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Friendly Persuasion (1956)

 -  Drama | War | Western  -  25 November 1956 (USA)
7.4
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Ratings: 7.4/10 from 3,501 users  
Reviews: 50 user | 19 critic

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... See full summary »

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Title: Friendly Persuasion (1956)

Friendly Persuasion (1956) on IMDb 7.4/10

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Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Richard Eyer ...
Little Jess Birdwell
Robert Middleton ...
Phyllis Love ...
Mattie Birdwell
...
Gard Jordan (as Mark Richman)
Walter Catlett ...
Professor Quigley
...
Purdy
Joel Fluellen ...
Theodore Newton ...
Major Harvey
John Smith ...
Caleb Cope
Edna Skinner ...
Opal Hudspeth
Marjorie Durant ...
Pearl Hudspeth
Frances Farwell ...
Ruby Hudspeth
Edit

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? Written by Olaf Mertens <olafbahg@w210zrz.zrz.tu-berlin.de>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

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

Genres:

Drama | War | Western

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

25 November 1956 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

La gran tentación  »

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Color:

(as De Luxe)

Aspect Ratio:

1.75 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally released without screenwriting credit due to blacklisting of Michael Wilson; credits restored in 1996. See more »

Goofs

When the two Rebel scouts come upon the creek, and one of them rides into the water, the light from a reflector panel becomes clearly visible across his face. See more »

Quotes

Josh Birdwell: I don't want to die. I don't think I could kill anyone if I tried. But I have to try, so long as other people have to.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Boy Meets World: Friendly Persuasion (1998) See more »

Soundtracks

"Mocking Bird in a Willow Tree"
(1956)
Music by Dimitri Tiomkin
Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Magnificent Classic
14 December 2000 | by (Sterling hts, Michigan) – See all my reviews

Classic Hollywood film about family of southern Indiana Quakers who resist the call to arms during the civil war. Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire are perfectly cast by William Wyler as father and mother, Jess and Eliza Birdwell who must guide their lives as well as their children's who face mounting obstacles from the civil war encroaching their southern Indiana home in 1862 in this beautifully made film. As staunch Quakers, their faith binds them to pacifism while their oldest son, played nobly by a young Anthony Perkins, struggles to find his mettle and courage as a young man. Phyllis Love, as Mattie Birdwell, the daughter, struggles also to act strait-laced as a proper Quaker lady, while fighting her emotions of love and affection for a neighbor union soldier. Don't miss little Jess (Richard Eyer) who battles an annoying pet family goose named Samantha, as well as trying to defend his mom and sister from advancing Rebel troops as well as any 12 year old could! Marjorie Main, taking a break from her Ma and Pa Kettle movies at the time, tickles your ribs as the widow Hudspeth who along with her homely, hapless daughters who pursue young Josh (Perkins) during a business trip to sell trees and plantings. Walter Catlett, who plays a bumbling organ salesman, nearly steals a large part of the movie trying to convince the Birdwells that an organ purchase would enrichen their lives- knowing fullwell that music in the home is against the Quaker religion. Dorothy Mcguire gives a brilliant performance as mother Eliza Birdwell, the spiritual glue who holds the family together through any crisis. The scene at the county fair with the entire family is pure joy! The scene with Cooper defending himself against a rebel soldier who has killed his best friend is powerful and compelling. This movie can be viewed by all ages and you will feel a sense of joy and peace yourself at the end!


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