Watch Of Human Hearts
- Approved
- 1938
- 1 hr 43 min
-
6.8 (1,358)
Of Human Hearts is a poignant drama film from 1938 that tells the story of a family in the mid-1800s facing multiple challenges. The movie stars Walter Huston, James Stewart, and Gene Reynolds and was directed by Clarence Brown. The film begins by introducing us to Reverend Ethan Wilkins, portrayed by Walter Huston, a hardworking and dedicated preacher who lives with his wife (Beulah Bondi) and two sons, Jason and George. While the family appears to be happy and content, their life is not without difficulties.
The first challenge they face is financial. Ethan's salary as a preacher is meager, and the family struggles to make ends meet. However, he is steadfast in his beliefs and remains committed to his work. His son Jason, played by James Stewart, shares his father's views and is determined to become a doctor so he can help people.
However, things take a turn when Ethan receives an invitation to attend a medical conference in Baltimore that would advance Jason's career as a doctor but require the family to spend a significant amount of money they don't have. Ethan initially refuses, but Jason encourages him to go, and the family pools their resources to allow him to attend the conference.
While Ethan is gone, Jason experiences a series of challenges that test his beliefs and character. He has trouble paying for school and is forced to take a job as a printer's apprentice. During this time, he falls in love with a young woman named Annie (Ann Rutherford), who comes from a wealthy family. But Annie's father disapproves of the relationship and tries to break them apart, leading to a falling out between Jason and his family.
Meanwhile, Ethan meets a runaway slave girl named Nettie (Gene Reynolds) on his journey to Baltimore. He takes her in and cares for her, despite the risks involved. Nettie becomes a source of inspiration for Ethan and helps him realize the importance of living a life of compassion and empathy.
As the story unfolds, the family faces several setbacks, including illness, financial struggles, and social ostracism. But they ultimately come together and support each other during these challenging times. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and the importance of sticking together in the face of adversity.
Of Human Hearts is a beautiful and moving film that touches on important themes such as family, faith, and perseverance. The performances of the cast, particularly Walter Huston and James Stewart, are outstanding and bring a depth of emotion to the story. The film is a reminder that even in the toughest of circumstances, we can rely on the love and support of those closest to us to get through it all.
Of Human Hearts is a 1938 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.