L'histoire des Miniver

I enjoyed this movie, though of course it is very different from the original. It was good to see their wonderful old house or the recreation of it, whichever it was. Garson is very appropriate with the effects of the changes her character went and is going through. Pidgeon takes up well.

The little boy (young James Fox) is darling, though it's funny to hear his strong British accent and expressions in contrast to the American actors around the family table. But of course I wouldn't want fakey British accents. John Hodiak is refreshing playing a wholesome character. Don't think I've ever seen him as one. And Leo Genn is a favorite. He plays against usual type here as well. The daughter reminds me of Teresa Wright in appearance, though of course she is a different character entirely.

No, I think they did a decent job, as hard as it is to do sequels. There is integrity in it. The Minivers have a solid marriage, with love that has deepened. Mother holds her own in the difficult crisis with her daughter, Judy. She's a strong woman who has been tempered and grown with life and difficulties, even tragedy. They both know what it means to come through.

Though the director is very different in this, I think the real difference is in the Mrs. Miniver character. What she did formerly was more interesting than what she has to do here. She's winding down here, instead of verving up as in the original. Guess they could have written some new challenge for her, but what it is, it is. And if you appreciate certain people and elements of the original, you can enjoy this film.

The original Mrs Miniver was a huge international hit when released during the Second World War, teaming Walter Pidgeon and Greer Garson as architect Clem Miniver and his wife Kay, characters inspired by the writings of Jan Struther.

Mrs Miniver was a fiercely patriotic film, and a reminder to the USA of what Britain was taking in rationing, nightly air raids, and bombings. This sequel though, titled The Miniver Story, takes place in peace time, and is largely concerned with troubles within the family, foreshadowed by Clem's narration at the start of the film.

This film gets a lot of bad press from those who find it weak, heavy-handed or simply sentimental. It may not have the power of its illustrious predecessor as a war film, but it simply doesn't have that agenda. Clem and Kay still have a strong marriage, Judy and Toby are fast growing up (although their eldest, Vin, is curiously absent), and if you enjoyed their characters and the teaming of Pidgeon/Garson first time around, you will like this film.

In support you will find Cathy O'Donnell, Leo Genn, a very young James Fox, and (all too briefly) John Hodiak. Jan Struther might have objected to her creation ending the way it does in The Minever Story - and the film is certainly sentimental - but it is watchable, with good points.

I watched this sequel on a rental after hearing about it for years and expecting it to be somewhat disappointing. Of course, I knew the original "Mrs. Miniver" Best Picture Oscar winner and had seen that perhaps five times. This follow-up creation was much better than I expected. It tackles important issues of the post-war era just as well as the original showed the problems and challenges during the war. The acting and directing of the film seemed smooth enough. It is a sad, realistic story, without sugar coating. It is not melodramatic. Greer Garson is simply excellent in an understated way and again the story rightfully revolves around her character. Walter Pigeon is also excellent, with his familiar voice serving to narrate the film with thoughtful voice-overs. Those who completely knock this picture compared to the first one need their eyes examined.

The previous poster wanted to know why Richard Ney wasn't in "The Miniver Story". I believe the reason for Mr. Ney's omission was probably on Greer Garson's part.

Mr. Ney had fallen in love with Greer Garson while filming "Mrs. Miniver". Although he played her son he was only 11 years younger than Miss Garson.

They had a stormy divorce which occurred a couple of years prior to filming this sequel. I guess that's why his character wasn't even mentioned. Miss Garson probably wanted to just wipe out all memory of him.

I do not think that William Wyler's classic was made with a sequel in mind.But the most amazing thing is to feature a terminally ill Mrs Minniver although the name of the disease is never mentioned (heart?)Toby and Judy characters are featured (But the former seems a bit too young now that the war is over) but Vin 's was ruled out ,which could be acceptable if they made at least one hint at him.

The film will appeal to people who liked the 1942 film :although she knows her days are numbered,Mrs Minniver wants to make the best of what is left for her to enjoy her children and occasionally to help them when they take a wrong turn (Judy who wants to marry a married man).My favorite line is when Greer Garson says that she wants to be back by Autumn cause it's one of her two favorite seasons and she won't be here when Spring returns...

People who like the Garson/Pidgeon (Not only "Mrs Minniver" but also "Madame Curie" ) couple should have a look at it.