MovieChat Forums > Blossoms in the Dust (1941) Discussion > What do people die of? *SPOILER*

What do people die of? SPOILER

posted 14 years ago by max_demian
4 replies | jump to latest

Both Sam Jr & Snr die of little more than dramatic necessity.

And why does the 'plot' section of this article contain such a whopping great spoiler? "They have a son, who is killed when very young."

Though it is rather obvious that Sammy is going to come to a sticky end, with all the fuss about choosing which toy he is allowed to take with him.

[–] Errington_92 12 years ago

Though it is rather obvious that Sammy is going to come to a sticky end, with all the fuss about choosing which toy he is allowed to take with him.

I saw it coming as well along with Charlotte's death. Then again this film is a melodrama so at times it is easy to predict whats going to happen.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] kenny-164 9 years ago

Greer Garson is one of the greatest actresses in film history, and she particularly played well with Walter Pidgeon. But for all her 10 out of 10 performance here, and in fact a generally quite good cast, interesting issues, very good sets and cinematography, the melodramatic twists took it down to an 8 for me. I suppose one could counter that in telling a true story, specific plot twists become something other than chosen for their (melo)dramatic impact. But it still playe that way.

Still can recommend the film, though. Garson was exceptionally radiant, powerful and convincing. Not to mention quite lovely.

[–] gribfritz2 8 years ago

Not sure if Sam Jr even really existed in real life, but Sam Sr died because, well, he died in real life well before his wife. It's the one thing they kept accurate.

[–] mdonln 8 years ago

gribfritz2 says > Not sure if Sam Jr even really existed in real life

Whether or not Sam Jr. really existed in real life is irrelevant. His existence and subsequent death in the movie was an important element of the story. It sets up almost everything that is to follow later.

At his birth we learn Edna will not be able to have then ten children she had hoped to have. Later we see how wanted and adored little Sammy was. He was the center of their lives; their happy little family. After he died Edna was numb; she went through the motions, entertained, went on, and she seemed okay but she wasn't coping well.

When she rejects the child Sam had the doctor bring to her, we understand it is due to the pain of having lost Sammy. As a result, we have compassion for her instead of judging her as a heartless, selfish woman. It comes up again when the blackmailing father suggests she could not understand parenthood because she had never had children of her own.

Again, when Tony comes into her life, we see how much he means to her. Giving him Sammy's stuffed horse is a big step so we can appreciate the pain and the sacrifice of giving him up. It was a if she was losing another child. In real life, Edna probably had other, less dramatic inspirations for doing the things she did. They probably wouldn't have played well in a movie and viewers would undoubtedly complain of plot holes.

Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]