"The book is a film that takes place in the mind of the reader." ~ Paulo Coelho

Monday, July 1, 2019

Movie Review: The Proud Rebel (1958)

Hello, everybody!

One of my favorite actresses is Olivia de Havilland, and today is a big day for her... she is turning 103!! She is so amazing. Because this I am reviewing one of her movies (obviously). I actually watched this movie for Alan Ladd, and was pleasantly surprised to find that she was in it!

"Come now, I'm not going to hurt thee."


My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.


The Proud Rebel (1958):
Based on: the story Journal of Linnett Moore (featured in The Country Gentleman) -by James Edward Grant.
"Bitterness can become a bad habit."
John Chandler is roaming with his 10 year old son, David, looking for a doctor who can heal David, who has been mute ever since he saw his mother killed. In Illinois they find Dr. Enos Davis who knows a friend who might just be able to do the job, but he will need money. David's best friend in the world is his dog Lance. After a fight, John ends up in court. He gets the help of Linnett Moore, and works out a deal to work for her. But Harry Burleigh really wants Lance because he knows that there has never been a better sheep dog. Will he stop at nothing to get him? Will John be able to make enough money to help David?
"Is money the only way to pay for something?"
Genre: Western.
Length: approx. 103 minutes.
Costumes: 8. "A woman without a hat is only half blessed."
Script: 10, no bad words (I'm pretty sure)!
"He's got a mind of his own."
Crew:
Directed by: Michael Curtiz.
Written by: Joseph Petracca & Lillie Hayward.
Starring:
Alan Ladd as John Chandler.
Olivia de Havilland as Linnett Moore. "You're a strange woman, mam."
David Ladd as David Chandler.
Dean Jagger as Harry Burleigh.
Cecil Kellaway as Dr. Enos Davis.
James Westerfield as Birm Bates.
Henry Hull as Judge Morley.
Dean Stanton as Jeb Burleigh.
Thomas Pittman as Tom Burleigh.
Eli Mintz as Mr. Gorman.
King as Lance.
Cinematography: 8, this had some very cool shots!
Cinematography by: Ted D. McCord.
Music: 6, uh, I really don't remember it. I think that it moved the film along nicely, but I can't tell you what it was.
Music by: Jerome Moross.
Quotes: 9, "A lot of wars begin before shooting starts."
Storyline: 7, there is fighting, death, and one suggestive thing.
Good For: Western lovers, people who are suffering with loss, and people who are fans of the actors.
Age Range: David is 10, so I definitely think that anyone of that age would like it. Maybe even lower, it is a very sweet story.
Overall Score: 8!
Bonus thoughts:
I watched this thinking that it was going to be your typical western, but I was wrong! It is a very sweet story about the relationship between a man and his son. I greatly enjoyed it. The only thing is that the ending wasn't my favorite, it was okay, I just thought of a better one (in my opinion). Also, the title of this movie doesn't make a lot of sense. It is set after the Civil War, and John was a soldier then so does that have something to do with it? He also is very unwilling to accept help so that may be part of the "proud".
It was so cool to see Alan Ladd and his son David Ladd work together! They were great.


In honor of Olivia, Phyllis Loves Classic Movies and In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood are hosting a blogathon! This is their fourth year, and I have participated in 2017 and 2018. Make sure to check out all of the other entries HERE or HERE.
Miss De Havilland plays the role of Linnett wonderfully! She is so kind and loving, I can't picture anyone else!


(Sorry, the photos that I could find are not great.)


Thank you so much for reading! A big thank you Phyl and Crystal for hosting this!

Happy Birthday Olivia de Havilland!

MovieCritic

6 comments:

  1. I was also pleasantly surprised after watching this movie. David Ladd gave a really great performance! How would you have liked it to end? I was in tears but admit it could have been done a little more dramatically.

    Thanks so much for participating in this celebration of our beloved Olivia!!!

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    1. Yeah, it must be so hard to play a character who doesn't talk! He did a great job. (SPOILER ALERT to those who haven't seen it) I loved how David spoke to save John. I was in tears, too. My only problem is that I didn't like that John killed both Harry and Jeb. I know it was self defense, but it just seemed like "cheap way out", where the writers didn't have to come up with anything else, you know? I wrote this off of notes that I took a few years ago, so maybe if I rewatched I'd be perfectly fine with it.

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  2. Looks like a good movie!

    astorydetective.blogspot.com

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  3. Oh, I really want to watch this movie. Looks so wholesome ;D

    keturahskorner.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Exactly! It is really sweet and a great family movie. :D

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"If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, where you stop your story." -Orson Welles