Plot: What’s it about?
Martha Hanson (Irene Dunne) didn’t leave her Norwegian roots when she moved to America, instead he followed those roots. As most of her family had left to pursue better lives in America, she knew if she wanted to be happy, she’d need to be close to her loved ones. After all, she has always been most comfortable with her family, so it made sense to join them, even if it meant a whole new life in America. As time passes, she begins to fit right into her new surroundings, though that isn’t a surprise. She runs her household on a strict budget, with every last cent accounted for. This ensures that the family can ride out hard times and in addition, allow extra money to be wisely spent later down the road. Martha’s children look up to her as a powerful woman, especially her daughter Katrin (Barbara Bel Geddes), who wants to become a writer. Over the years, the family has to face all kinds of problems, but not all the times are bad. Although emergencies, illness, and even death visit the doorstep, the family also experiences joys and happiness. But even in the worst of times, the family pulls together and leans on each other to make it, just as a family should. Will Martha be able to provide as she wants, and will Katrin live her dream of becoming a writer?
George Stevens was a rare breed in filmmaking, a director who churned out his finest works toward the end of his career. Most directors burst into the business with a few bright hits, then fade out over time, but Stevens hit his prime as his career closed out. In addition to I Remember Mama, Stevens also helmed A Place in the Sun, Giant, The Diary of Anne Frank, Shane, and The Greatest Story Ever Told, all as a veteran of cinema who was close to his final curtain. I Remember Mama is a marker of sorts, a turning point at which Stevens began to focus more on depth and character, as opposed to sheer entertainment value. His later films entertain, to be sure, but they also offer more than simple laughs. In the case of I Remember Mama, Stevens takes a common series of events, the kind anyone could experience and makes a moving motion picture. Perhaps that is why the movie works so well, since we can all relate to what we see, but not all filmmakers could take such a basic, common premise and make it this effective. The cast is also quite impressive, as evidenced by the four nominations for stars at the Oscars, though none won that night. Irene Dunne (Love Affair, The Awful Truth) and Oscar Homolka (Mr. Sardonicus, Funeral in Berlin) provide great performances, but I think Barbara Bel Geddes (Vertigo, Tv’s Dallas) has perhaps the finest turn of the lot. This is a movie that makes the ordinary seem extraordinary, with a moving story and some touching performances. Warner’s disc isn’t that special, but the movie is so good, a rental is a must and a purchase isn’t out of the question.
Video: How does it look?
I Remember Mama is presented in full frame, as intended. I had some worries about the film would look, since it is over five decades old, but Warner has risen to the challenge and issued a terrific visual presentation. The print used has no serious flaws, with only minor grain, marks, and other defects to report, which is splendid news indeed. The lack of print flaws allows for a clean, sharp image that should please all viewers, especially those who’ve viewed the film in previous, poorer editions. The black & white visuals are stark and on the mark here, thanks to smooth black levels that never obscure detail in the least. A full scale restoration would be excellent, but even without that, the movie looks solid here.
Audio: How does it sound?
I don’t think the audio here will become anyone’s new showcase track, but given the material involved, it is a solid overall treatment. Although time has done some damage, the materials remain in good condition and no serious issues were found. The sound effects come through loud and clear, while the musical score is a little thin, but acceptable. No troubles with dialogue either, all the vocals are clean, crisp, and always at the proper volume. This disc also includes subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes an introduction by George Stevens, Jr., as well as the film’s theatrical trailer.
