When viewing this 1960 film, I thought of "East of Eden," the 1955 film which captured family conflict in a very similar way. Naturally, there are differences, but the conflict and enormous tragedy that follows were memorable in this one.
Robert Mitchum plays a philanderer in this film. His illegitimate son, George Peppard, is a hand on the farm. Mitchum considers him a worker and will not acknowledge him as his son. Mitchum, married to the versatile actress Eleanor Parker in the film,allows Parker to constantly dote on their 17 year old son, played well by George Hamilton.
Mitchum decides that Hamilton has been pampered for too long and wants him to join the man's world. Teaching him hunting is a natural solution to the problem.
When Hamilton finds out who Peppard really is, he rebels and takes a factory job. Mitchum tries to woo his son back. When Hamilton will not follow through on his responsibility, his in trouble girlfriend weds Peppard instead. Vicious town gossip linking the baby to Mitchum causes Everett Sloane, father of the girl, to create a tragedy.
The acting is first rate by all. Mitchum hadn't had a meaty part like this in years. He is tough, but yet has the common sense to know what is good for Hamilton. Parker's frustration with all this swirling turmoil leads her to a breakdown. Hamilton flees the situation and Peppard shows that he is a real man-caring to the core.
A fine movie.
Robert Mitchum plays a philanderer in this film. His illegitimate son, George Peppard, is a hand on the farm. Mitchum considers him a worker and will not acknowledge him as his son. Mitchum, married to the versatile actress Eleanor Parker in the film,allows Parker to constantly dote on their 17 year old son, played well by George Hamilton.
Mitchum decides that Hamilton has been pampered for too long and wants him to join the man's world. Teaching him hunting is a natural solution to the problem.
When Hamilton finds out who Peppard really is, he rebels and takes a factory job. Mitchum tries to woo his son back. When Hamilton will not follow through on his responsibility, his in trouble girlfriend weds Peppard instead. Vicious town gossip linking the baby to Mitchum causes Everett Sloane, father of the girl, to create a tragedy.
The acting is first rate by all. Mitchum hadn't had a meaty part like this in years. He is tough, but yet has the common sense to know what is good for Hamilton. Parker's frustration with all this swirling turmoil leads her to a breakdown. Hamilton flees the situation and Peppard shows that he is a real man-caring to the core.
A fine movie.