A História de Will Rogers

Will Rogers, Jr. stars as his own father Will Rogers in what many critics say is one of the best of movie biographies ever. Will, Jr. even asked that nothing be added to over-dramatize or embellish the storyline of the movie. He wanted his father to speak for himself. That's what they said on TCM. If you love film biographies, or like Jane Wyman, or if you have never heard of Will Rogers and want to know more about him, then you're in for a treat. Costarring James Gleason, Slim Pickens, Mary Wickes and Eddie Cantor as himself, this film has more heart and respect for its subject matter in one minute, than a lot of other movie biographies have in the whole film, especially musical biographies. This film shows how one man made a difference in the lives of others by being himself and that he is still being loved and remembered today.

This is an excellent film with an outstanding cast, and a very authentic feel to the overall presentation. Will Rogers, Jr. becomes Will Rogers, Sr. This is a good story about an outstanding "American" personality, and it should definitely be made available on video for all "Americans" to see, especially during these trying times when patriotism, honesty and goodwill could use a shot-in-the-arm. Hopefully it will be make the step to video in the very near future.

This is an amazing tale of a person who lived and made his claim to fame in the early decades of the 20th century. There were so many apt points he made about politics that are spot on about our current political world. We could sure use someone like him now to take a bite out of the polarization we have now about political issues. He maintained that we all care about each other and that as long as we have that the U.S. will never go down. We could definitely benefit from such ideas today. Great movie, great cast. Will Rogers Jr. portraying his dad. Jane Wyman as the love of his life. Great family and feel good movie. I viewed it on TCM, if you get the chance, don't miss it!

This one is now out on DVD in the Warner Archives Collection. I saw this picture when it first came out - I was 11 at the time and I wanted to see if it held up in the ensuing 58 years, and I'm pleased to report it is just as entertaining and absorbing the second time around.

Such is not always the case. I did the same thing with "The High And The Mighty", and was disappointed at how trite and stagey the picture seemed when I saw it recently. But "Will Rogers" holds up, probably because it is a biography of a very famous American from the early part of the last century. Then as now, I was fascinated by what a dead ringer for his dad Will Rogers, Jr. was. I also think the movie benefited from a superior direction job.

Can I make one criticism? I didn't think Jane Wyman fit the part of a girlfriend/ wife from Oologah, Okla. She was too sophisticated, like a society chick from Riverside Drive who wouldn't bother with a bumpkin from Oologah. But that's just me.

In any case, this is worth buying and watching. I don't think it will be on TV any time soon as there are two scenes of Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson performing in blackface. Can't upset the PC crowd, you know.

It's early 20th century. Humble cowboy Will Rogers (Will Rogers Jr.) returns to Oologah, Oklahoma. Betty (Jane Wyman) takes little notice of another cowboy's arrival but soon the two become a couple. Eventually, he becomes one of the most popular American humorist and home-spun political commentator.

This is an autobiography of Will Rogers as told by his widow. Will Rogers is well before my time. He comes from another era. I don't know any specifics from his work but I do understand his general tone. It's a call to the old west and America's promise. He's a nice little guy and the little guy can be great in America. This movie taps into that. He's the regular Joe. I have no nostalgia for the man or the era. I do find this movie to give a sense of both. One thing I didn't know is that so much of his work is topical and political. There isn't much drama with this movie but it does what it's supposed to do.