Of Human Hearts (1938)

“Jason, this is an important event in sister Clarke’s life, our stopping here tonight. She never had a minister visit her before.” – Rev. Ethan Wilkins

“Well, I don’t wonder at that. But that frog, pop – why, it made me sick!” – Jason Wilkins

“Suppose I’d called her attention to it, told her it was there? She never would have recovered from the mortification. The only time the minister ever stopped for her… it wasn’t easy, but I swallowed it. That, sir, is my idea of courtesy. And I wish you not to forget it.” – Rev. Ethan Wilkins

Number of Times Seen – 1 (13 Jun 2019)

Brief Synopsis – A young man’s youth with a preacher father and a dotting mother affects the way that he ends up living his wife in Pre-Civil War America.

My Take on it – This is another film in the ever expanding list of movies that I had never heard of before coming across the title during my quest to watch and review all films that have garnered Oscar nominations for its acting over the years.

This movie gives us a very interesting perspective on how people’s lives can be affected by the way that they were brought up.

It falls slightly short of its ultimate goal since the story as presented isn’t as effective or impactful as one would hope..

They develop the characters quite well and that allows us to get a better grasp of how and why they end up acting as they do along the way.

The cast of this film is great with Walter Huston, James Stewart and Charles Coburn doing wonderful jobs with the roles they are given.

Beulah Bondi was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as the family matriarch who shows that she is able and willing to do anything in order to help her loved ones get what they want no matter the cost to her.

Bottom Line – Interesting look at how the way one is brought up could affect the way that they live their lives in future years.  This film unfortunately falls slightly short of its goal and things aren’t as impactful as one would hope. The characters are developed quite well which allows us to try and get a grasp of the how and why they act as they do. The cast is quite good with Huston, Stewart and Coburn leading the way quite well. Bondi was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the family matriarch who is willing to do all she can for her family no matter the cost. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Beulah Bondi portrayed James Stewart’s mother five times: In It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Of Human Hearts (1938) and Vivacious Lady (1938), and once on his television series, The Jimmy Stewart Show (1971).  (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)

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