Absolutely fabulous biography of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. Louis Calhern gave a memorable performance and received his only Oscar nomination for this film. Just too bad that Jose Ferrer had made "Cyrano de Bergerac" the same year.
The Republican Holmes was appointed to the court in 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Although he appointed him, Holmes frequently disagreed with the president as was the case involving Northern Securities of 1904. He was given the name of the great dissenter.
The movie focused on his career and with his wonderful wife,fabulously played by Ann Harding.
This is certainly a virtuous, ethical film to the hilt. Both the Justice and his wife had wonderful philosophies of life. A childless couple, they had many sons in the secretaries who served under Holmes. Holmes' friend was Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish justice to be appointed to the bench by Woodrow Wilson. Eduard Franz played Brandeis, who dissented along with Holmes in many a case. Franz's performance was low keyed but captured the mood of the man.
It was a blessing for Holmes to have had a long life, long service and the ability to know when it was time to retire.
A totally memorable film with a new perspective in history depicted-extreme love of country.
The Republican Holmes was appointed to the court in 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Although he appointed him, Holmes frequently disagreed with the president as was the case involving Northern Securities of 1904. He was given the name of the great dissenter.
The movie focused on his career and with his wonderful wife,fabulously played by Ann Harding.
This is certainly a virtuous, ethical film to the hilt. Both the Justice and his wife had wonderful philosophies of life. A childless couple, they had many sons in the secretaries who served under Holmes. Holmes' friend was Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish justice to be appointed to the bench by Woodrow Wilson. Eduard Franz played Brandeis, who dissented along with Holmes in many a case. Franz's performance was low keyed but captured the mood of the man.
It was a blessing for Holmes to have had a long life, long service and the ability to know when it was time to retire.
A totally memorable film with a new perspective in history depicted-extreme love of country.