At the Movies….Remembering Mothers in the Movies By Cinematic Expert Stephanie Mardesich
May is the month when “Mother’s Day” honors the meaning and miracle of motherhood. Mothers are always special in their own ways. Over the decades on stage and in the movies they’ve been celebrated and sometimes denigrated. Let’s look to the former and more inspiring, heart warming, sentimental, if not noble stories. Enjoy and remember Mama!
Buona Serra, Mrs. Campbell (USA, Connaught Productions, 1968, 108 min., dir. Melvin Frank)
Post WW II Italy, Carla Campbell (Gina Lollobrigida; ever gorgeous and popular still receives maintenance payment from three former soldiers (Phil Silvers, Telly Sevales, Peter Lawford) who all believe themselves to be the father of her daughter, Gia Janet Margolin. The platoon has a reunion in the village and it’s all Carla can do to maintain her deception and ultimately all are pleasantly duped and happy.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062767/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_buona%2520serr
Little Women (USA, MGM, 1949, 122 min., dir. Mervyn LeRoy)
There have been many film adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel set in midst of American Civil War. The mother called “Maumee” (Mary Astor) has always been central to the loving home of the Marsh family while the father is away serving in the Civil War. The strife and trials of war, with strong core family values are troubling and inspiring. Many versions of the story, however this is personal favorite with ambitious scribe Josephine “Jo” (June Alyson), steady Meg (Janet Leigh),pretentious Amy (Elizabeth Taylor, and sweet Beth (Margaret O’Brien). Two Oscarâ nods and one win for Best Art Direction.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041594/?ref_=fn_al_tt_5
Two Women (Italy, Compangia Cinematografica Champion, 1960, 101 min., dir. Vittoria DeSica)
Setting is WWII Italy, widowed shopkeeper Cesira (Sophia Loren) and her pre-teen daughter Rosetta (Eleonora Brown) survive bombing of Rome. They escape seeking distance between themselves and the horrors of war with help from merchant Giovanni (Raf Vallone) after Cesira fulfills his carnal interest. During their plight Cesira forms a relationship with Michele DiLibero (Jean-Paul Belmondo) who is also a father figure to her daughter. He helps navigate them through their escape with his own severe consequences. Loren received great acclaim and garnered first ever Best Actress Oscarâ for a Foreign Film.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054749/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
With Six You Get Egg Roll (USA, Arwin Productions, 95 min., G, dir. Howard Morris)
Abby McClure (Doris Day) is the prototype (widowed) single working mother with three sons. She took over the construction company of her late husband. She’s still young and attractive though hasn’t met the right guy who turns out to be widower Jake Iverson (Brian Keith) single parent of one daughter Stacy (Barbara Hershey) They eventually marry and merge households with much humorous stress and competition and ultimately survive. Rather banal, yet entertaining. Very “60s” with Day looking perky fabulous in the terrific wardrobe(emulates, though not designed by famed Edith Head) , the darling hair styles.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063821/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Cheaper By The Dozen (USA., 20th Century Fox, 1950, 86 min., dir. Walter Lang)
Based on the real-life story of the Gilbreth family, patriarch Frank (Clifton Webb) who was a pioneer in motion study, and ruled with strong discipline, yet kind. Follows the family from Providence, Rhode Island to Montclair, New Jersey with amusing anecdotes. When father has a fatal heart attack it’s the mother Lillian (Myrna Loy) who has always been the true compassionate parent, and she carries on her husband’s work with the children pitching in. Daughter Anne (Jeanne Craine) particularly charming. (Note: Don’t bother with the remake 2005, no comparison).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042327/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4
Stella Dallas (USA, Samuel Goldwyn Studios, 1937, 106 min., dir. King Vidor)
Archetype story of self-sacrificing working class mother Stella Dallas (Barbara Stanwyck) who comes to decision to relinquish her only daughter Laurel (Anne Shirley) to care of the girl’s prosperous and elite father Stephen Dallas (John Boles), and his new wife, so she can have all the advantages her mother can’t provide. estranged husband. This was the most impressive of two versions of the story that also lead to an 18 year radio program. Stanwyck and Shirley received Oscarâ nods for Best Actress and Supporting Actress. Get out your hankie out as it’s a true “tear jerker” with excellent performances by entire cast.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029608/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Peyton Place (USA, 20th Century Fox, 157 min., dir. Mark Robson)
In pre-WWII era small town in New England Peyton Place on the surface is placid, with gossip and mayhem to be revealed. With their high moral standards leaders and ordinary wealthy and average community members demonstrate tolerance and prejudice. Single mother Constance McKenzie (Lana Turner) is established business woman with popular ladies dress ship who feigns widowhood to protect her daughter Alison (Diane Varsi) from the truth of her birth and raise her with best advantages and morals. Eventually the hypocrisy of the town undermines that (false) morality and a deceptive situation revealed, though right ultimately proves right. Adapted from the rather infamous best seller novel by Grace Metalious. The film garnered record nine Academy Awardâ nods including Best Actress for Turner and no wins, and deservedly overlooked for the lovely musical score. Ensemble cast includes Lloyd Nolan, Russ Tamblyn, Hope Lange, Arthur Kennedy, Mildred Dunnock, Betty Field, and Terry Moore.
(Note: Popular television series in 1960s inspired by the book starred Ryan O’Neal, Mia Farrow, Barbara Parkins, et al).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050839/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
I Remember Mama (USA, George Stevens Productions/RKO, 1948, 134 min., dir. George Stevens)
The life of a Norwegian immigrant family in 1910 San Francisco centers around Mama (Martha Hanson) (Irene Dunne) and her modest pennywise household budget. We follow the Hansens' small joys, sorrows, and aspirations, with the boisterous antics of Uncle Chris as counterpoint. Touching break out performance as eldest daughter Katrin for Barbara Bel Gedes Wholesome and heartfelt.
Five Academy Awardâ nominations including Best Actress (Dunne), Best Supporting Actress (Bel Gedes and Ellen Corby).
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020
