Friendly Persuasion - A Movie Review

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"Friendly Persuasion" is a Civil War drama released in 1956. CAST Gary Cooper - Jess Birdwell Dorothy McGuire - Eliza Birdwell Anthony Perkins - Josh Birdwell Richard Eyer - "Little" Jess Birdwell Robert Middleton - Sam Jordan Phyllis Love - Mattie Birdwell Peter Mark Richman - Gard Jordan Walter Catlett - Professor Quigley Richard Hale - Purdy Joel Fluellen - Enoch Marjorie Main - Widow Hudspeth The year is 1862 and the location is Jennings County, Indiana. Jess Birdwell is a nurseryman and head of the family whose Quaker background conflicts with his love of music and horse racing. Jess's wife, Eliza, is determined not to engage in violence as she is a Quaker minister and very religious. Against her mother's wishes, Mattie, their daughter is in love with cavalry officer, Gard Jordan; however, Mattie would like to remain a Quaker. Josh, the elder son, believes in a hatred of violence but feels that he should protect the family and join the home guard. The youngest, Little Jess, is a very active child and constantly harassed by Eliza's pet goose. It is obvious that each one of the cast members was picked very carefully. The actors match the characters quite well: Jess Birdwell, rugged but always ready with a smile, Eliza Birdwell, can be stern-looking but shows her weakness and love for her family, Mattie, rather plain looking and searching for love, Josh, long and lanky and rather shy, Little Jess, a hellion on wheels. I don't know how many times that I've seen this film; but it never disappoints. It's rated four stars out of four; and I can see why. The story line is seamless, the characters have been chosen with care, the music is fitting and the scenery is pristine. The theme song is "Thee I Love" by Pat Boone. His mellow voice projects the calmness and serenity of the Quaker life on an Indiana farm. I think that you will enjoy this movie immensely. This movie is Not Rated. Photo Credit: Pixabay