Review of Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945) by Megan . — 08 Jan 2010

I think this film is deceptively good. Judging based on the title alone: OUR VINES HAVE TENDER GRAPES - you might imagine a saccharine family drama. It is that, in some ways - but there is also a much darker side to Dalton Trumbo's script (which on several occasions the subject of death is very much present) to offset the film's sugary side and gives the viewer food for thought.

I don't really have anything bad to say about little Margaret O'Brien. If you have seen (and loved) Vincent Minelli's MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS - you probably are a fan of Margaret O'Brien. I think she is terrific here also as Selma, the young daughter of Wisconsin farmer Martinius Jacobson (Edward G. Robinson) and his wife Bruna (Agnes Moorehead). They live in a rural community - most of whom are descendants of Norwegian immigrants.

This is a coming of age type film. Precociousness may not be the right word to describe her personality...but Selma is just starting to leave the complete innocence of childhood behind her and becoming aware that the world is not all bread and roses - finding out all too well that life sometimes isn't fair. Learning to cope with the curves that life throws at you...and how one can always make one's life better - for yourself and others. I think this is the main theme here...

I think the theme presents itself nicely in one sequence of events: starting with Selma's argument with her freckled-faced cousin Arnold (Jackie Jenkins) over the use of her roller skates. A lie results in Selma being unfairly punished by her father. Martinius feels remorseful about her daughter's punishment...so he decides to make it up to her by waking her up in the middle of the night so they can watch the circus pass through town...only to discover that all the circus animals are travelling in enclosed trucks and cannot be seen. Martinius has to "bribe" an elephant handler so Selma can, at least... see an elephant. But Selma's gleeful reaction makes it all worthwhile - even for the cynical handler, who cracks a smile.

Edward G. Robinson shows he can play a caring father just as well as a cold-blooded gangster. He and little Margaret team up very well in this...along with Agnes Moorehead as the mom.

OUR VINES HAVE TENDER GRAPES was released near the end of WWII...and war inevitably is a theme touched upon in the film also. The town newspaper editor, Nels Halvorsen (James Craig) decides to join the army despite a disability. He has also fallen in love with the new school teacher, Viola Johnson (Frances Gifford), a big city girl unaccustomed to rural living.

All in all...Jeepers!!! It's such a nice film.

8.