Miriam Hopkins couldn't get more likable than she is in The Stranger's Return. She's just delightful as a city girl who visits her grandfather's farm. Eighty-five-year-old Lionel Barrymore (only fifty-five at the time) is the head of the family, much to the chagrin of his children and in-laws. Beulah Bondi, Grant Mitchell, and Aileen Carlyle are all anxiously awaiting his demise so they can inherit the farm. When Miriam breezes in, they're wary of her, especially since she gets along so well with Lionel.
What I love about this movie is it's not the typical "city slicker" movie. It's funny but not silly, and it doesn't make fun of anyone. Yes, Stuart Erwin is the constantly drunk farm hand, but he doesn't harm anyone and only likes a good time. Yes, Beulah is mean-spirited, but she's not stereotypical. And Miriam truly learns to love her grandfather and his way of life. She's not looking for escapism or a brief thrill. She listens to his wisdom and applies it to her own life, taking the time to think about the consequences of her actions.
Which leads her to Franchot Tone. He owns the neighboring farm. He's handsome, kind, funny, intelligent enough to have been offered a teaching position, responsible enough to turn it down and run his family farm, and genuinely has a good heart. How can you help falling in love with a man like that? Oh, there is one more thing about Franchot: he's married. Chances are you've never heard of this movie, but if you can find a copy, watch it. It's very good. It's not stylized like some old flicks, and it's very true to life.
What I love about this movie is it's not the typical "city slicker" movie. It's funny but not silly, and it doesn't make fun of anyone. Yes, Stuart Erwin is the constantly drunk farm hand, but he doesn't harm anyone and only likes a good time. Yes, Beulah is mean-spirited, but she's not stereotypical. And Miriam truly learns to love her grandfather and his way of life. She's not looking for escapism or a brief thrill. She listens to his wisdom and applies it to her own life, taking the time to think about the consequences of her actions.
Which leads her to Franchot Tone. He owns the neighboring farm. He's handsome, kind, funny, intelligent enough to have been offered a teaching position, responsible enough to turn it down and run his family farm, and genuinely has a good heart. How can you help falling in love with a man like that? Oh, there is one more thing about Franchot: he's married. Chances are you've never heard of this movie, but if you can find a copy, watch it. It's very good. It's not stylized like some old flicks, and it's very true to life.