Review of The Romance of Rosy Ridge

This is a Very good movie. Yes, it's formulaic but with surprises and treats to hold your interest. I laughed out loud several times and got misty eyed a couple of others. The Romance of Rosy Ridge is set in southern Missouri, one of the most evenly divided parts of the country, in the summer after the War Between the States, In this town, 23 families were on each side. The depiction of life in that era, with colloquialisms and period references is fun to observe. The battle of Pea Ridge is mentioned, although southerners call it Elkhorn Tavern. They talk of moving to "the territories", evidently Kansas and Nebraska. Home life, transportation, and farm tools are demonstrated in passing. Van Johnson's character arrives and sets about healing the violent and very partisan rift between the Yanks and Rebs. His breeziness is refreshing, yet he has quite serious moments, also sings. Janet Leigh in her screen debut is stunning; even her mother remarks, "that's a lot of woman trying to fit into that dress." Thomas Mitchell is accurate as a staunch Reb and an old-school head of household. He was Scarlett's father in Gone With the Wind. Also in the cast is Jim Davis, the one and only Jock Ewing. Several other recognizable actors perform well. One hilarious scene has Elisabeth Risdon wearing out her storekeeper husband, Guy Kibbee, about his idea of a dance to bring the townspeople together. She finally says, "this will be a terrible night and you'll be remembering it for the rest of your life." In true Fred Mertz style, he replies, "at least for the rest of Your life."