Watch Adam Had Four Sons

Adam Had Four Sons is a 1941 drama film starring Ingrid Bergman, Warner Baxter, and Susan Hayward. The story takes place in early 1900s and revolves around the Harmon family, consisting of patriarch Adam (Baxter), his four sons, and his young daughter. The movie begins with Adam Harmon, a wealthy and successful businessman, returning home to his estate in the countryside after a long trip overseas. He is greeted by his four sons, who are all excited to see him. The eldest son, Jack (played by Johnny Downs), is the responsible and level-headed one, while the second eldest, David (Richard Denning), is a successful doctor. The third son, Chris (Frankie Thomas), is an idealistic and sensitive writer, and the youngest, Phillip (Bobby Cooper), is a mischievous child with a heart of gold.

Ingrid Bergman plays the role of Hester, a governess Adam hires to take care of his daughter, Ann (played by Fay Wray). Hester is immediately taken by the four sons and their father, and begins to form a strong bond with the entire family. However, things get complicated when the Harmon family's close family friend, Molly (Susan Hayward), comes to stay with them. Molly is a flirtatious and free-spirited woman who quickly catches the attention of all four Harmon sons.

As the story progresses, Adam finds himself increasingly torn between his duty as a father and his desire to start a new life with Hester, who he has fallen in love with. Meanwhile, the four sons all struggle with their own personal demons and desires, as they come of age and begin to explore life outside of their family estate. Phillip, in particular, becomes increasingly difficult to handle, as he gets into trouble with the law and tries to forge his own path in life.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to a lush and picturesque portrayal of early 20th century America. The Harmon estate is beautifully shot, with sweeping views of rolling hills and serene lakes. The costumes and production design are also stunning, providing a vivid visual representation of the time period.

Aside from the impressive visuals, the film's real strength lies in its performances. Ingrid Bergman delivers a nuanced and empathetic performance as Hester, the governess who becomes a surrogate member of the Harmon family. Warner Baxter is equally impressive as Adam, capturing the conflict and turmoil of a man torn between his duty and his heart. The four Harmon sons are all distinct and well-drawn characters, thanks to the talented young actors who play them.

Ultimately, Adam Had Four Sons is a touching and bittersweet portrait of family, love, and loss. It is a film that resonates with audiences today, nearly eighty years after its initial release, thanks to its timeless themes and strong performances. Fans of classic cinema will no doubt enjoy this hidden gem, which showcases some of Hollywood's greatest talents at the height of their powers.

Adam Had Four Sons is a 1941 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.