As is often the case, I disagree that this can be described as a comedy. You know...all those funny situations -- divorce, children getting polio, and so forth. Rather, it's about some individuals who struggle through life by being able to see the joy and humor in it.
How true this story is, I don't know, but it is at least based on some real people. That's the recipe for nostalgia, and it comes across nicely.
It's only been in the past several years, as a result of broadcasts on TCM, that I realized how many interesting films Rosaland Russell made; I always thought of her more as a stage actress. Russell often brought life to roles that were just a little bit different than the typical lead in films. She does that here.
Jack Carson, in films and on television, could come across as very likable or as a blow-hard. Here he is former as the man who comes to the rescue of a mother with several children who has fallen upon hard times, even though she did it with a stiff upper lip. BTW, Carson doesn't come into the film until almost halfway through it. Carson was always best when he underplayed a role.
A couple of actors have small but nice roles here -- Donald Woods (as husband #1), Alan Hale, Sr., and Ray Collins.
Life wasn't always good to these folks (is it ever?), but you could admire their..."pluck".
Pleasant, nostalgic look at the last century up to WWII.
How true this story is, I don't know, but it is at least based on some real people. That's the recipe for nostalgia, and it comes across nicely.
It's only been in the past several years, as a result of broadcasts on TCM, that I realized how many interesting films Rosaland Russell made; I always thought of her more as a stage actress. Russell often brought life to roles that were just a little bit different than the typical lead in films. She does that here.
Jack Carson, in films and on television, could come across as very likable or as a blow-hard. Here he is former as the man who comes to the rescue of a mother with several children who has fallen upon hard times, even though she did it with a stiff upper lip. BTW, Carson doesn't come into the film until almost halfway through it. Carson was always best when he underplayed a role.
A couple of actors have small but nice roles here -- Donald Woods (as husband #1), Alan Hale, Sr., and Ray Collins.
Life wasn't always good to these folks (is it ever?), but you could admire their..."pluck".
Pleasant, nostalgic look at the last century up to WWII.