Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Candida It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

wes-connors "Jeffrey Lynn plays an ex-politician who blames big business for his failure to get re-elected. To expose big business as an evil monster he joins his uncle's newspaper. When his little sister is caught in a cave-in, the town's largest company comes to her aid and he must now reconsider" his opposition to corporate America. Mr. Lynn (as Blake Washburn) and Marjorie Reynolds (as Janice Hunt) would have been better off playing the parents of the girl - what the heck were they doing before his five years in the Army and two in the State Capitol? Best friendly Alan Hale Jr. (as Slim Haskins) and sagely Donald Crisp (as John MacFarland) serve very workmanlike supporting parts. Mr. Crisp gets to end a speech with director/writer Arthur Pierson's obtuse observation, "When this country was first discovered, there was nothing here." Marilyn Monroe (as Iris Martin) has a relatively small, but pointed, secretarial role. It probably goes without saying that Ms. Monroe's occasional appearances, in close-fitting attire, are the film's highlights.** Home Town Story (5/18/51) Arthur Pierson ~ Jeffrey Lynn, Alan Hale Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Marjorie Reynolds

boneman4 Hometown Story is one of four obscure movies in a single DVD apparently designed to showcase an early role of an eventual acting icon (in this case Marilyn Monroe).It moves very quickly and transported this reviewer back to an earlier(1951),less sophisticated,but more idealized time zone. Although the Korean War(also unpopular)was raging,and McCarthyism was poking its ugly head;the film exhibited an existing moral that made our country great. It would be good for some of our younger and more cynical citizens to study as an example.The acting was not of today's caliber but reasonably competent.Marilyn in her small role already exhibited what was to make her immortal. The lead actor,Jeffrey Lynn was a good journeyman that never quite cracked the "A" list. Marjorie Reynolds,who later starred in Holiday Inn,but not another major film,was the lead actress.The venerable Donald Crisp had an important role,and as always was excellent.A young Alan Hale Jr.(Gilligan's captain)had a delightful part and was quite good.I also enjoyed seeing the group of uncredited actors who always added to the enjoyment of the film including Byron Foulger,John Alvin,John Archer,Hugh Beaumont,Tom Keene,and Ray Teal.I give it an 8/10 and disagree with all the naysayers.

vampi1960 the DVD for hometown story has Marilyn Monroe's picture on it,and it states starring Marilyn Monroe.but Marilyn is a supporting actress. its a well made journalism movie about an ex senator(Jeffrey Lynn) who moves on to the local newspaper,as he blames the father of the senator that defeated him,its sort of a morality tale.Marilyn Monroe stars as iris his sexy secretary,after this she went on to star in; Niagara.look for Alan hale Jr(Gilligan's island)as a reporter.its not a great movie but the storyline is good,and its worth it just to see Marilyn Monroe in an early role.the budget for this must've been very low,Marilyn had to provide her own wardrobe.I'm giving this 7 out of 10.

Lee Bartholomew (spoilers?)All the elements are there. Down home guy who seems to be sweet, goes on a rampage without thought because he felt he was duped. Suddenly changes his heart. Hmmm where've I heard that before. And hey it's only 5 yrs after words.The acting is okay, and the movie is really paced very well. It makes 60 minutes sound just as good as some 120 minute long movies. Simply because there is a lot of story thrown in it's 60 minutes. I liked seeing some of the old printing press stuff. And it's surprisingly watchable. I'll likely watch this one again. But the story is like been there done that all over.6/10Quality: 8/10 Entertainment: 4/10 Replayable: 8/10