These Wilder Years (1956)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Roy Rowland

Writers:

Frank Fenton (writer)
Ralph Wheelwright (story)

Release Date:

17 August 1956 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

TOGETHER and TERRIFIC! ...in a story of unforgettable warmth and impact!

Plot:

Middleaged man tries to find a son that was given to an orphanage many years ago.

Plot Keywords:

Childhood | Orphan

Cast

James Cagney	...	Steve Bradford
Barbara Stanwyck	...	Ann Dempster
Walter Pidgeon	...	James Rayburn
Betty Lou Keim	...	Suzie
Don Dubbins	...	Mark
Edward Andrews	...	Mr. Spottsford
Basil Ruysdael	...	Judge
Grandon Rhodes	...	Roy Oliphant
Will Wright	...	Old Cab Driver
Lewis Martin	...	Dr. Miller
Dorothy Adams	...	Aunt Martha
Dean Jones	...	Hardware Clerk
Herb Vigran	...	Traffic Cop

Also Known As:

Somewhere I'll Find Him (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System) | Perspecta Stereo

Certification:

Australia:PG | Finland:S

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

First film role of Michael Landon.

This one improved over time

I first saw this film about 20 years ago on Turner Classic Movies and I was far from impressed--so much so that I long resisted seeing it again. However, on a lark, I decided to see it again--especially because I barely remembered the film--just that I didn't particularly like it. In hindsight, I am thrilled that I saw it again since it was far better than I'd remembered plus there were some truly wonderful moments.

The film begins with a very rich and successful James Cagney announcing to his board of directors that he was taking an extended leave of absence and wouldn't tell them why. It turns out that 20 years earlier, Cagney had fathered a child out of wedlock and he was trying to reconnect with this lost child. Naturally the adoption agency was not about to just give him this information and eventually Cagney unleashes lawyers and exerts his influences to try to force the issue.

At the same time, there is a plot involving a nice young girl who Cagney meets who is also pregnant and without resources, so it looks like she'll need to give up her baby. Considering the very obvious parallel, it's not at all surprising where this all leads, but it is still very emotionally satisfying to watch. In addition, there is a great scene at a bowling alley that is full of depth and emotion you often don't find in a Cagney film.

A highly unusual and soap opera-like film that still manages to satisfy despite a bit of predictability. It was well worth a look--I'm glad I did again.