The Vanishing Virginian

Others here have very ably and fondly described the movie's storyline, characters, and acting; however, there has not been attention paid to the music in this film, especially to Kathryn Grayson's talents

Miss Grayson's talents are well displayed, both as a singer and as an actress, and her amazing voice is put to good use here without seeming overly contrived, even to modern ears; the songs were appropriate to the scene, such as when Miss Grayson's character was entertaining two little girls by singing to them playfully, or when an impromptu ensemble joined on the home's front porch one evening, singing and laughing, which was not at all unusual in the days before air conditioning, televisions, and computers.

Individually and in ensembles, many of the cast contributed their vocal and instrumental talents, with two moments standing out as particularly touching: the congregation singing at the funeral (with Miss Grayson having a prominent role), and the town's men singing a heartfelt "Auld Lang Syne" at the film's closing scene.

No, this is not a musical, but like many films of that era and of this genre, there is music in it. It is not music that is merely incidental or music that underscores on-screen action, but music integral to the story and which is itself part of the dialogue -- part of the story.

"The Vanishing Virginian" is a gentle reminder of how the masters of a bygone era told their stories. Sometimes it seems we are missing a lot in more modern movies.

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.

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

I recently watched this movie on TCM (recorded from a few months ago). I became engrossed in the culture of Southern Virginia at turn of 20th century. This is a great movie (it does have a few foibles--such as making sure Kathryn Grayson gets to sing a lot). I have not seen many movies starring Frank Morgan, but he's great in this one (better than his performance in Wizard of Oz). So is Spring Byington--the two of them carry this story, with assistance from the rest of cast which is very good. I highly recommend this movie if you want a view into the life of an upper middle class family in this era, in Southern VA.

I was always fascinated by Frank Morgan as a kid and am sorry that so little data is registered for him in the biography section. So many film stars of that era are given so little acclaim when they were truly greats to the film industry. They lived their lives, made their marks in history and we are truly privileged to have the archives of those movies to re-live that era.