A modest wheat-growing family prepares for their "Harvest". The southern foursome are: mother Dorothy Gish (as Ellen Zalinka), father Ed Begley (as Karl), son James Dean (as Paul), and elderly Vaughn Taylor (as "Gramp"). Mr. Taylor is looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday. Ms. Gish has bought some new clothes, anticipating a healthy harvest. Mr. Dean is ending a summer affair with "city girl" Rebecca Welles (as Arlene Ross); but, he hopes to marry her, and leave the family farm. However, Dean is racked with restless guilt; his two older brothers have already moved away, and he is the farm family's last hope. Father Begley thinks, "Farming's the most important thing in the world," but Dean wants out. Suddenly, a violent hailstorm destroys the family's crop. Taylor dies, without realizing his 100th birthday dream. Then, Dean loses his girlfriend and joins the Navy
This "Robert Montgomery Presents
" drama certainly features a terrific "ensemble" cast. Mr. Montgomery promises "a talk" with Gish at the hour's conclusion; but, it consists of only a "thank you", and invitation to return for another teleplay. Mainly, "Harvest" is an opportunity to see Gish and Dean perform together, as mother and son. They do well, considering the medium. After performing a good scene together, Gish and Dean are unfazed by a stubborn coat rack (there were no re-takes).
By the fall of 1953, Dean was appearing so frequently on television, he might as well have had his own weekly dramatic program. He was a popular "juvenile" player. Dean's best scene may be the dinner he shares with the sophisticated "city" family in their summer cabin; don't miss him offering to help "Herb" into his chair. The "city" and "country" table manners are fun to watch, thanks to Dean and Gish.
Also, keep an eye out for "middle son" John Connell (as Chuck), who outperforms (albeit in a smaller role) Begley, Dean, and Gish. Congratulations, Mr. Connell, you win the farm! Montgomery hosts and narrates, in his typically pleasant manner.
However, the drama's very LOUD "chorus" is so annoying, it just about turns "Harvest" into a Thanksgiving turkey.
***** Harvest (11/23/53) James Sheldon ~ Dorothy Gish, James Dean, John Connell, Ed Begley