Classic Movies - Family Film Classics

Today, let’s talk Family Film Classics! This is one of our favorite types of movies. We truly enjoy pictures that promote wholesome family values, moral conviction, courage, honor, and respect. Our hats are off to those fabulous films that present characters of strength and optimism even in the worst of times; family or friends that stick together through thick and thin, overcome the odds, and move forward at the movie’s end. There are many fine films in this category, but we can name only a few of them here.

Of course, most Disney pictures fall into the Family Film category, but animated films, Disney films, and musicals will be discussed at later dates. We do, however, want to recommend several of Disney’s outstanding family flicks in today’s blog. They are three of our favorites and absolutely display the characteristics and values mentioned above. Old Yeller (1957); Swiss Family Robinson (1960); and Pollyanna (1960) are all enduring,





well-loved motion pictures and great for family viewing.


We also enjoy such beloved classics as Little Women (both the 1933 and 1949 versions); National Velvet (1944); Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945); and The Yearling (1946). These are some of Hollywood’s finest family films. All teach valuable life lessons to young and old alike.




The Family Film Classic that is our absolute favorite of all time and the one in the spotlight today is 1956’s Friendly Persuasion, with Gary Cooper (our favorite actor) and Dorothy McGuire (everyone’s favorite mother). The story takes place in Southern Indiana during the Civil War (1862) and involves a Quaker family whose peace-loving ways are tested as the war closes in on them. From the picturesque farm setting that resembles a Currier and Ives print, to the hilarious Sunday morning buggy races and county fair sequence, to the emotional love and battle scenes, this film is another masterpiece of fine film-making by director, William Wyler. Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire are perfectly wonderful as the strong, loving parents, Jess and Eliza Birdwell. Equally wonderful are the performances of Anthony Perkins as Josh, the sensitive, guilt-ridden son who questions the right and wrong of fighting in the war; Phyllis Love, as Mattie, the dreaming daughter who loves neighbor and Union soldier, Gard Jordan (Peter Mark Richman); and Richard Eyer, as Little Jess, the younger son and most mischievous of little boys. You will love the Widow Hudspeth (Marjorie Main) and her three husband-hunting daughters. Oh, and keep an eye out for Samantha, the goose. She bites! Nominated for six Academy Awards, Friendly Persuasion is an incredibly beautiful film that incorporates much warmth, romance, comedy, and drama into one amazing package. We always laugh and cry when we watch it. We love it and hope you will, too.

**Trivia Question for Today: What were the names of Widow Hudspeth’s three daughters in Friendly Persuasion and what popular singer performed the movie’s title song? Check our next blog for the answer.

Trivia Answer for Previous Blog: The “tagline” for Adventure was “Gable’s back and Garson’s got him”.