The Human Comedy

So...what's wrong with tugging a heart-string or two..?
This has always been one of my favorite films, since I saw it on TV about 30 years ago. Sentimental & Corny? Sure, but those who take the time to feel the deeper message will be rewarded. Apparently, some of my reviewing predecessors kept their minds closed to the depth (yes, that's right) of the story. First of all, this is a fable; a commentary not on life itself, but about life as it ought to be. The fact that it involves Ithaca, and characters named Homer, Ulysses & Marcus suggests Greek tragedy (the irony of the title) and the Greek chorus (the father). I couldn't possibly deny the fact that there are plenty of sappy moments, but they are layered & blended with some quite profound lessons. Let's not forget that in 1942 the war was at its absolute peak and enouragement like this was not only welcome but very necessary. Mickey Rooney gave a relaxed, centered performance, probably his best; Frank Morgan, Fay Bainter, James Craig, Marsha Hunt...all wonderful. How can you not feel for...

TOUCHING MOVIE!
In today's society where everything seems to be based on cyniscim, this movie is absolutey refreshing. It takes you back to small town life that has all but vanished from the face of America today. Some viewers may find it trite and corny, but I saw the sweetness in it. When Mickey Rooney reads the letter from his brother Van Johnson it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. I found this movie touching, and a far cry from the craziness in the movies we see these days. I like remembering what life was like back then. A time when neighbors were neighors, and everyone in town knew each other. If you don't watch this movie, you are missing a gem. I recently wrote Miss Helen Hunt who also starred in the movie with James Craig and thanked her for making this movie, she graciously wrote me back and gave me her autograph even though she must be in her eighties,but shes a product of the old hollywood, when stars were really stars.Watch this movie you won't regret it.

Golly! This movie is corny and patriotic? You don't say.
A fine film. It's pure, distilled, Grade-A, all-star, all-American, accept-no-substitutions, concentrated, three-hankie, melodramatic, sentimental, heartwarming, white picket fence, patriotic wartime schmaltz. They don't make 'em like this anymore. Mickey Rooney stars as Homer Macauley, a bright-eyed, fresh-faced, optimistic teenager living in Smalltown, USA during the height of World War Two, when all able bodied young men, including his older brother, have gone off to fight against the fascists and save civilization itself. Still, even with soldiers passing through town and cannons crowding the trains that are headed back East towards Europe, the war is still far, far away, and civilization can still be saved right here, back on the homefront. Taking his brother's place as "the man of the family," Homer learns about hard work, fair play, compassion for others, and about disappointment and heartbreak as well. It's all unremittingly corny, but that's entirely the point. This is...

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