Such a fine actress as my dear Beulah Bondi really overdid it in this movie. I know she was playing a character thirty or forty years older than her years, but she annoyed me in this movie. The director should have reined her in.
"I love corn!"
Evidentally, Renoir who is considered one of the world's greatest film directors thought she was just right. We must remember this pic is over 60 years old and audiences responded very kindly to her then. I do understand what you are saying. I think the film is overrated by today's standards.
Nothing is more beautiful than nothing.
I just saw Bandi in 'On Borrowed Time" (1939) where she also played a granny, and she was perfect. Like you said, Renoir must have wanted her to be that way in 'The Southerner'.
shareAlthough I am not as critical of this movie as you, I will say that the director (despite his credentials) turned what could have been a true classic into a parody. These people were noble, yet their nobility was compromised by the 'folksy-''Li'l Abnerish" protrayals of the main characters.
I agree that Zachary Scott stretched his talent in this movie. It is amazing that this is the same man who portrayed 'Monty Barragon' in 'Mildred Pierce', and it's worth a look just to see him shirtless!
I would encourage people to see this movies despite its flaws, as it contains some beautiful cinematography and an engaging story. Marred by cartoonish performances, it still manages to achieve what every good storyteller strives to achieve.
"I love corn!"
I thought she was great in this movie. It may have been a little over the top, but it didn't ruin the movie for me. I really enjoyed it.
"I hope she didn't take my attempt to destroy her too seriously."
You people apparently didn't grow up in the 40s or 50s in the South. This is very representative of the times and setting. I knew people like this.
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I thought she was great. She played older frequently (most notably in Make Way for Tomorrow) and to great effect.
shareTerrible, just terrible. I'm not a fan of BB so I wasn't disappointed. She disgusted me holding the plate out, licking her lips waiting for the opossum to be dished out. Then going straight in with her hands. There were a few other moments like when the little girl needs a coat and she completely over does it and of course at the end. I couldn't tell if she was comic relief or really trying to act.
I started watching this without checking any of the info on it. Half way into it I was into the story and liked Z. Scott but I thought it was maybe 10 years younger than 1945. The movie has a cheap look to it. Did it come out of RKO or Colombia?