MovieChat Forums > Mrs. Miniver (1942) Discussion > Norma Shearer as Mrs. Miniver

Norma Shearer as Mrs. Miniver

posted 9 years ago by shopguyperry
4 replies | jump to latest

Norma apparently turned this down because she didn't want to play a mother. What a shame she made that decision either because she wasn't thinking clearly or because of her vanity. Most likely the latter. Whatever the reason I think Shearer would have been great in the role, possibly even better than Greer Garson had been. Norma excelled at these kinds of roles, not only was she a little more refined and elegant than Garson but she was also excellent at conveying so much emotion with just a look. This is one of those rare films that I can actually picture someone else in the title role other than the person who ended up doing it.

[–] nscom-1 9 years ago

Boy, do our opinions differ. There was none more lovelier and elegant than Miss Garson, and she was as refined as they came.

[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

Agreed. Someone other than Greer Garson as Mrs M appears inconceivable to me.🐭

[–] herveywillets 9 years ago

Norma Shearer must have objected to playing the mother of a full-grown son--She had already played the mother of a pre-teen daughter in THE WOMEN.

I'm always willing to speculate on what other actors would have done with even iconic parts. I think that Shearer as Miniver would have been interesting, but not an improvement. And really, the movie needed at least *one* genuine Brit, especially as the emotional center. (or as emotional as proper English breeding would allow). ;-)

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

<< I think that Shearer as Miniver would have been interesting, but not an improvement. >>

I don't particularly like Norma Shearer...but I can see her doing well in this part.
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