inviting and dreamy as Bedford Falls.
There is much to be enjoyed in this classic, especially if you take your 21st century glasses off. I'll revisit this film whenever I need to feel good about humanity and the country in which I am blessed to live.