Friendly Persuasion (1956)

The pacifist attitude of a Quaker family is tested as a result of the American Civil War.

Director:

William Wyler

Writers:

Jessamyn West (book), Michael Wilson (screenplay)

Stars:

Gary Cooper, Dorothy McGuire, Anthony Perkins

Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gary Cooper	...	Jess Birdwell
Dorothy McGuire	...	Eliza Birdwell
Anthony Perkins	...	Josh Birdwell
Richard Eyer	...	Little Jess Birdwell
Robert Middleton	...	Sam Jordan
Phyllis Love	...	Mattie Birdwell
Peter Mark Richman	...	Gard Jordan (as Mark Richman)
Walter Catlett	...	Professor Quigley
Richard Hale	...	Purdy
Joel Fluellen	...	Enoch
Theodore Newton	...	Major Harvey
John Smith	...	Caleb Cope
Edna Skinner	...	Opal Hudspeth
Marjorie Durant	...	Pearl Hudspeth
Frances Farwell	...	Ruby Hudspeth

Storyline

The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862. Their religous sect is strongly opposed to violence and war. It's not easy for them to meet the rules of their religion in everyday life but when Southern troops pass the area they are in real trouble. Should they fight, despite their peaceful attitide?

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Plot Keywords:

quaker | indiana | belief | faith | minister | 

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Taglines:

You'll love SAMANTHA, THE GOOSE! (re-release print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | War | Western

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 November 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mr. Birdwell Goes to Battle

Filming Locations:

Bidwell Park - Manzanita Avenue, Chico, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Allied Artists Pictures, B-M Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

137 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (as De Luxe)

Aspect Ratio:

1.75 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gary Cooper initially turned the film down because he didn't believe the American public would accept him as a devout Quaker father.

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Goofs

When Jess places the butt of the rifle on the ground after letting the Confederate soldier go, the trigger is on the side closest to him in the long shot. In the close shot, the trigger is on the side of the rifle away from him.

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Quotes

Jess Birdwell: I'm just his father, Eliza, not his conscience. A man's life ain't worth a hill of beans except he lives up to his own conscience.

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Connections

Featured in American Masters: Directed by William Wyler (1986)

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Soundtracks

Coax Me a Little
(1956)
Music by Dimitri Tiomkin
Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster

User Reviews

A near perfect blend of casting, acting, direction and music

Nearly half a century old but a film with irresistible charm and atmosphere. Some might describe it as rather sickly sentimental at times, but William Wyler's touch is always assured and coaxes performances of great charm from all the principals. I saw the film for the first time in1957 and was immediately captivated by it. It has remained one of my favourite movies -and takes its place with such classics as "It's a wonderful Life" and "Casablanca" It was also the first time that I really noticed the music of Dimitri Tiomkin, who is now firmly established as my favourite film composer. He is the composer 'par excellence' in setting mood, and there is something haunting in his themes and melodies. Take away Tiomkin's soundtrack and you would destroy the film. Fortunately you can buy the CD of the soundtrack. Tiomkin also wrote the music to "It's a Wonderful Life", and "Gunfight at the OK Corral", which I find also strangely moving. Another feature of the film which adds to the overall charm is the inclusion of humorous touches such as Gary Cooper staring through two curtain hoops at the music booth at the county fair which gives him the appearance of wearing glasses. The strong storyline involves the viewer directly in that one realises the crucial choice involved in taking up arms to defend one's home or refusing to oppose the aggressor because the New Testament asks us to "turn the other cheek". So, what makes this film so memorable? I have spoken to people who think that this movie is "O.K" -"nothing special", and other such comments that suggest mediocrity. But to me , there is an atmosphere that is unforgettable- and thanks must go to the genius of Wyler, Tiomkin, Cooper and a host of talented craftsmen and women.