Friendly Persuasion
Directed by William Wyler
Written by Jessamyn West and Michael Wilson (uncredited due to blacklist)
1956/USA
Allied Artists Pictures/B-M Productions
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Jess Birdwell: I’m just his father, Eliza, not his conscience. A man’s life ain’t worth a hill of beans except he lives up to his own conscience.[/box]
My husband says this film is not realistic. He may be right but I find it very charming.
The story is set in 1862 Indiana. The Birdwells are a farming family of Quakers. Father Jess Birdwell (Gary Cooper) is not as strictly religious as his wife Eliza (Dorothy McGuire), a minister in the church. They have three children, teenagers Josh (Anthony Perkins) and Mattie and youngster Little Jess.
Much of the story recounts amusing incidents from daily life. We see Jess’s running battle to best a neighbor in a horse race while hiding the actual racing from his wife; Eliza’s reaction to Jess’s purchase of an organ; and Mattie’s courtship with a soldier.
A crisis comes as Confederate soldiers near the farm. The Quaker belief in non-violence is tested to the limit as the family and it all it holds dear is under threat. With Marjorie Main as a rural woman with a house full of marriageable daughters.
I generally like Gary Cooper and he is perfectly cast here, bringing uprightness and humor to his part. The other acting is very good, with Perkins the standout as the troubled, sensitive eldest son. He was hailed by the studio as the next James Dean but it was not to be. There are some wonderful Wyler touches here. I loved the family’s pet goose.
Friendly Persuasion was nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of Best Picture; Best Director; Best Supporting Actor (Perkins); Best Writing, Best Screenplay – Adapted; Best Sound, Recording; and Best Music, Original Song (“Friendly Persuasion” (Thee I Love)).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9joZubh9gvo
TrailerF
