In 1870s Florida, pioneering Gregory Peck (as Penny "Pa" Baxter) and Jane Wyman (Orry "Ma" Baxter) raise both corn and children. But, growing children can sometimes be a problem. Their first son dies before reaching age two, the next child doesn't make it to age three, and a third is born dead. The pain hardens Ms. Wyman's defenses, while Mr. Peck takes it easier with surviving fourth child, cute Claude Jarman Jr. (as Jody Baxter). The boy optimistically declares, "I'm eleven years old. I'm a-way past the age of dying!" And, so he is - but, that doesn't mean "The Yearling" is done with tragedy.
The boy raises a fawn, after cutting out its mother's heart to draw poison from his snake-bitten father.
Of, course, you know where this story is going - but, you've got to admit, it's done exceptionally well.
Every frame is staged for the maximum amount of heart-tugging cinematic beauty possible. Guided by expert movie makers Sidney Franklin and Clarence Brown, the film is distractingly gorgeous. But, the unnatural quality of picturesque art is balanced by fact that all the animals act like animals; and, Peck anchors it all with an inspirational performance. The only living creature given truly "magical" qualities is Donn Gift (as Fodder-wing), the boy who learns to fly like an angel. This character seems to embody much of the lyricism present in writer Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' original tear-stained pages.
The story puts everything in perspective. Everyone has to get their "insides tore out" sometimes.
********** The Yearling (12/18/46) Clarence Brown ~ Gregory Peck, Claude Jarman Jr., Jane Wyman, Donn Gift
The boy raises a fawn, after cutting out its mother's heart to draw poison from his snake-bitten father.
Of, course, you know where this story is going - but, you've got to admit, it's done exceptionally well.
Every frame is staged for the maximum amount of heart-tugging cinematic beauty possible. Guided by expert movie makers Sidney Franklin and Clarence Brown, the film is distractingly gorgeous. But, the unnatural quality of picturesque art is balanced by fact that all the animals act like animals; and, Peck anchors it all with an inspirational performance. The only living creature given truly "magical" qualities is Donn Gift (as Fodder-wing), the boy who learns to fly like an angel. This character seems to embody much of the lyricism present in writer Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' original tear-stained pages.
The story puts everything in perspective. Everyone has to get their "insides tore out" sometimes.
********** The Yearling (12/18/46) Clarence Brown ~ Gregory Peck, Claude Jarman Jr., Jane Wyman, Donn Gift