White Banners

I was very happy to discover White Banners for the first time yesterday evening on TCM. Several reviewers here said it was "dated." Some said "dull" or slow-paced. Too bad! I thought it was first rate and not only because of it's superb cast. I would in fact call it "classic"–––with a message of timeless significance.

It shows very sadly how much ground we've lost as a society that the character of Hannah Parmalee masterfully played with quiet, subtle restraint by Fay Bainter is regarded by some modern observers as priggish, preachy, sappy and too good to be true. That's how cynical we've become in the face of nobility these days. Unselfishness and refined sensibilities are regarded as "sappy."

The story is intensely Christian in tone, because it centers on the tremendous strength and power one gains from considering the needs and feelings of others before one's own. What we are supposed to glean from the story is the idea that by not fighting for our rights and not demanding justice for ourselves we can win a reward much greater than the one we originally sought. Doing the right thing and not taking the paths of least resistance transcends grief, gives added strength and often leads to greater heights than one ever dreamed of reaching.

There is a sweetness and yes a naiveté in this story that is frankly refreshing. The lush romantic musical score written by the same composer who did Gone With The WInd provides a beautiful, perfectly realized, expressive accompaniment to every scene. Music of this high quality gives added dignity and significance to the film elevating it almost to the status of art.

In this noisy age of unbridled vulgarity, cheap sensationalism, excessive noise, and dissolute, despairing characters acting brutal, selfish, inconsiderate, exploitative and callous towards one another the QUIETUDE and profound depth of feeling in this movie is balm for the soul.

Just happened to wake up very early this morning and stumbled upon "White Banners" on Turner Classic Movies. What a nice little film. Fay Bainter, normally known for her outstanding support of many a fine lead actor, is given a chance to shine in a more substantial and pivotal role. Claude Rains turns in his usual fine performance and there is fine work from young actors Bonita Granville and Jackie Cooper. In lesser hands this film could easily lapse into a puddle of maudlin sap, but these fine performers truly elevate this moving and interesting story. The film is based on a Lloyd C. Douglas short story. Douglas was also the author of "Magnificient Obsession" and "The Robe. Would love to see this one on DVD someday. Until then, I'll be watching TCM's schedule for it. A film not to be missed!

I caught this gem early one morning, after waking up early unable to fall back asleep. How fortunate, White Banners is a movie I had never heard or knew about. I really did not expect much. Was I surprised how quickly I was drawn into this wonderful light drama. Wonderfully written and directed. The casting superb in all choices and Fay Bainter was simply magnificent and unforgettable. Truly a most memorable and haunting performance. Claude Rains, always great, gives a spunky and marvelously slightly eccentric touch to his masterful performance. Cooper and Granville are great together. Kay Johnson (Madam Satan) what a surprise! Very nice subdued performance. I was really glad to have discovered this forgotten classic. As wonderful as A Wonderful Life. I highly recommend making time to catch this, it's worth every minute of it's 92 minutes; wish it was longer.

A true tear jerker...finally saw today on TCM / Oscar nominated Fay Bainter was excellent in the role of Hannah... dated in style & content but so moving...cant help but shed a tear... cast is top notch incl Jackie Cooper & Claude Rains...its a hidden classic... comb of Imitation of Life/ Stella Dallas of that genre... watch it! worth it I believe Fay Bainter was possibly the first actress to be nominated in 2 categories in same yr. best actress/Banners & best supt actress Jezebel (for which she won) since, Jessica Lange, Sigourney Weaver, & this yr. Julianne Moore have rivaled that honor... Bainter was wonderful!!

WHITE BANNERS has a couple of very odd but satisfying plots running through the film. The first involves Fay Bainter who plays a woman who just moves in with a family and becomes the perfect housekeeper--in many ways a lot like an earlier incarnation of Mary Poppins! However, her hidden agenda and why she works for mere "peanuts" is interesting and unfolds throughout the film. The "why" exactly isn't all that hard to predict--there are lots of pretty obvious clues thrown out to the audience. The second plot, and this IS an odd one, is about Rains and Cooper working together to try to create the first home electric refrigerator and sell the idea. While this may sound dull, I actually liked this--it reminded me a lot of movies like YOUNG TOM EDISON.

This is not exactly a perfect movie, but I enjoyed it and appreciate how the studio at least tried something different. Plus, some of the performances were very good. Claude Rains was his usual wonderful self, but I also appreciate the teen parts played by Jackie Cooper and Bonita Granville--Bonita was bouncy like a teen and it was nice to see Jackie doing a more mature role than what he'd been previously doing for MGM when he was a bit younger. Also, Fay Bainter was generally excellent, but there were a few times when her character seemed a bit "sappy" and too good to be true. The bottom line is that this is an excellent movie and a good one for old movie buffs who want a change of pace.