Sunday, February 3, 2008

Mrs. Miniver

Another movie set during World War II, Mrs. Miniver is also set in London just before England declared war on Germany.

Mrs. Miniver, played by Greer Garson, begins the movie as self-centered and materialistic, quite an unlikable character. She is married with several children, but states that she gets what she likes and she likes nice things. In her eyes, nothing matters but herself.

Upon the outbreak of the war, her oldest son joins the Royal Air Force and is sent to defend London during the German bombing raids. In the meantime, her husband is called to duty to help the country in the Dunkirk evacuation. Left alone for several days, she struggles with events that make her reevaluate what is important. She becomes strong and protects her family and becomes a more powerful woman.

The movie was acclaimed and won the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress, among the six that it won in 1942. In addition to Garson, the movie stars Walter Pidgeon (How Green Was My Valley), and Reginald Owen (Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol).

Overall, this movie did not keep my interest as much as other black and white classics. The spirit of the movie, however, was strong. The German pilot - was not. I give this movie 3 stars. It was decent, but there are many more black and white movies that are more worth watching.

No comments:

 
My Zimbio