Home in Indiana

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.

Home in Indiana is a wonderful movie. I saw this on AMC when I was a kid and still remember it. It's a film about a troubled youth who comes to live on his aunt and uncles farm. At first he doesn't want to be there but then he makes some friends and eventually gets involved in some kind of chariot horse racing. The music score and talent makes this film a classic. Another movie called April Love, with Pat Boone and Shirley Jones , came out about 20 years after Home in Indiana and copied the premise of the movie. Jeanne Crain is the one I remember most in this film, I think it was her second film. I think Fox released this movie and I hope they release this timeless movie on DVD soon, along with other Jeanne Crain films.

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!

Starched and scrubbed-clean family film has delinquent, orphaned teenager going to live with his aunt and uncle, ditching school to hang out at the next-door horse ranch and learn how to harness race. Lovely color photography, beautiful autumnal locales, and fine racing sequences bolster this thin drama, which seems to be in favor of cutting classes as long as you have a passion for something else! Dimply Lon McAllister is entirely too polite and green in the lead, though his friendships with neighboring sisters June Haver (the bombshell) and Jeanne Crain (the tomboy) are entertaining, and his devotion to the horses is well-portrayed. Some amusing characters and sequences, but it doesn't have the scope or depth of something like "National Velvet" (released the same year). This Henry Hathaway-directed effort is far more innocuous and minor, but still enjoyable, especially for equestrians. **1/2 from ****