Having just watched a mint 35mm transfer of MY SON JOHN, I can say it is very definitely worth seeing. But it is mostly for its individual idiosyncracies than for its success as a complete work. First and foremost, there is no getting around the fact that the horribly tragic death of Robert Walker resulted in, at best, a cobbled-together hodgepodge of cinema. Scene after scene has abrupt insert angles to cover lapses in material. Material that was probably shot but deleted due to necessary story restructuring following Walker's death. Dean Jagger is, for the most part, awful as John's father. Jagger was an odd actor who, when a part wasn't letter perfect for his distinct personality, often seemed ill-at-ease. Here he is often VERY ill-at-ease. Walker shows much of his brilliance and gosh only knows how many of the takes that wound up in the film would have been redone had he lived. Helen Hayes is brilliant with what she is given. Her characterization is heavily layered and perhaps if the film had been completed as designed her "Battle Hymn" scene might even have worked. Frank McHugh reprises his GOING MY WAY role as Father O'Dowd. Van Heflin is excellent as the FBI man (Todd Karnes is his partner). The biggest problem with the story is that there is really no narrative explanation of just what John was doing as a Communist. Had the film remained a pure character study of a clash of ideals and personalities it would have succeeded. It would even make a very good play. The procedural scenes with Heflin & Company are uninvolving. Again, how much of this was contrived after Walker's passing. So, if you have an opportunity, see the film. It's neither fish nor fowl; as a whole it is by no means good; but its individual elements are often fascinating and very rewarding. Probably the best line in the film is when Helen Hayes chastises Van Heflin, "What are you trying to do - fire up my patriotism?" Don't let the anti-anti-Communist zealots scare you away.
Review of My Son John
