Spencer's Mountain

This is a movie that I've seen a couple of times on network television. DVD viewing in the as-created movie screen format, shows the Jackson Hole region as breathtaking in its pristine condition. Created from the works Earl Hamner Jr., a writer who as the oldest of 8 children grew up in the small mountain town of Schuyler Virginia. The novel, Spencer's Mountain, is based largely on his own childhood, became a best seller in the 1950s.

The same story led to the creation of the novella "The Homecoming" which in turn was the source for a television movie and the long running television show, "The Waltons". The phrase, "John-Boy, John-Boy, shoot that turkey", captured the essence of strong parental leadership that is indicative of Hamner's work.

The movie is a Warner Brothers production, released in 1963, written, produced and drirect by Delmer Daves. The father, Clay Spencer, played by Henry Fonda, was perfect as the roughneck quarry man with guided by his own good sense and belief in his own form of god. The mother, Olivia, was played by Maureen O'Hara, a beautiful redhead god fearing woman who wished only for her families happiness and achievement. The oldest boy, known as Clayboy was played by James MacArthur, who was seen in the movie "The Battle of the Bulge" and "Hawaii Five-O" as Dan-O. Other actors included were Wally Cox as the new pastor, and Veronica Cartwright as the oldest daughter, and Kym Karath as Patti-Cake the youngest daughter. Both Cartwright and Karath were together in the 1965 classic the "The Sound of Music".

Score 42 of 50. The Christian Science Monitor, at the time described the movie as a "marshmallow version of Tobacco Road". That seems a cruel description but then I guess all poor family stories have similarities. If you like movies that make you smile and cry, rent it.

• Character Development 6 out of 10. The story is based in a short period, there is a good deal of activity but little development beyond the father's growth into the church and sacrifice of his own dreams for his son's future.
• Acting 7 out of 10. Henry Fonda Maureen O'Hara are always good, but the ensemble, with so many children has characters that are not so much acting as being themselves.
• Photography, cinematography 10 out of 10. The movie taken from Virginia and placed in the Jackson Hole region has incredible scenery.
• Writing, script 10 out of 10. A story that you quickly become emotionally involved.
• Concept 9 out of 10. At the time, original and fresh, centered on family unity and individual achievement.