Watch Our Vines Have Tender Grapes

Our Vines Have Tender Grapes is an emotionally-driven drama film from 1945 directed by Roy Rowland. The movie is set in the quaint town of Benson Corners, Wisconsin, where Lars (Edward G. Robinson), a Norwegian immigrant, lives happily with his wife Marta (Agnes Moorhead), daughter Selma (Margaret O'Brien), and his mother (Jadwiga Andrzejewska). The film depicts a powerful story of family values, love, and hardships that a farming family in rural America had to go through during the 1940s.

The movie depicts the daily lives of the Norwegian immigrant family in Benson Corners through the eyes of Selma, the seven-year-old daughter of Lars. Selma, who is vivacious and curious about the world around her, follows her father as he goes about his daily farmland chores, interacts with her mother and the other townspeople, and tries to understand the world that is unfolding around her. Lars is a loving family man who is trying his best to make a living out of his farmland. However, their idyllic life is challenged by many factors such as bitter weather, locusts, and unforgiving soil, amongst others.

The central theme of the movie revolves around the idea of family and the relationship Lars has with his daughter Selma, which is movingly portrayed throughout the movie. The father-daughter relationship is beautifully depicted, showcasing the love and trust that they share. Their relationship is so strong that Selma doesn't even call him father but rather calls him "Papa" in the midst of their Norwegian heritage.

Along with the central themes of family and love, the movie also portrays Lars and the other townspeople's fight against hard times in their lives. The movie has a melancholic tone to it as it showcases the struggles that the family and the town inhabitants encountered on a daily basis. However, in the face of hardships, they never give up, and the movie depicts the perseverance and strength that they possess.

The cast of the movie is exceptionally talented, headed by the legendary Edward G. Robinson, who gives an outstanding performance as Lars. Robinson brings to life the character of Lars, who is a hard-working, no-nonsense person but has an incredibly caring heart. Margaret O'Brien shines throughout the movie as the innocent and spunky Selma, giving the audience a chance to experience the world and hardships through her curious eyes. James Craig, who plays Nels Halverson, Selma's schoolteacher, is impressive in his role, bringing a sense of stability and kindness to the character.

One of the most captivating parts of the movie is the cinematography which illustrates the breathtaking beauty of the farmland in rural America. The film's visuals are a treat to the eyes and showcase the immense beauty of the countryside during the 1940s.

The film's score by Bronislau Kaper complements the visuals beautifully and adds an emotional depth to the scenes. The music is moving and melancholic, equally befitting the movie's emotions.

In conclusion, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes is an emotionally-driven drama that portrays the struggles and hardships of a farming family living in rural America during the 1940s. The film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience the power of family values, love, and the hardships of life. The movie is excellently played and shot, with every scene bringing out the unique charm of rural America. It is an ideal example of a classic film that has stood the test of time and is still worth watching.

Our Vines Have Tender Grapes is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.