Friendly Persuasion
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Movie Reviews of Friendly Persuasion
Movie Review: A True Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one terrific movie on all counts. It shows just how tough it was for those who lived during the Civil War period, especially for those, like the Quakers, who did not believe in war or violence of any kind. But, on the other hand, it has the honesty in portraying all people - even Quakers - as humans with human feelings, whether it be love, anger, competition, and even hypocrisy (in a Quaker's eyes). Not only does it show, fairly accurately, Quaker life of the mid-19th century, but life in general during that time in history. The fair scene seemed to pop right out of a history book with all the glorious sights and sounds that go with it. And speaking of sounds, I admire the producer's decision not to over do the background music in certain scenes. There are moments of complete silence during a number of parts, which gives the viewer quite a strong feeling of how "quiet" life was during that pre-electrical age.
The acting is as good as it gets, especially Gary Cooper. He plays his role perfectly (as was usual for him) and shows himself truly to be quite the comedian. And Dorothy McGuire is simply superb as his wife. In fact, Ms. McGuire almost steals the show!
It's unfortunate that this movie isn't as popular as one would think. I frequently get the questioning look from folks when speaking of this flick. But for those of us who have seen and love it, it is a favorite.
Another reviewer mentioned that Friendly Persuasion is slow moving. It is, but in a very good way. It's not 'IN YOUR FACE' like so many of the current films. It requires one to watch and listen and enjoy - it doesn't need loud music, cussing, or nudity to grab your attention. But, it really does a fine job in showing 'life as it was.'
Let's face it - it's a true classic.
Movie Review: A Serious Film, See Why Cooper Was So Great a Film Star
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want to know why Gary Cooper was once the worlds biggest film star watch this film. Cooper's performance like that of his co star Dorothy McGuire is of the highest order. Friendly Persuasion asks the question, what do people do when their beliefs are threatened by events?. In this case what are the Quakers of southern Indiania to do when their non violent beliefs are threatened by southern raiders during the American Civil War?
What this film makes clear is that there is no single answer. McGuire as a Quaker Elder tells a Union recruiting officer
that Quakers are opposed to slavery, but that they would not kill one man to free another. She also admits that some Quakers have gone off to fight.
Later as the raiders get closer Anthony Perkins as Cooper's son tells his father he is prepaired to die fighting the raiders. Cooper reminds him that he will not be asked to die but to kill.
When he still insists on going off to fight McGuire begs Cooper to stop him. It is clear that this not because she is a Quaker but because he is her son and she fears for his life. Cooper tells her that each person must decide these things for themselves and answer to their own beliefs.
When a fellow Quaker urges Cooper to 'pick up the rifle', his Methodist friend ( Robert Middleton ) tells him that he will fight for the both of them.
Add a love interest and some comic scenes and you have a film well worth two hours of anyones time. As a Brit it also appears to me that as America was founded on the principal of religious freedom this is a film no American should miss.
Movie Review: DON'T MESS WITH MY GOOSE!!
Summary: 5 Stars
FRIENDLY PERSUASION was nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture. Starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire as Jess & Eliza Birdwell, Quakers living in Southern Indiana during the Civil War. Pacifists according to their Quaker beliefs, they have avoided participating in the Civil War but now the war is infringing on their homes and they must decide whether or not to defend themselves. The tension among the family heightens when their son (played by Anthony Perkins in the role that would make him a star) decides he must take up arms to defend their community. While the film is about a serious, philosophical subject, it is filled with humor and romance. This film is the definition of FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. The music is great and the characters are portrayed as very human, not too harshly or too lightly. Gary Cooper is great as the straight-laced Quaker father who has a streak of 'worldliness' that keeps coming out-especially on the way to the meeting house (church) when a fellow neighbor Methodist causes a case of 'road rage' between their horse and buggies. Dorothy McGuire is the mother who is also the minister of their Quaker meeting house and takes pacifism as well as straight living very seriously. You almost believe she's as good as she appears until one of the Confederate soldiers attempts to take her pet goose. A long time classic you will be entertained and challenged to think watching this film. [...]Movie Review: An exceptional film!
Summary: 5 Stars
Wyler's "Friendly Persuasion" and "The Big Country" entitle an authentic and significant theme which is somewhat expressed in stronger terms in "Friendly Persuasion" but which meet with the impressive "The Big Country."
The story is simple, lovely and sensitive...
Gary Cooper, head of a Quaker family, is a loving husband and a caring father who has to consider his position at the outbreak of the Civil War in Southern Indiana... Cooper believes - as a father - that a man must be guided by his own conscience...
Anthony Perkins takes the part of Cooper's son which he plays beautifully... He is the 'peace-loving' young man who does not believe in fighting... He is like his mother shattered and teared apart by the events, but also feeling uncertainty about his capacity to meet danger without giving way to fear... Perkins sees that he has to convince himself that he is not a coward, so he becomes a member of the Home Guard, ready to defend the community...
Dorothy McGuire emits pleasant emotions as the Quaker mother, projecting inner beauty to her family...
Sentimental and well done, "Friendly Persuasion" is superbly acted and directed, beautifully shot in color... The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound Recording and Best Song...
Movie Review: About Quakers By A Quaker
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my favourite movie and I refer people to it often to explain the Quaker Distinctive of Non-Resistance (pacifism is something different). Based on the book by Jessamine West (who was also the consultant on the set), there are many 'inside' jokes only a Quaker (Friend) would get. Many non-Plain Faith people think we plod peacefully and quietly along through life (refering to noise level and degree of emotions), and that our children are born that way, too. This movie does an excellent job of showing we are all human, laugh, cry, etc., and especially why Quakers (Friends) do not bleieve in 'returning violence for violence done' (one of Dorothy McGuire's lines), why we do not believe in the 'glory' of war (there isn't any), and why we stress the sacredness of all human life. I also like how, when the teenage son (Anthony Perkins) feels compelled to choose differently, his dad reminds the mother (who is not just an Elder, but the Recorded Minsister of the Meeting) that one of the principal beliefs of Friends is each individual being directly responsible for their own actions/decisions to God through their individual consciences. An outstanding movie, with lots to keep you intertained and interested all the way through. Look for the humorous scene with Marjory Main (Ma from the Ma and Pa Kettle movies).