26 reviews
Et tu Brute? Then, fall Dangos : Vidor's pruned epic tribute to the US steel, automotive and aircraft industries.
- weezeralfalfa
- Dec 13, 2014
- Permalink
America Love Film
First take note of the date of this movie ( the forties) because we still had the mindset to be grateful and that was a time where people all over the world wanted to immigrate here. Not knowing what to expect, having little or no money and not speaking English they knew if they can get here the rest would come and it did for tens of millions of people. This is displayed quite well in this movie. I enjoyed Brian Donlevy and I kept waiting for him to trip up on his foreign accent but he was too good an actor to do so. This is an every man who only knows hard honest work and because of that does very well winning over people, making a buck, climbing the success ladder and even purchasing a home. Great scenes of family and traditions too. The war enters into the picture with Pearl Harbor and we are introduced to joining the military to defend and fight back as well as Rosie the riveter (women work forces) and what was Americas strongest points i.e. manufacturing and coming together as a nation. We could turn out volume on anything we chose such as planes, ammo, guns, etc. We ended up not only giving and selling planes to help Russia and others but also let many just end up in huge junk yards across the nation after the war ended. America could do no wrong and our main character proves that point over and over through tragedy and triumph. It starts out a little slow but necessary to make the points and then delivers a nice satisfactory viewing for your time and attentions given. Good movie to eat a meal by, have a tasty drink and a leisurely snack or two. Make sure to take note of the automobile industry in its infancy and the designs of the cars too. Also note that they sold cars from orders taken at car show annually. Fascinating bits of little history here and there. Enjoy
- Richie-67-485852
- Jul 6, 2017
- Permalink
am immigrant's story
"An American Romance" from 1944 is partly propaganda and partly about immigrants who came to this country and went for the American dream. Originally, the stars were to be Spencer Tracy and Ingrid Bergman instead of Brian Donlevy and Ann Richards, which would have made it seem like a much bigger film. King Vidor thought he had an agreement that Tracy and Bergman would star; apparently MGM heard something else. As it is, the film is done in color and had a good budget.
The version I saw is 121 minutes; originally the film was 150 minutes and the studio ordered 30 minutes cut. There are long scenes of factory work as iron, steel, cars, and airplanes are produced, and Vidor thought the 30 minutes would come from those scenes, which are wonderful but plentiful. Instead dramatic portions were cut. The film ends abruptly.
Need I add, this was the last film King Vidor did for MGM.
The story concerns a Czech, Stefan Dangos, who emigrates to America, intending to get a job in the iron mines with his cousin. That happens, and he works his way up, along the way marrying his English tutor (Ann Richards). He graduates to steel, and finally goes into business making cars.
This is truly a story about achieving the American dream, with a lot of patriotism thrown in, as the film spans from the 1890s into World War II and America's entry into it.
The factory scenes and the scenes in the iron mines are fascinating. Of note, during World War II, there were no passenger car assembly lines in operation. As a result, Vidor had to borrow cars from Chrysler, take them apart, and reassemble them in a simulated assembly line.
Brian Donlevy, who usually plays the heavy, does a fine job here. He's no Spencer Tracy, but I liked him in the role. He's rough around the edges and very believable and likable. Ann Richards is lovely as his wife - I assume if Ingrid Bergman had done this role, it would have been built up quite a bit. Stephen McNally and Walter Abel are also featured; McNally, as one of Stefan's son, is the narrator.
Good, not great, but certainly an interesting film.
The version I saw is 121 minutes; originally the film was 150 minutes and the studio ordered 30 minutes cut. There are long scenes of factory work as iron, steel, cars, and airplanes are produced, and Vidor thought the 30 minutes would come from those scenes, which are wonderful but plentiful. Instead dramatic portions were cut. The film ends abruptly.
Need I add, this was the last film King Vidor did for MGM.
The story concerns a Czech, Stefan Dangos, who emigrates to America, intending to get a job in the iron mines with his cousin. That happens, and he works his way up, along the way marrying his English tutor (Ann Richards). He graduates to steel, and finally goes into business making cars.
This is truly a story about achieving the American dream, with a lot of patriotism thrown in, as the film spans from the 1890s into World War II and America's entry into it.
The factory scenes and the scenes in the iron mines are fascinating. Of note, during World War II, there were no passenger car assembly lines in operation. As a result, Vidor had to borrow cars from Chrysler, take them apart, and reassemble them in a simulated assembly line.
Brian Donlevy, who usually plays the heavy, does a fine job here. He's no Spencer Tracy, but I liked him in the role. He's rough around the edges and very believable and likable. Ann Richards is lovely as his wife - I assume if Ingrid Bergman had done this role, it would have been built up quite a bit. Stephen McNally and Walter Abel are also featured; McNally, as one of Stefan's son, is the narrator.
Good, not great, but certainly an interesting film.
Historical value
As A career merchant seaman on the Great Lake's ore carriers, and working for a large steel maker, I found this movie most interesting and well done. This motion picture contains many historical shots of early lake vessels at the locks in Sault Ste. Marie and docking in Gary, Indiana. The story seems to be based on the life of Andrew Carnegie who was also an immigrant from Scotland. My family came from the Pittsburgh area and were employed with a large steel company, so I can relate well to the plot. Brian Donlevey visited aboard some of our vessels while making this movie in the port of Gary, Indiana. I liked this movie and watch it when I find it advertised to be shown on TV. I would own it if I could buy it because of its historical value..
Great documentary scenes
Wonderful shots of ca 1940 industry. The iron mine and ore docks were beautifully done, the open hearth and rolling mill was also great. Loved the Plymouths re-badged as "Dantons", apparently these were '41 leftovers as passenger car production was halted during the war. But the credits say the airplane factory was Douglas, some of the close ups of the Rosie the riveters may have been Douglas, but surely the B-17 line was at a Boeing plant? Or did Douglas also build B-17s?
But the drama was kind of corny. Not that immigrants didn't or couldn't become industrialists, but I don't think GMs steel turret tops cars could possibly have been invented in a backyard shed. In 1910 an innovative individual might have made a real improvement in auto production; by the thirties this could only have been done by a large industrial firm like GM with millions of dollars and hundreds of engineers.
But the drama was kind of corny. Not that immigrants didn't or couldn't become industrialists, but I don't think GMs steel turret tops cars could possibly have been invented in a backyard shed. In 1910 an innovative individual might have made a real improvement in auto production; by the thirties this could only have been done by a large industrial firm like GM with millions of dollars and hundreds of engineers.
- andrew-hayes-1
- May 2, 2013
- Permalink
By Dint of his own hard work ethic
Watching this film tonight and for the first time in about 40 years I also was seeing it in color for the first time and made me even more curious as to why no name stars were in the title roles with such an expensive production. From Robert Osborne I learned tonight that Spencer Tracy was originally going to be Steven Danglos instead of Brian Donlevy. Personally I would have waited for Tracy to become available and not because Donlevy gave a bad performance.
Donlevy's role is that of an Eastern European immigrant who starts work at a steel mill and by dint of his own hard work ethic rises to become a captain of industry. Along the way he woos and weds Ann Richards and they have a girl and four boys. A lot of immigrants did it that way and some are still doing it though many are illegal now. Back when we had virtually unlimited immigration because we wanted to grow the country a lot of stories like Donlevy's were possible although few rose to his heights. On both sides of my family that story could be told modified quite a bit.
In the end Donlevy is confronted with of all things labor management problems. He proves as stubborn as people like Henry Ford in that regard. If you remember in Citizen Kane a drunken Joseph Cotten tells off Orson Welles that something called organized labor is coming on the scene and what you gave your employees as largess is now thought of as their rights. Donlevy has the same paternalistic approach.
American Romance is also a tribute to the power of American industry which was growing to what we thought in 1944 as having unlimited potential. It was the backbone of our war effort and the last ten minutes without words show what Donlevy's Steven Danglos was a part of.
For reasons I think that no name star was in the lead, American Romance did not do that well. That's a pity because it's a fine film with wonderful cinematography which I finally saw on a color TV. Nice casting all around with such familiar folks as Walter Abel, John Qualen, and Stephen McNally. I hope TCM broadcasts it again soon.
Donlevy's role is that of an Eastern European immigrant who starts work at a steel mill and by dint of his own hard work ethic rises to become a captain of industry. Along the way he woos and weds Ann Richards and they have a girl and four boys. A lot of immigrants did it that way and some are still doing it though many are illegal now. Back when we had virtually unlimited immigration because we wanted to grow the country a lot of stories like Donlevy's were possible although few rose to his heights. On both sides of my family that story could be told modified quite a bit.
In the end Donlevy is confronted with of all things labor management problems. He proves as stubborn as people like Henry Ford in that regard. If you remember in Citizen Kane a drunken Joseph Cotten tells off Orson Welles that something called organized labor is coming on the scene and what you gave your employees as largess is now thought of as their rights. Donlevy has the same paternalistic approach.
American Romance is also a tribute to the power of American industry which was growing to what we thought in 1944 as having unlimited potential. It was the backbone of our war effort and the last ten minutes without words show what Donlevy's Steven Danglos was a part of.
For reasons I think that no name star was in the lead, American Romance did not do that well. That's a pity because it's a fine film with wonderful cinematography which I finally saw on a color TV. Nice casting all around with such familiar folks as Walter Abel, John Qualen, and Stephen McNally. I hope TCM broadcasts it again soon.
- bkoganbing
- Jun 5, 2012
- Permalink
American success story.
I saw this movie as a nine year old child and never forgot it. Later it appeared on television and more recently on TCM. I was impressed by the hero's fortitude in walking to Minnesota to join his cousin at the Mesabe Iron Range, his hard work, and his learning to read and eventually marrying the teacher. Each of his male children was named for a president after a friend remarked their child might reach that office. The movie taught me how iron ore was shipped east and processed into steel. Dangos also moves east and becomes a foreman. He eventually becomes an automobile manufacturer and his new ideas bring him success. His children succeed by achieving through the benefits of education. The movie ends after a documentary of American industry's contribution to the war effort. The Technicolor was gorgeous and Donlevy's performance believable. I still enjoy watching this film and believe King Vidor put his heart into it.
- djhbooklover
- Jan 24, 2007
- Permalink
Brian Donlevy--A Career That Might Have Been
This film should and could have been one of the most important movies in Brian Donlevy's career. It is one of the very few films in which he assumed a leading man role in a major motion picture. Unfortunately, it did not turn out that way. Even in The Great McGinty, Donlevy shared his principal male part with Akim Tamiroff (who played "The Boss"). For much of the rest of his career, Donlevy continued to be type cast as a "heavy" character--often a villain. He ought to have been offered more parts that reflected the strength, character and heroic nature Donlevy projected by playing Steve Dangos in An American Romance (AAR).
Donlevy's real life heroics are not generally known by the movie public. According to David Ragan's Movie Stars of the '30s (1985), at the age of seventeen he ran away from home and joined General Pershing's Mexican expedition against Pancho Villa. He also was once an aviator ace in the legendary Lafayette Escadrille. Donlevy was always a ruggedly handsome man--especially in his early years.
Movie careers are strange things. If an actor played a certain part with skill and conviction, he might have been forced by the studio system to repeat that role again and again. For the longest time, Humphrey Bogart was required to take parts that were essentially those of mostly negative characters. It was not until much later in his career that he was given the opportunity to play roles that reflected the more positive aspects of his potential as an actor. Clark Gable's early career had a similar trajectory.
AAR illustrates quite clearly that Brian Donlevy had more varied acting arrows in his quiver than he was ever able to demonstrate. He seemed to be at least the equal of leading men like George Brent or William Powell. Too bad that this aspect of his career was never realized.
Donlevy's real life heroics are not generally known by the movie public. According to David Ragan's Movie Stars of the '30s (1985), at the age of seventeen he ran away from home and joined General Pershing's Mexican expedition against Pancho Villa. He also was once an aviator ace in the legendary Lafayette Escadrille. Donlevy was always a ruggedly handsome man--especially in his early years.
Movie careers are strange things. If an actor played a certain part with skill and conviction, he might have been forced by the studio system to repeat that role again and again. For the longest time, Humphrey Bogart was required to take parts that were essentially those of mostly negative characters. It was not until much later in his career that he was given the opportunity to play roles that reflected the more positive aspects of his potential as an actor. Clark Gable's early career had a similar trajectory.
AAR illustrates quite clearly that Brian Donlevy had more varied acting arrows in his quiver than he was ever able to demonstrate. He seemed to be at least the equal of leading men like George Brent or William Powell. Too bad that this aspect of his career was never realized.
A surprise
I taped this movie and just got around to watching it. As a senior, I was delighted to watch an old fashioned drama of bygone days and I thought Brian Donlevy did a great job. This man never got the recognition he deserved often cast in unfavorable roles. "An American Romance" gave him the opportunity to excel and he did a great job. I realize it is a Rags to Riches story and from the standpoint of contemporary society, a bit "corny", but it nonetheless had a message that hard work and dedication leads to success and happiness.
My only criticism is that it ended too abruptly. I did not watched the 151 minute version. T.C.M. showed a shorter version but I felt ending with world war II and building planes was a bit of a disappointment.
If you are looking for a film to show your grandchildren, this is it!
My only criticism is that it ended too abruptly. I did not watched the 151 minute version. T.C.M. showed a shorter version but I felt ending with world war II and building planes was a bit of a disappointment.
If you are looking for a film to show your grandchildren, this is it!
- reginaldstockall
- Jun 4, 2005
- Permalink
American immigrant lore into war propaganda
It's late 19th century. Stefan Dangos (Brian Donlevy) is a new immigrant to America. He speaks no English and barely gets out of Ellis Island. He walks to Minnesota where his cousin says Iron work is plentiful. The workplace guard doesn't have the time to write his whole name and names him Dangos. He marries school teacher Anna O'Rourke (Ann Richards) and starts a family. After mining, he goes to the steel foundry, becomes a car manufacturer, and eventually joins the war effort to make planes.
It's funny that the title is An American Romance, but the wife mostly disappears from the second half of the movie. In a sense, I get it. The war is on and this needs to be part of the war propaganda. The movie needs to get to the plane manufacturing rather than the family drama. This is the lore of the American immigrant. It is important as Americana, but also important during wartime. However, the drama isn't quite there after a good start.
It's funny that the title is An American Romance, but the wife mostly disappears from the second half of the movie. In a sense, I get it. The war is on and this needs to be part of the war propaganda. The movie needs to get to the plane manufacturing rather than the family drama. This is the lore of the American immigrant. It is important as Americana, but also important during wartime. However, the drama isn't quite there after a good start.
- SnoopyStyle
- Sep 15, 2024
- Permalink
MGM reminds us of what made America great. Immigration.
- mark.waltz
- Apr 19, 2021
- Permalink
A story about an immigrant family living the American Dream.
I am an ESL high school teacher. My class is composed of predominantly Hispanic and Asian students. I would love to see this on video to teach my ESL students the American dream as portrayed by these wonderful characters. The plot is very effective- except for the fact that nothing was brought in about the Great Depression. Also, combing through the post-Industrial Revolution era with all the factory shots can be an asset for any history teacher to explain how the cooperation of people in time of need (war) has made America the wonderful country that it is today! Language Arts can also benefit because all of the elements of literature can be taught through this epic story.
As American As Melting Pots, Apple Pie, & Mickey Mouse
This is Steel!
- rmax304823
- Jun 5, 2012
- Permalink
An unapologetic "immigrant boy makes good" story,
I saw this movie as a kid of 10 in Port Arthur, Texas, which had four theaters in a four block area. I don't remember all the details, but it was definitely a feel-good film. The protagonist was an Eastern European immigrant whose name was long and hard to pronounce, so he was re-christened Steve Dangos. Steve first got a job iron ore in an "op'm pit". Being bright and ambitious, he later became an automobile manufacturer and, if the movie is to be believed, was the first to build an enclosed sedan. He was proud to be an American (this was at a point in World War II when the outcome was expected but not guaranteed) and he named his sons after Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. He had his share of sorrow when one of the sons was killed in World War I. This was not one of the all-time film classics, but it must have made a great impression on me for the basic plot to have stayed with me for all these 62 years.
- youngcaryyoung
- Apr 2, 2006
- Permalink
Unabashed schmaltzy patriotism that works...
"An American Romance" is the sort of film that was the perfect film for the perfect time. It is chock full of unabashed patriotism and is a bit schmaltzy--all in the midst of WWII. So, this sort of gung-ho worked well then but probably would be seen by many today as dated. However, I think that compared to many such films of the era, this one actually holds up well and is worth seeing today, as there is excellent acting and a bit of a history lesson here we could enjoy.
The film begins with Stefan Dubechek aka Steve Dangos (Brian Donlevy) arriving in America. He knows no English but like any good citizen, has a strong desire to work hard and make something of himself. So, starting off at the bottom at a steel mill, he is able to work his way up through the company. Eventually, he and a new friend find they have a great idea for a new car--and soon leave to start a company of their own.
The film is basically the American success story. Of course not every guy with vision and drive makes it--but this film seems to indicate that such an individual will. And, it also stresses the importance of such a strong-minded and committed person to the new war effort, as the film ends with Dangos organizing his factory for the mass production of aircraft.
While this could have been a dry documentary-type film, little bits of humanity and charm make this film work well. Well worth seeing.
By the way, if you do watch, pay attention to Donlevy's accent. Especially towards the end, he forgot it in a scene or two and in the next he's speaking with this strong accent once again!
The film begins with Stefan Dubechek aka Steve Dangos (Brian Donlevy) arriving in America. He knows no English but like any good citizen, has a strong desire to work hard and make something of himself. So, starting off at the bottom at a steel mill, he is able to work his way up through the company. Eventually, he and a new friend find they have a great idea for a new car--and soon leave to start a company of their own.
The film is basically the American success story. Of course not every guy with vision and drive makes it--but this film seems to indicate that such an individual will. And, it also stresses the importance of such a strong-minded and committed person to the new war effort, as the film ends with Dangos organizing his factory for the mass production of aircraft.
While this could have been a dry documentary-type film, little bits of humanity and charm make this film work well. Well worth seeing.
By the way, if you do watch, pay attention to Donlevy's accent. Especially towards the end, he forgot it in a scene or two and in the next he's speaking with this strong accent once again!
- planktonrules
- Aug 23, 2013
- Permalink
Technical details help tell the story
- Marine_Grandpa
- Dec 9, 2014
- Permalink
spoilers
- flarepilot
- Dec 7, 2014
- Permalink
Brian Donlevy in an Epic B Film
Brian Donlevy stars as an immigrant who comes to America in the late 19th century and rises through hard work to become a success.
This film was written, produced, and directed by the great King Vidor at MGM and was meant to be an American industrial epic culminating in a WW II propaganda piece with bombers flying in formation. It was also supposed to be the story of an immigrant and his family. The film was screened at 150 minutes, and Louis B. Mayer demanded the film cut down to 120 minutes. Vidor has no part in the edit, so what remains is a choppy story with lots of documentary-like scenes of industry. Most of the family story got deleted.
Initially set up at MGM to star Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, and Joseph Cotten, by the time Vidor was ready to film, Mayer balked at the cost and proceeded with a B cast of Brian Donlevy, Ann Richards, and Walter Abel. John Qualen and Stephen McNally are the only other name actors in the cast.
Saddled with a B cast, Vidor still tried to make the film he envisioned, but there are far too many cost-saving things going on, especially the cheesy sets. While there are some location shots, these are pretty much confined to industrial scenes.
The real pity is that Donlevy gives a terrific performance as does Abel in a much-reduced part. Australian-born Richards, however, is pretty bad, and her accent seems to change in every scene. With the family stuff omitted by Mayer, the narrative is choppy and the "heart" of the film is gone.
It's no surprise that after this bowdlerized version was released in 1944, it was a major flop. MGM lost a bundle and Vidor never worked for the studio again.
This film was written, produced, and directed by the great King Vidor at MGM and was meant to be an American industrial epic culminating in a WW II propaganda piece with bombers flying in formation. It was also supposed to be the story of an immigrant and his family. The film was screened at 150 minutes, and Louis B. Mayer demanded the film cut down to 120 minutes. Vidor has no part in the edit, so what remains is a choppy story with lots of documentary-like scenes of industry. Most of the family story got deleted.
Initially set up at MGM to star Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, and Joseph Cotten, by the time Vidor was ready to film, Mayer balked at the cost and proceeded with a B cast of Brian Donlevy, Ann Richards, and Walter Abel. John Qualen and Stephen McNally are the only other name actors in the cast.
Saddled with a B cast, Vidor still tried to make the film he envisioned, but there are far too many cost-saving things going on, especially the cheesy sets. While there are some location shots, these are pretty much confined to industrial scenes.
The real pity is that Donlevy gives a terrific performance as does Abel in a much-reduced part. Australian-born Richards, however, is pretty bad, and her accent seems to change in every scene. With the family stuff omitted by Mayer, the narrative is choppy and the "heart" of the film is gone.
It's no surprise that after this bowdlerized version was released in 1944, it was a major flop. MGM lost a bundle and Vidor never worked for the studio again.
Wonderful old film
I used to watch this movie on late-night TV when I was young. I loved it then and I miss not being able to see it now. The film is about an illiterate man who takes it upon himself to educate himself to win the love of his life. He then makes a success of himself in order to make a good life for them both. It's a fairy tale for sure but a heart warming one. I wish it would come out on video.
rags to riches
Brian Donlevy goes from rags to riches in King Vidor's ambitious Technicolor ode to hard work, family and the American Dream. Arriving penniless in the United States, Czech immigrant Steve Dangos (Donlevy) soon realizes America truly is the land of opportunity. Starting out in the iron mines of Minnesota, Dangos heads to the steel mills of Chicago, a decision that will earn him wealth and power beyond his wildest dreams - and put him at odds with his workers when they try to unionize. Produced over a two-year period at the then-enormous sum of $3 million, An American Romance is a bold and gripping saga in the Vidor tradition. "No other American director ever matched Vidor's sense of personal struggle, or the muscular poetry he found to express it. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 12/7/2020
Wonderful rags to riches story
If Paul Muni hadn't said farewell to Hollywood, he undoubtedly would have starred in the touching film An American Romance. He loved putting on disguises, accents, and age makeup in his films, and the protagonist would have required all three. He's an Eastern European who immigrates to America with nothing but a sign around his neck. It's adorable and sad as he wanders the streets penniless, unable to speak to anyone - until John Qualen (you know this character actor's face, but probably not his name) recognizes him on the street. It turns out he's a cousin, and he welcomes him into his home and gets him a job at the same steel factory.
Who's the lucky actor who gets to sink his teeth into this meaty role? Brian Donlevy, and he's fantastic. Handsome in Technicolor and utterly charming with his accent, he gives his finest performance in this film. And it's completely against type for the usual villain. When he learns English, when he falls in love, when he starts a business and takes risks with his lifelong friend Walter Abel - all these moments will win you over and make you clutch your heart with hope.
Some of the sections might feel a little uneven, but there's a reason for it. The director's cut was quite a bit longer, but MGM cut King Vidor's scenes without warning. What remains is still impressive, especially for its time period. There's a very suspenseful and scary scene where Brian has to save himself from a liquid steel leak in the plant; he climbs the walls and hangs on with his fingertips as the audience gasps. There are other incredible sequences about making futuristic cars and airplanes by assembly line. The title implies that the film is a love story, but it's really a "romance" between an immigrant and the land of opportunity. He falls in love with America and exceeds every expectation.
Who's the lucky actor who gets to sink his teeth into this meaty role? Brian Donlevy, and he's fantastic. Handsome in Technicolor and utterly charming with his accent, he gives his finest performance in this film. And it's completely against type for the usual villain. When he learns English, when he falls in love, when he starts a business and takes risks with his lifelong friend Walter Abel - all these moments will win you over and make you clutch your heart with hope.
Some of the sections might feel a little uneven, but there's a reason for it. The director's cut was quite a bit longer, but MGM cut King Vidor's scenes without warning. What remains is still impressive, especially for its time period. There's a very suspenseful and scary scene where Brian has to save himself from a liquid steel leak in the plant; he climbs the walls and hangs on with his fingertips as the audience gasps. There are other incredible sequences about making futuristic cars and airplanes by assembly line. The title implies that the film is a love story, but it's really a "romance" between an immigrant and the land of opportunity. He falls in love with America and exceeds every expectation.
- HotToastyRag
- Jun 3, 2021
- Permalink
America is the love interest here
King Vidor wrote, produced, and directed this film. Seems to be his contribution to the war effort.
I thought it was going to be a love story, but it is about love of country more than anything. A country where a guy can get off a boat, and with some gumption and hard work, can make something of himself. A bit old fashioned, but solid story with engaging characters.
Brian Donlevy and Walter Abel are both solid character actors, and are great leading this effort.
There is a lot of interesting footage of the steel, auto, and airplane industries. You even get to see ladies on the assembly line.
I thought it was going to be a love story, but it is about love of country more than anything. A country where a guy can get off a boat, and with some gumption and hard work, can make something of himself. A bit old fashioned, but solid story with engaging characters.
Brian Donlevy and Walter Abel are both solid character actors, and are great leading this effort.
There is a lot of interesting footage of the steel, auto, and airplane industries. You even get to see ladies on the assembly line.
- kcameronkate
- Sep 25, 2024
- Permalink
Standard King Vidor, i.e., good
Beautifully photographed Americana with lots of heart - and no soul