Kings Row (1942)

The dark side and hypocrisy of provincial American life is seen through the eyes of five children as they grow to adulthood at the turn-of-the-century.

Director:

Sam Wood

Writers:

Casey Robinson (screen play), Henry Bellamann (from the novel by)

Stars:

Ann Sheridan, Robert Cummings, Ronald Reagan

Nominated for 3 Oscars.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ann Sheridan	...	Randy Monaghan
Robert Cummings	...	Parris Mitchell
Ronald Reagan	...	Drake McHugh
Betty Field	...	Cassandra Tower
Charles Coburn	...	Dr. Henry Gordon
Claude Rains	...	Dr. Alexander Tower
Judith Anderson	...	Mrs. Harriet Gordon
Nancy Coleman	...	Louise Gordon
Kaaren Verne	...	Elise Sandor
Maria Ouspenskaya	...	Madame von Eln
Harry Davenport	...	Colonel Skeffington
Ernest Cossart	...	Pa Monaghan
Ilka Grüning	...	Anna (as Ilka Gruning)
Pat Moriarity	...	Tod Monaghan
Minor Watson	...	Sam Winters

Storyline

Five children in an apparently ideal American small town find their lives changing as the years pass near the turn of the century in 1900. Parris and Drake, both of whom have lost their parents, are best friends; Parris dreams of becoming a doctor, studying under the father of his sweetheart Cassie, while Drake plans on becoming a local businessman when he receives his full inheritance - juggling girlfriends in the meantime. As they become adults, the revelations of local secrets threaten to ruin their hopes and dreams.

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Plot Keywords:

friend | doctor | turn of the century | secret | small town | 

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Taglines:

Have YOU been to KINGS ROW

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

18 April 1942 (USA)

Also Known As:

Abismo de pasión

Filming Locations:

Kings Row, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Among the actresses considered for the part of 'Cassandra', were Katharine Hepburn, Adele Longmire, Marsha Hunt, Laraine Day, Susan Peters, Joan Leslie, Gene Tierney and Priscilla Lane.

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Goofs

When Parris is speaking to his instructor in Vienna, Dr. Kendell strikes a match to light his pipe. In the next shot, the match has disappeared and there is no evidence that he lit the pipe.

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Quotes

Col. Skeffington: [Referring to the dying Madame von Eln] When she passes, how much passes with her! - a whole way of life, a way of gentleness and honor and dignity. These things are going, Henry, and they may never come back to this world.

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Connections

Featured in American Masters: You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story (2008)

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Soundtracks

"Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, S.124"
(1830+) (uncredited)
Written by Franz Liszt
Partially played on piano by Kaaren Verne and then by Robert Cummings

User Reviews

A Fine Drama From The Golden Age of Movies

"Kings Row" is truly a gem. The acting, photography,direction, script, and memorable score are outstanding. A number of reviewers have criticized Robert Cummings as not being up to the role of Parris Michell. I have to disagree. His earnestness and sincerity are what I appreciate in his characterization which is central to the storyline. Claude Rains, Harry Davenport, Ronald Reagan, and especially Ann Sheridan are outstanding in supporting roles.

I am not an "old geezer", a phrase used by Ronald Reagan in describing Dr. Gordon, who appreciates films from the 30's and 40's; unless being 59 qualifies me as such. I find myself viewing this movie several times a year on tape and Turner Classic Movies. Korngold's theme is truly one of the five top film themes. This is a sensitive and entertaining movie which stands the test of time.