Thursday, May 14, 2009

Mrs. Miniver

Made during the height of World War II, Mrs. Miniver is a touching yet gripping film dedicated to arousing the patriotic spirit in America and Great Britain. In this, it does not disappoint.

Kay Miniver is a kind, warm-hearted British woman who loves her family and her life in a small village not far from London, England. She and her husband, Clem (Walter Pidgeon) have three children. When war breaks out, their oldest, Vin (Richard Ney), joins the RAF and becomes a pilot while Clem has duty with the river patrol. Kay must deal with an escaped German parachutist, the marriage of her son to local girl Carol (Teresa Wright), the destruction of her home, and the loss of friends and family. Yet she continues on, encouraging others during this time, whether they be American or British, to continue fighting a just and necessary war.

Widely regarded as a propaganda piece, Mrs. Miniver is also a film full of heart and soul that won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1942. Greer Garson also won an Academy Award for her performance.

If you've yet to watch Mrs. Miniver, make haste! You'll not be disappointed.

6 comments:

AndrewPrice said...

Hi Melissa,

Interesting website. I love history myself. Great top five list of WWII movies as well. I never used to like the Guns of Navarone, but it grew on me over time and I've really come to appreciate it.

The Great Escape is my favorite.

I like Von Ryan as well, but I personally would replace it with Dirty Dozen or Bridge on the River Kwai.

Melissa Amateis said...

Hi Andrew -
Thanks for stopping by!

Here's a dirty secret - I've never seen Bridge on the River Kwai. Methinks I need to remedy that soon. Maybe over Memorial Day weekend? :-)

AndrewPrice said...

You've never seen Brid... I'm shocked!

It really is a great film. The visuals, the score, the plot -- all great. But, to me, the true gem in that story is Alec Guiness, who does an incredible job. As you watch his character evolve, you go through many phases in wondering about his mental state. I won't say more so that I don't spoil anything.

If you watch it, let me know what you think.

Melissa Amateis said...

Andrew, I think a trip to Blockbuster is in my immediate future. :-)

Administrator said...

Melisa,

Did you make it to Blockbuster yet?

By the way, I wanted to let you know that Lawhawk and I have moved to our own place. Please feel free to drop by anytime. :-)

http://commentarama.blogspot.com/

Andrew

Administrator said...

Oops, sorry, I should have come up as "AndrewPrice" -- not the much less personal, though possibly more competent "Administrator".