malcolmgsw
The plot summary gives you the impression that this is a Western.Unfortunately this is not the case.Instead we have got what can only be described as a moralizing preaching drama.There is very little drama and a truly bizarre climax where McCrea persuaded the vigilantes not to lynch the afro America n as they will be willed his possessions.Whowver wrote this should have had his head examined.
jfarms1956
Stars In My Crown is a good family movie with older children. It is a movie which reminds us of our American history. It represents a time in America's past.It is both a dark chapter in history and a story of hope. It was one of Joel Mcrea's favorite films. Although the movie does not move at a fast pace, the movie will hold your attention and most of it will make you feel good. The characters in the movie are representative of many Americans, particularly in the South during the 1950s. It was courageous of the producers to produce a film like Stars In My Crown. The climax to me is about how love for one's fellow man, regardless of race, creed or belief, can change the outcome of hateful intentions. You won't easily forget this movie. It will in the end leave you with a hopeful message of love and belief in the goodness of mankind. Bring your popcorn and soda, along with your family, and enjoy the film, best enjoyed in the early evening or during a lazy afternoon.
vincentlynch-moonoi
If you're looking for a rip-snortin' western, this isn't it. But it's not exactly a "family" picture, either...although it is suitable for the whole family. This is a very well put together reminiscence of what life was like...at least in some villages...not too long after the Civil War. In other words, this is probably what REAL life was like back then.Joel McCrea is excellent here as the preacher in the town of Walesburg. It is said he spoke of this film as one of his favorites. Over time, he becomes a well-respected member of the community as he takes care of an orphan (Dean Stockwell) and the townspeople. Life passes by. After only a brief scene, the wonderful Lewis Stone, as the town's old doctor, dies, to be replaced by his on, an unreligious man who really has no intention of remaining in the town...but he is in love with the school teacher (Amanda Blake in her first film role, and 5 years before she began her stint on "Gunsmoke"...ironically, James Arness is also in the film, though uncredited!). The preacher's "son" comes down with typhoid, which tests the preacher's faith. The preacher closes his church and withdraws from the community. The "son" recovers and the young doctor begins to be more accepted by the community. Then, it appears the school teacher is dying, but prayer appears to be the answer, and the young doctor's belief in God begins to develop. Businessman Ed Begley tries to buy the land of freed slave, and when rebuffed turns to the Ku Klux Klan. Farmer Alan Hale steps in and helps the former slave. When the KKK develops a lynching party, the preacher's sermon to them saves the old man. Faith is restored.No, this is not a true western, but it is true Americana. Performances are quite good all around, and this film was made in the last year of Alan Hale's life, although he was only 57 years old. It's actually difficult to find much wrong with this film...and, after-all, it was an MGM production at a time when MGM was still the mark of excellence.Highly recommended for the story, and as well for the steadied performance of Joel McCrae, although this film almost has the feel of an ensemble cast. Ellen Drew's part as the preacher's wife is rather minor, though necessary. Dean Stockwell certainly was one of the best child actors of his era, and is here. Clearly, Alan Hale was getting along here, but as always, was a welcome face in any film. James Mitchell as the young doctor was good, though I was not familiar with him. Amanda Blake was suitable as the school teacher. Juano Hernandez was excellent as the former slave. And, Ed Begley was perfect as the villain of the story. Again, this seems more like an ensemble cast, rather than a star system cast.
opusv5
Enjoyed this film. It portrayed a post-Civil War mid-west (so it appeared)community in a way that could make you nostalgic. Not that everything was perfect: the Ku Klux Klan harassing a freed black man (the distinguished Puerto Rican actor Juano Hernandez)primarily because they want his land. That preacher Joel McCrae manages to talk them out of it by appealing to their basic decency works without being cloying. Initially a muscular Christian, he here uses his brain to do the Lord's work. Also believable was the community's vulnerability to disease. They had no laboratory-testing facilities to see if that well-water was the source. McCrae's self doubt in the face of all this is believable.As for the cast, I'm pretty sure I spotted an uncredited Peter Graves as one of Alan Hale's offspring.
