Os Nove Irmãos

When I joined the IMDB community, I was asked about my favorite movie. I was at a loss for about five minutes, trying to think of movies that I could truly consider my favorite. This movie finally won over the others I considered when I realized that a favorite is something personal and beyond reproach - you may hate this movie, but I saw at the perfect time of my life and now it means much more to me than it probably could otherwise.

Henry Fonda turns in an excellent performance, which is testimony to his work ethic - he vocally denounced the script as "corny" enough to throw back Hollywood film-making 20 years. The children are troopers of the same era as other classic family movies, ala Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson." I imagine the casting companies used were the same.

This movie accomplishes what it sets out to do - make you care about the Spencer family, their desire for respect and honor, and the sacrifices they make to do what they think is right. There are many moments in this movie where you could be moved to tears.

An emotional movie with, dare I say it, a lot of heart. It is my favorite movie.

I had seen this movie in high school with a friend I grew up with and his family at a Drive-In, and it made such an impression on me at that time, probably because of the wholesomeness of the whole thing; I saw it several times thereafter, but, until recently had not viewed it for years; I bought the DVD version and watched it last night and it was just as I had remembered it, a family movie, the likes of which you will never see again.... I especially enjoyed the extras, including the premiere newsreel and interviews; the scenery is breathtaking especially on a large screen TV, and the story always keeps your interest...it is hard to explain, but to someone of my generation, they just don't make them like this anymore!! What a joy to see such actors as Henry Fonda, Maureen O'Hara, Wally Cox, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Bronson, and Donald Crisp displaying their fine talents in this film... IT was interesting to see what a fine job James MacArthur did prior to Hawaii Five O, as he had done in several Disney pictures of the era....there is a very young Kim Karayth, who later went on to fame as the youngest sibling in The Sound Of Music and other family pictures, and Veronica Cartwright, who played on many television series and also in the Hitchcock thriller "The Birds." This was the heyday of family moviemaking...where did it all go??

Adapted from the autobiographical novel by Earl Hamner, Jr., "Spencer's Mountain" is, firstly, a nostalgic look at a way of life from the viewpoint of the writer. Released in 1963, the story undoubtedly had great appeal for those who see that way of life as quintessentially "the American way".

Set in New Dominion, the name is the first clue to the outlook of the residents (and the film's producers). "Dominion" might be translated as a territory under God's authority or control. Religion is one of the subjects of the film. But life in New Dominion has a simplicity that is a central theme.

In this valley that nestles under the Grand Tetons, there are only two churches. There are also few choices of occupation, few neighbors, and few visitors. Residents are connected to the land in an elemental way--mostly through farming, quarrying or via the lumber mill. One unstated but permeating message of the film is the goodness and value associated with such a connection.

The central character is Clay Spencer (Henry Fonda), father of eight and salt of the earth. Living under sparkling blue skies, he and his wife, Olivia (Maureen O'Hara), raise their children to be kind and to have dreams. Another central theme of the film is the value of dreams. The family is dedicated to the purpose of sending the oldest child, Clayboy (James MacArthur), to college.

One of their long-term projects is a dream house set on an idyllic hillside overlooking the valley and the grandeur of the mountains.

As Clay and his family strive for their dreams and negotiate the hardships that intervene in all lives, the viewer is treated to vignettes that are dipped in Disney and Doris Day. Bountiful streams and pastures bursting with fecundity frame a Norman Rockwellian world even homier and more basic than Mayberry. The film has been accused of mawkishness and justifiably so. No chance is missed to sing a hymn, recognize a milepost of life, wave the American flag or jerk a tear from a moment.

But that is not all bad. The film does what it does very well. Henry Fonda's voice almost feels like the bedrock that supports the entire family. The rosy-cheeked cast is the perfect picture of God's grace. The end product feels very iconic and touching, no doubt extracting tears from numerous scenes. I wish the sentimentality had been dialed down a notch--like when "America" is unnecessarily played behind the toasting of Clayboy.

"Spencer's Mountain" was well-designed for audiences in 1963. Even with it's overly sentimental tone, it has a wholesomeness and a respect for values that will appeal to viewers of any era.

Later, the story would be adapted again as TV's "The Waltons".

I don't know what the other guy was talking about, but I found this movie to be great. Henry Fonda as the head of the family was jovial, but stern. Maureen O'Hara was her usual tough, but beautiful leading lady. The story was engaging, the scenery is breath-taking, and makes one yearn for those old films that made going to the movies an event, something really special. I'm also glad it's finally out on DVD, as my pan and scan VHS copy isn't the greatest. Plot-wise, it followed the life of the Spencer family and their many adventures, if you will. The plots weren't all over the place, it was just documenting the various happenings in the Spencer family. Anyone with a heart will love this movie!

This movie was very enjoyable. It was fun, heartwarming & great story for the whole family. If you like "The Walton's" you will like "Spencer's Mountain" Henry Fonda does a wonderful job trying to care for his "babies" This movies proves that not all dreams have to come true to be happy. Sometimes you can be happy right where you are if you are, if you only give life a chance. Maureen O'Hara couldn't of done better as her role as Clay Spencer's wife. Also Wally Cox was super as the new preacher in town. This movie will have you laughing and crying. It is one of the best. I have watched this movie many times and know I will watch it several more times.