I tried very hard to get through this movie, but I just couldn't manage it without fast-forwarding some of the tedious, trying scenes. It's extremely wordy, and Helen Hayes's over-the-top performance made me wish she'd been able to take the role on stage instead of in front of the camera. It's also more than a bit dated, because it was made during the height of the McCarthy Communist witch trials, and now, we view that time period differently.
Mom Helen Hayes and Pop Dean Jagger are the heads of a perfect family. Their younger sons are off to fight in Korea, and they all go to church, participate in their community, and are friendly with their neighbors and priest, Frank McHugh. The fly in the ointment is Robert Walker, their oldest son. He's a drifter with radical ideas, and he comes and goes when he pleases. He hasn't seen his parents in quite a long time, and when he finally comes home, he doesn't behave the way they'd like. He continually picks fights with his father about religion and patriotism, and he breaks his mother's heart with his sarcasm and coldness. Before long, an FBI agent, Van Heflin, comes knocking on the door asking questions. Helen and Dean have to accept the possibility their son might be...a Communist!
Yes, this movie's really dated. It's really long, and really drawn out. The only reason to watch it would be if you really love Robert Walker and want to see his last film. He met a tragic end, and he died before the movie was finished, so editor Marvin Coil had to piece together some shots from Strangers on a Train into this movie, as well as (in the grand Hollywood tradition when this type of tragedy struck a film set) careful use of body doubles and impersonators. Helen Hayes fans can skip this one and pretend she waited four more years to come out of retirement; catch her in Anastasia instead.
Mom Helen Hayes and Pop Dean Jagger are the heads of a perfect family. Their younger sons are off to fight in Korea, and they all go to church, participate in their community, and are friendly with their neighbors and priest, Frank McHugh. The fly in the ointment is Robert Walker, their oldest son. He's a drifter with radical ideas, and he comes and goes when he pleases. He hasn't seen his parents in quite a long time, and when he finally comes home, he doesn't behave the way they'd like. He continually picks fights with his father about religion and patriotism, and he breaks his mother's heart with his sarcasm and coldness. Before long, an FBI agent, Van Heflin, comes knocking on the door asking questions. Helen and Dean have to accept the possibility their son might be...a Communist!
Yes, this movie's really dated. It's really long, and really drawn out. The only reason to watch it would be if you really love Robert Walker and want to see his last film. He met a tragic end, and he died before the movie was finished, so editor Marvin Coil had to piece together some shots from Strangers on a Train into this movie, as well as (in the grand Hollywood tradition when this type of tragedy struck a film set) careful use of body doubles and impersonators. Helen Hayes fans can skip this one and pretend she waited four more years to come out of retirement; catch her in Anastasia instead.