Long and a tad preachy, FRIENDLY PERSUASION recounts the story of a peaceful Quaker family in Indiana whose sanctity is disturbed by the Civil War in 1862.
Cooper and McGuire play the parents of Josh (Perkins), who listens to a Union officer make a plea for young men to take up the Blue cudgel. Although morally opposed to war, Josh fears that he's using his religion to mask a cowardly streak. When the news comes that the Southern band known as
Morgan's Raiders is nearing his town, Josh joins the local militia and prepares to fight. He is hurt in battle, and his father goes into the war zone to save his son and find a pal (Middleton) who's been ambushed.
There's humor galore in this picture, especially in a scene with Main and her three lonesome daughters. There are many tearful moments too and several incisive looks into the lives of the "Society of Friends." Aiming for a collage effect, director Wyler deals lovingly with McGuire's ongoing
battles with Samantha the goose as well as a little boy who suddenly yells "God is love" in a crowded church. A shorter running time would have helped but, as it is, FRIENDLY PERSUASION ranks as one of Wyler's best comedy-dramas. leave a comment
