Spencer's Mountain (1963)

Earl Hamner's novel and this Henry Fonda film led to an iconic television series

I read the original novel by Earl Hamner Jr. soon after it was published in 1961, but I somehow missed the 1963 movie until now. This is a fine film, heartwarming in an old way without being cliched. It's easy to understand how it inspired "The Waltons" television series, which drew on the novel's characters and its portrayal of American values.

The transfer of the movie's setting from Appalachia to the Grand Tetons surprised this reader of the novel. James MacArthur was too old to play Clay-Boy. When I read the novel, I never imagined that Clay Spencer's wife Olivia looked like Maureen O'Hara. But these are the normal quibbles of a reader when Hollywood reworks literature.

A more substantive observation is that the novel gave more emphasis to Clay Spencer's self-identity as a landowner, even as he worked for wages at the quarry. This perhaps diminished the psychological punch of his sacrifice in selling the land at the end of the film.

The movie is carried by the sheer beauty of the Grand Tetons and by the power of Henry Fonda's memorable performance. He was made for the role.

-30- September 14, 2008

Importance of family

This film shows the importance of family, the closeness they hold over generations and the recognition of one son's desire to go further in his education than any of his forbears have been able to because of economic necessity to begin work young. It shows his family's determination to help him acheive his goal and find the financing to do so, even though they are very poor. It is a real feel good film. June 21, 2008

spencer's mountain

watched this movie when i was younger with my mom and really loved it
have been looking for it for a while.
if you like old movies this is one that you will really enjoy
i reconamended it highly June 19, 2008

I know I am in the minority, BUT....

I feel like an awful Scrooge to say it but I think this movie is just awful. It has pretty scenery and a big name cast, but the story is awkward and phony, with lots of Hollywood stock characters and trite characterizations. Now that I have said that, please enjoy it as an old-fashioned family movie that will not offend anyone with nasty things. Those are too rare, I agree; it is just that I don't think this is so great as a drama. Why not get a later Disney film like FOLLOW ME BOYS! (1967) or the even more recent and quite good TUCK EVERLASTING (2002) if you want family fare that is a little less icky than I think SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN is. Sorry folks -- forgive me if you are a fan of this one. June 11, 2008

Outstanding Movie...Affirming for Large Families

It's not often that I'm so fond of a movie that I begin giving it as a gift. SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN is that rare treat of a film that speaks to every generation: the fun of childhood, the angst of adolescence, the burdens of adulthood, and the goodbyes of the final years. Moreover, it is one of the only movies I've ever seen that truly celebrates family life, with all of its joys and trials. I especially recommend this film to large families, as they will be affirmed in their YES! to life. May 6, 2008

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