why is this movie so little known? it is one of the great ones
shareDanielj is right that Stars in My Crown is one of the great ones. Maybe its quietness has something to do with being underrated. Joel McRea could lift any film up. A uniquely versatile actor who was comfortable in drama and comedy (and boy was he funny). He was better and more attractive than Gary Cooper who he's often compared to. I don't think the man ever hit a false note.
shareMaybe because of its strong Christian over/under/through tones. Why would an agnostic contemporary media wish to put emphasis on good times and Christ's wine?
shareJoel McCrea was a much better actor than Gary Cooper
shareJR, "strong Christian over/under/through tones" are one thing, but its general peaceful storyline is what is really important.
shareI just saw this recently and have to agree. A beautiful film that ought to be remembered as well as the films of Frank Capra or To Kill a Mockingbird.
I think one of the biggest reasons the movie is so little known is that it still hasn't been released on DVD.
It's now available on DVD-R from Warner Archives at wbshop.com, and other online stores.
shareI saw the end of this film the other night and loved it. I quickly ordered it from Warner Archives and watch the whole film and loved it.
It had a great Godly message that cannot be surpassed. Joel MCcrea was born to play this part. I heard on TCM the other night that this was his favorite film and he played it for his family many times.
He is definitely a good Christian man who acts like a Christian should. The theme song in the film is so moving that I must have played it 10 times the other night.
I had tears in my eyes when Joel was defending Uncle Famous near the end. Dean Stockwell says to Joel "This ain't no Will" and Joel replies "Yes it is son, It's the Will of GOD". I was so moved by his reply. I can't think of another line in a movie that ever affected me that way. It packed such a punch.
I recommend this movie to anyone of any age. I am so glad I bought it. It's a shame Hollywood ignores God nowadays. They seem to be more interested in using God's name in vain instead of praising his name. I guess that's why I enjoy old movies so much. You don't have to worry about filthy things being shown or said.
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Lucky for me, the Criterion Channel just began offering this movie. It’s a wonderful little vignette. Joel McCrea is sublime. I watch so many movies but I never even heard of this one. Please try and catch it if you can.
shareI saw this for the first time a couple of years ago. Wonderful little film with a fantastic cast. Yet another smashing performance by Dean Stockwell, one of the greatest child actors ever. I agree that this should be much better known than it is.
shareDean Stockwell was excellent in this. I can’t recall one bad performance from him. It’s such a simple but sweet movie.
shareIt truly is great, a near-perfect movie. Why it's not better-known is a mystery.
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