Hindsight

Classic kids, or 100 films the kids in your life have to see by 13 or else!

Day 54:  I Remember Mama (1948)

I caught this film on TCM one night and was so excited, what a lovely surprise.  It's a small film about a family of immigrant Norwegians, the Hansons.   The film is based on the Broadway play, by John Van Druten, itself built upon the fictionalized story by Kathryn Forbes called Mama's Bank Account.  George Steven directs and gives I Remember Mama, true warmth through his use of music,  framing, order of scenes, and outdoor location.   You really feel that you are in San Francisco at the turn of the century, and yet also a part of this little family, who live in a small home at 115 Steiner Street.  Through a series of vignettes we see the love and persistence of Mama played by Irene Dunne.  Other stars are Barbara Bel Geddes, Oscar Homolka, and Ellen Corby (Grandma Walton on the Waltons).  The scene with the sick cat and how Mama takes care of it, is hilarious.  Enjoy and Happy Mother's Day!

Themes: Immigrants, homesickness, family, marriage and death

Media literacy Questions: What are the key values of the story?  

How might the film tell the story differently than the stage version? Why is the film told in flashback?