HOME TOWN STORY
US, 1951, 61 minutes, Black and white.
Jeffrey Lynn, Donald Crisp, Marjorie Reynolds, Alan Hale Jr, Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Brown, Melinda Plowman.
Directed by Arthur Pierson.
Home Town Story is an MGM second feature from 1951 – memorable only now for a few glimpses of Marilyn Monroe. She is exceedingly miscast as the secretary in a newspaper office – wearing her usual sweater, purring with her usual voice, getting the attentions of Alan Hale Jr. It was made after The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve.
The film was very patriotic in its presentation of American capitalism with a human face – and with a touch of democracy and sharing of profits. It was produced at the time of the House of UnAmerican? Activities Hearings.
Jeffrey Lynn (A Letter to Three Wives) is the editor of the local paper, returning home after being defeated for the senate. Donald Crisp portrays the capitalist – but with a kindly and concerned face, especially when the editor’s little sister is trapped in a collapsed mine entrance owned by the capitalist. Marjorie Reynolds is the fiancée, Alan Hale Jr, at age thirty, is the newspaper reporter.
The film reflects the atmosphere of the time – although it is interesting to see the concern of the editor of the paper about pollution from factories in American rivers.
1.An interesting supporting feature? Of 1951? The concerns of the 50s, the post-war era, pollution, politics, capitalism, exploitation, sharing of profits?
2.The black and white photography, the ordinary small American town? The town itself, homes, the newspaper office? The surroundings, the mine?
3.The story, the newspapers? The all-American story?
4.Blake Washburn, returning home, his edginess about taunts, punching his opposition? His mother, his sister, home life? Slim Haskins and their friendship? His returning to work, talking with the editor, taking over? Meeting Janice for the meal, his edginess, the fact that he had kept her for seven years, his proposal, her acceptance? His writing the articles after seeking a cause? Expecting the pollution in the river, the interview with the manager, the factory and its environmental concern? His editorials against Mac Farland? Slim being uncomfortable? The reactions of the readers? Mac Farland coming to visit, explaining his situation? Katie’s accident, his concern, Mac Farland’s intervention, flying the plane to the hospital, the successful operation? Mac Farland noting that one of the machines was his? Washburn changing his mind, Slim welcoming him back, writing the appreciative article?
5.Slim, the journalist, friend? Uncomfortable with Blake’s stances? Wanting to resign? Helping the bulldozer with the rescue? The reconciliation? His flirting with Iris?
6.John Mac Farland, the genial face to American capitalism? His speech about America having nothing till the settlers came, the achievement? His generosity? His more democratic sharing of profits?
7.Janice, the teacher, waiting for Blake, feeling left out, accepting his proposal? Taking the children on the excursion? The accident?
8.Mrs Washburn, home life? Katie, precocious child, going on the expedition, the present of the dog, chasing him into the tunnel, the collapse, her rescue?
9.Marilyn Monroe as the secretary? A small part – and her Marilyn Monroe style?
