The Farmer's Daughter

Not having seen the movie before, it was a complete surprise to watch it on cable the other night. This film shows that little, if nothing, ever changes in the world of politics. In fact, it could well be compared to this year's presidential contest. The only thing that has changed from the time where this film was done is that in order to win an election in this country, the candidate must be independently wealthy, or have benefactors that are willing to put up the money in exchange of favors down the line, or not be able to run at all.

H. C. Potter's film shows us a slice of what on the surface was an ideal time in America during the 40s, but deep down, this film speaks a lot of what was wrong then, in a subtle way.

Young Katrin Holstrom arrives in Capital City wanting to be a nurse. She has to change plans because when she arrives in the city, she has no money because an unscrupulous man had swindled her out of it. She begins working as a maid at the Morley's mansion. They are the local big name in politics. Mrs. Morley makes candidates, or destroys them. Her own son, Glenn is a Congressman.

All this atmosphere contributes to the growth of Katrin, or Katie, as she is called. She takes an interest in politics and she shows that she can speak and ask the right questions the candidates don't want to answer. The movie shows the dirty side of campaigns, in general, as is the case of with what's happening in 2004 in America.

Loretta Young was perfect as Katrin Halstrom. In this film she out charms everyone that she comes in contact with. Joseph Cotten is as effective as she always was in whatever he appeared in. Ethel Barrymore is Agatha, the rich woman behind the political machine. Charles Bickford is also excellent as Joseph, the butler.

Most movies from that period are sadly dated, but this one keeps the ideals of democracy in check. Bravo to Dory Schary for bringing this movie to the screen.

Loretta Young and Joseph Cotten star in The Farmer's Daughter, a 1947 film also starring Ethel Barrymore and Charles Bickford.

Young, in a role originally intended for Ingrid Bergman, won an Oscar for her portrayal of Katie Holstrom, a young woman who lives on a farm with her family. She saves her money and goes off to the big city to become a nurse. Unfortunately, thanks to taking a ride from someone who once worked for her family, she ends up loaning him her money and he won't pay her back. So she takes a temporary job as a second maid in the house of a Congressman (Cotten) until she can save enough for school.

It turns out that Katie is pretty outspoken when it comes to politics and, not only that, knows her stuff. When a congressman dies, Katie goes to a rally for the replacement that the party has put forward and embarrasses him with her questions. Political leaders from the other side are impressed and want her to run against him.

It's always fascinating to me, and a little sad, that films with political themes, no matter how old they are, always seem timely. I guess that's where the term "politics as usual" comes from, though no one adds "for the last hundred years." In this film, 100$ American is described by Finley, the party's candidate, as "white, not foreign born, of the right religion." Now tell me that couldn't be a scene today. The search for dirt is in this film, as is all the back office manuevering.

Loretta Young as a blond is every bit as beautiful as she was as a brunette, and she is a delight as the efficient, intelligent Katie. One can easily see how Joseph Cotten could fall for her. Ethel Barrymore, as Cotten's mother and the widow of a political great, does a wonderful job, strong-willed, clever, and no-nonsense. Charles Bickford, as the family's butler and friend is excellent as tough taskmaster who is nevertheless very impressed with his new charge.

This is a very warm film with a terrific cast that will give you some chuckles and make you realize that the more things change, the more they remain the same - in politics. In movies - well, that's another matter.

Loretta Young plays a Swedish "Cinderella" who rises from poor Minnesota farm girl to potential Washington official. This is very much a "Star Vehicle" for Ms. Young, and she is remarkable - lifting the routine rags-to-riches story far above the expected. Some of the supporting players seem a little silly - maybe playing caricatures - but, Ethel Barrymore and Charles Bickford are recommended viewing; and, Young is admirably assisted by Joseph Cotton as "leading man".

There were some surprises in the predictably - at one time, the film looks like it's going to end poorly, but turns around nicely. The production values are relatively high, so ignore the fake snow scene. Surprisingly, the behind-the-scenes political dealings pulled few punches, with Ms. Barrymore's presence strongly felt. A much better film than expected.

******** The Farmer's Daughter (3/25/47) H.C. Potter ~ Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore

When a senator dies in office, Congressman Morley and his fellow party leaders have to come up with a candidate to run in the election to replace him. Everyone is agreement, accept for Morley's second maid. A Swedish-American farm girl who came to the city to become a nurse, she had to take temporary jobs when she was conned out of her tuition money. Not nearly as naive or helpless as she appeared, she was quickly given a permanent position at the Morley household. She isn't one to hold back on expressing her own political views, and by the end of the movie she's running against the Morley political machine even as she is finding romance with Congressman Morley.

The movie is a bit dated, but because of the excellent script and acting it still manages to be a fresh and amusing comedy. The political satire is much more restrained then what modern audiences are used to, but the topics haven't aged at all. You've got two parties with no obvious ideological differences engaged in partisan bickering and mudslinging while a small group of wealthy and powerful men decide who is going to run for office. Integrity takes a back seat to party politics and favors. Even an unnamed white supremacy group rears its ugly head. When asked what type of politician she would be, the farmer's daughter tells us exactly what she would not be - a typical politician who only represents the wealthy people who financed their campaign and the powerful elite who backed them. Has anything actually changed in the last 50 years?

Loretta Young's Oscar-winning performance in "The Farmer's Daughter" was a major upset in 1947. All the so called experts had predicted that Rosalind Russell would win for "Mourning Becomes Electra." Ms. Young had some hefty competition besides Russell. We had Susan Hayward for "Smash-up: The Story of A Woman," and Dorothy McGuire, for the Oscar winning film, "Gentleman's Agreement"

Nonetheless, Loretta is to be congratulated for her authentic Swedish accent as a maid who works for a Congressman and by the end is elected to that high office herself.

We see corruption in politics;unfortunately, not something unusual even for these times. What makes it somewhat scary is the bigotry that is introduced along with the corruption.

With fine support by Ethel Barrymore, Joseph Cotten and Charles Bickford, "The Farmer's Daughter" is a wonderful movie.