The Vanishing Virginian

Based on the memoir of Rebecca Yancy Williams, 'The Vanishing Virginian' was seen in the first place for two reasons when it popped up as a recomemndation. One was that it was directed by Frank Borzage, always a sensitive director with many films well worth watching yet is still deserving of more credit. The other was for the cast, with Frank Morgan, Kathryn Grayson and Spring Byington all being great in other things. The idea of the story also intrigued me, despite not knowing an awful lot about it beforehand.

'The Vanishing Virginian' is another Borzage film that is well worth watching and does nothing to waste its cast talent. While it is not my definition of a great film, with a few foibles here and there, it is nonetheless an interesting one with more done right than wrong. Would not go as far to say that it is a must watch, but it is hardly a film to remain obscure. 'The Vanishing Virginian' is also largely successful in making an interesting story engaging and accessible, providing one doesn't mind films that are quite sentimental and sugary. Always a good thing when it's a story that is relatively new to you.

Maybe there could have been less sugar, it does get too much in places, as does occasionally the sentiment. Occasionally, the pace rambles.

Something that could have been solved by having a couple less of the songs. The songs are very pleasant, with "Steal Away" and "Auld Lang Syne" being classics and put to poignant use, and Kathryn Grayson sings her contributions beautifully (am one of those people who does like her voice, though it is a type of voice that's an acquired taste), but not all felt necessary to the storyline.

However, 'The Vanishing Virginian' is beautifully filmed, the production values being expectedly top-notch, and sensitively directed by Borzage. The music is very easy on the ears and doesn't sound syrupy or intrusive. The script is generally appealingly light-hearted with a humorous edge and lots of charm.

A vast majority of the story, while not perfect in execution, is warm, nostalgic and affectionate, making for a relaxing watch. Didn't find myself bored and did think that there was enough bite to the film's content to not make it too overly-idealised. The cast characterise beautifully in likeably written roles, Morgan and Byington are both on sparkling form and newcomer (at the time) Grayson more than holds her own with them.

Overall, definitely worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox

"This is the story of a vanishing era when simple men so loved their country, their families that America became a better place to live." The setting is 1913 Lynchburg, Virginia. There, popular prosecuting attorney Frank Morgan (as Robert "Cap'n Bob" Yancey) resides with his large family. Likewise "old-fashioned" wife Spring Byington (as Rosa) is the mother. The couple have five children, led by high-pitched Kathryn Grayson (as Rebecca) and lawyer-like Natalie Thompson (as Margaret). The "girls" are ready to choose mates and careers, which gets to the film's intended sub-textual theme - the changing role of women in the 20th century...

There is a story here, but not the one you're expecting...

The possibility one of the daughters may become an attorney is addressed, although marrying a lawyer is preferable. Women do drive motor vehicles, without hysterics (transportation brackets the decades spanning film artfully); most significantly, a minor female character is portrayed as a relatively positive divorcée. Now contrast the "hints" of freedom permitted women with those afforded ex-slaves and you've got a more interesting film. Beloved family retainers "Aunt" Louise Beavers (as Emmeline) and "Uncle" Leigh Whipper (as Josh) know their place is happily slaving away their lives away for the white master. It's insightfully racist.

****** The Vanishing Virginian (1/23/42) Frank Borzage ~ Frank Morgan, Spring Byington, Kathryn Grayson, Louise Beavers

It's 1913 in Virginia. Six term Prosecuting Attorney of Lynchburg, Robert Yancey (Frank Morgan), intends to run for a seventh term despite his wife's objection. They have five children and plenty of black servants who are treated as family.

This movie is pushing very hard for the nostalgia of the old south. It is interesting for this era of cinema and as a study of the old societal conventions. It's based on the memoirs from one of Robert's children. None of this has lasted long in the popular imagination. It's trying to show a life of racial justice, but the paternal attitude overwhelms the works. It doesn't help with the dated comedy from the accidental black-face. It's a different time. The family story is rather scattered. It's a lot of rambling happenings without structure. It's a time and a place, not only for this story but when this was released.

This is a warm, humorous and sentimental film, based on Rebecca Yancy Williams' memoir of her family in small-town Virginia, circa 1905-1929. The essence of the story is centered on her father, Colonel Bob, and his life long public service. The film also lightly and humorously delves into the issues of the time, i.e. prohibition and women's suffrage. What makes this film a winner for me, is the fine acting of Frank Morgan as Colonel Robert Yancy, and Spring Byington as his wife. Well directed by Frank Borzage, and with MGM topnotch production values, it's worth a look, if sentimental films appeal to you.

Don't watch this film if you are an avowed or sub-conscious Marxist who is significantly distressed and trigged by the fact that not every decade in American history was like the enlightened 2000s, who is disturbed at the fact that not everyone in history thinks exactly like we do today and who is distraught at the fact that race and gender relations needed to naturally develop and improve within a context of relative social stability over a great deal of time - rather than be immediately overthrown in a 'glorious revolution'.

However, if you are a person who is able to put aside their presentist bias, you may thoroughly enjoy this delightful portrait of a southern family in the early 20th century.