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Portrait of Jennie (1948)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
22 April 1949 (USA) moreAwards:
Won Oscar. Another 1 win & 2 nominations moreUser Comments:
A surprisingly simple and wonderful gift! moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| Jennifer Jones | ... | Jennie Appleton | |
| Joseph Cotten | ... | Eben Adams | |
| Ethel Barrymore | ... | Miss Spinney | |
| Lillian Gish | ... | Mother Mary of Mercy | |
| Cecil Kellaway | ... | Matthews | |
| David Wayne | ... | Gus O'Toole | |
| Albert Sharpe | ... | Moore (as Albert Sharp) | |
| Henry Hull | ... | Eke | |
| Florence Bates | ... | Mrs. Jekes (landlady) | |
| Felix Bressart | ... | Pete | |
| Clem Bevans | ... | Capt. Cobb | |
| Maude Simmons | ... | Clara Morgan |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
86 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreCertification:
Iceland:L | USA:TV-PG | Finland:S | Germany:12 | Sweden:Btl | USA:Approved (PCA #12700) | UK:UFun Stuff
Trivia:
This was cinematographer Joseph H. August's last film. He died in late 1947 before the long and tumultuous production was completed, and was posthumously nominated for an Academy Award for Best Black & White Cinematography in 1949. moreGoofs:
Continuity: While talking to Eke, Eben is standing on the left of the screen. After a close-up shot of Eke, Eben is on the right. moreQuotes:
Mrs. Jekes: I just can't understand a man fiddling away his time just painting things. Of course he did shovel some snow to pay part of last month's rent.Mrs. Bunce: Painting things? Women? Women in the...
Mrs. Jekes: Mrs. Bunce, we agreed that he was a gentleman and gentleman just don't paint "women in the...”
Mrs. Bunce: [flustered] No, of course not.
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Soundtrack:
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair moreFAQ
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Years ago, during Christmas season, "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946) made a huge difference in an otherwise humbug seasonal experience, one all too typical for me. Today, Christmas 1999, "Portrait of Jennie" (1948) gave me the same renewal of spirit and belief in transcendant human values. Similar themes and techniques underlay both films. Hopelessness and a search for meaning and redemption is met in each by a mystical and transforming experience. Black and white photography artfully supports and enhances the plot, especially in "Portrait of Jeannie". Transcendence of monetary woes is another common thread. Unlike the Jimmy Stewart character in "It's A Wonderful Life", Joseph Cotton's struggling artist is doing what he wants to do, not lost in regrets over missed opportunities. Still he is lost, alone and unsatisfied. He finds his salvation in his work, when inspired by a ghostly acquaintance (Jennifer Jones). While there is a nod to traditional religion, the underlying theme of "I believe, if you believe" outweighs any mixed messages. The film unfolds steadily and predictably, but ultimately gives the gifts of hope and joy to any viewer. In my case I would add: despite the viewers original mood. Films like these don't come along too often. Without an ounce of traditional Christmas symbolism this film should be another holiday classic. The transition from humbug to hope is a classic holiday story and gift! As a perennial grouch at Christmas, I am surprised to find another one like it again. Just last night I said humbug to watching "It's a Wonderful Life Again." There must have been something in those post-war years when hope and optimism came rushing back filling the screen, replacing the fear and despair felt by so many. Whatever, give yourself a gift and watch this movie sometime, then pass it along. I'm glad I did!