Hindsight

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

Day 81:  Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945)

This beautiful little film, that is sets in Wisconsin, is about a Norwegian-American farm family and their relationship with other neighboring immigrants during the second World War. The film centers on Selma, a seven year old girl, and the small events that happen in her daily life, such as her adoption of a pet calf, and then later midnight trip to a traveling circus.  Margaret O'Brien plays Selma, and  Edward G. Robinson, in a non-gangster role, gets to show his range here and delivers a poignant performance as her father.  Selma's mother is played by Agnes Moorehead (a real Wisconsin export).  
The film has a wistful sense to it, and although the plot conveys loving and supportive farm families, there is also scenes that articulate the frustrations of farming day in and day out.  Enjoy this sweet and moving film, my daughter's loved it!  

*Interesting bizarre footnote, this very American story was written by Dalton Trumbo, and was his last film before being blacklisted for his refusal to testify to the House Un-American Committee. 

The title comes from a story in the King James, which reads,  Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Themes:  Immigration, Farming, Loss, Care of Animals

Media Literacy Questions for kids:  How did the filmmakers suggest that the story took place in Wisconsin?  What era is the film representing?  What are the key values in the film?