Amor Juvenil

Hard not to like this picturesque celebration of America's heartland. Sure, it's idealized, filmed as though it stepped off the pages of a glossy Town and Country magazine. And that's along with a super-engaging Crain and McCallister whose two youthful innocents seem worlds away from today. Add Brennan and Greenwood as the tough-love adults and it's a great core cast. The values are strictly family and conservative-- right down to grace before dinner-- but in a non-sanctimonious way.

Director Hathaway paces the spare plot nicely so that events never drag. McCallister's got to get surrogate dad Brennan back into the horse business. But to do that, he must win a trotter's race (an Indiana specialty), and in the process develop eyes for the de-glamorized tomboy Crain who's stuck on him. Naturally there are complications, including Haver's glamorous rich girl who proves a temporary distraction. But, surprise, surprise, things do work out in the end.

No, they sure don't make 'em like this any more, right down to the Huck Finn swimming hole and Greenwood's stern mother figure looking like she stepped off that famous American Gothic painting. Hollywood's nostalgia factory was hitting on all eight with this warm, non- sappy tale. I guess my only reservation is why they went to Kentucky to film a tribute to Indiana. Oh well, we're probably lucky they didn't cut corners and do it in the studio backlot.

The trivia section states that the racing scenes for this movie were shot in Fremont, Ohio. That may be true for the early scenes, but the final race in which Maudine IV races after going blind were shot in Marion, Ohio at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Although it has changed a lot in recent years, I spent many of my early years playing in the stands at the fairground and even rang the "call to the post" bell that is rung in the movie. My mother told us stories of seeing the stars of the movie at the fairgrounds when they were filming. One of the older guys I used to work with claimed he dated June Haver when they were in town. Even if I didn't believe him, I have no doubt that my mother was telling me the truth.

The list of filming locations does credit Marion, as well as several other locations where harness racing was one of the main local pastimes

I do enjoy the movie and try to catch it whenever it is on (generally on the FOX movie channel).

For those who like horses and horse racing, "Home in Indiana" offers a pleasant diversion.

Focusing on three in the cast, this was Jeanne Crain's first notable role, and what a "natural" she is. Completely at home before the camera, she shows early on her quintessential "girl-next-door" charm.

Paired with the equally "boy-next-door" Lon Mcallister, the two are perfect together. Lon came with a full list of juvenile film roles, and looked like the personification of a callow Indiana farm boy.

As for the amazing Walter Brennan, this was just another of his inexhaustible number of roles, always appearing much older than he actually was.

A further look at Brennen's folio, he made a whopping 63 films in three years (1933-35)! Can you imagine that? I can't.

The three together, along with Charlotte Greenwood as the proverbial "farm marm," offer a most convincing group of typical ranchers, struggling between corn crop mores and big city conventions--the latter represented by June Haver.

And those mares--absolutely beautiful!

This movie just makes you feel good. And not in any sappy way, but in the freshness of the setting and the characters, the coming-of-age bits that aren't forced, and the way Walter Brennan's character is brought back to life as he re-engages in the thing he loves, horse racing. And the way his wife delights in the transformation. It's a small miracle, brought on by the unexpected: a boy who's a relative is sent to live with the farm couple after he's gotten into trouble back home. At first he's resented but he becomes the catalyst for Brennan's redemption - and finds his own redemption, as well.

A couple of girls (Played by Jeanne Crain and June Haver, both future Fox stars) are in the mix as well, and if you like trotting horses, and racing, you will enjoy this lovely slice of life, with outdoors prominently featured. It should refresh and invigorate you.

Overall, Home in Indiana is a heartwarming, albeit somewhat predictable, tale of redemption and personal growth. It offers a nostalgic look at rural life in the 1940s and remains an endearing piece of Americana, particularly for fans of classic films and horse racing stories.

The film's rural Indiana setting is a character in itself, capturing the bucolic charm of the American Midwest with sweeping shots of open fields and horse stables.

However, Home in Indiana is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped. The film also leans heavily into sentimentality, which may not resonate with all modern times.