In the 1956 Friendly Persuasion, based upon the novel by Jessamyn West, and directed by William Wyler, his pacifist background as a Quaker affects the way in which he relates to the Civil War.
I don’t recall ever seeing the film look this good. It wasn’t a studio production. It was made by Allied Artists, a production entity with a decidedly low-budget history.
Formed in the early 1930s, and making mostly B productions, it merged with Republic Pictures, home of the TruColor western in 1935. Shortly thereafter, it again went independent.
Allied Artist was formed as a part of that entity in 1947, as an arm that would create high budget films. In the late 40s and into the 50s, along with Monogram, it was the home of the Bowery Boys and Bomba, the Jungle Boy – all B fare. The studio produced films in quantity, but seldom quality.
If you’re seeking something interesting, you’ll have to wait until 1953 for it’s foray into 3-D with The Maze, the 1955 Big Combo, a little sci-fi production in 1956 entitled The Invasion of the Body Snatchers —
And then strangely, Friendly Persuasion in 1956 – a film SO not Allied Artists that it sticks out like the veritable sore thumb.
Move on to 1957, and another Gary Cooper film, Love in the Afternoon, which again, just does’t fit the profile, which was more in line with the 1960 Sex Kittens go to College.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that things changed.
But here we are in 1956, with a film directed by William Wyler, starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire, a score from Dimitri Tiomkin. Interestingly, it was photographed by Ellsworth Fredricks, who also shot that little sci-fi film in during the same period.
I’ve been waiting aeons for this film to arrive in good condition, and it’s finally here. A few minor quibbles, but generally color, densities, grain, all seems to be the correct place.
A wonderful film that deserves both your support as well as your time.
Anthony Perkins first major role.
Image – 8.5
Audio – 9 (DTS-HD MA 2.0 Monaural)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
Worth your attention – 10
Slipcover rating – n/a
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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