Watch So Dear to My Heart

So Dear to My Heart is a 1948 musical film that tells the story of a young boy named Jeremiah Kincaid, played by Bobby Driscoll, who lives in rural Indiana with his grandmother, Granny Kincaid, portrayed by Beulah Bondi. The film is set in the early 1900s and depicts the idyllic life of a young boy who has dreams of raising a black lamb to compete in the county fair.

Jeremiah is a mischievous child who is fascinated with the idea of owning a black lamb. He learns from his grandmother that the black sheep is a rare breed and that it would be virtually impossible for him to acquire one. Despite that, Jeremiah remains determined and enlists the help of his friend, Tildy, a young African American girl played by Luana Patten. Tildy is a precocious child and serves as Jeremiah's partner in his quest to acquire the black lamb. Together they embark on a journey to find a black lamb and raise it to compete in the county fair.

The film features several musical numbers, including the song "Lavender Blue," which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song has since become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Other memorable songs from the film include "Stick-to-it-ivity" and "Jerry's Lamb."

In addition to Driscoll, Bondi, and Patten, the film features Burl Ives, who plays Uncle Hiram, a storyteller and musician who becomes a mentor to Jeremiah. Ives was cast in the film primarily for his musical talents, and he also provides the narration for the movie.

One of the notable aspects of So Dear to My Heart is its portrayal of rural life in America during the early 1900s. The film is set in a time when many people still lived on farms and relied on agriculture for their livelihoods. It celebrates the simple pleasures of life, such as raising animals and spending time with family, and depicts a world that is in many ways different from the one we know today.

Another notable aspect of the film is its treatment of race. Although the movie was made at a time when racial segregation was still a reality in American society, it portrays a world in which people from different backgrounds can come together and work towards a common goal. Tildy, the young African American girl who helps Jeremiah on his quest for a black lamb, is portrayed as an equal partner in their endeavor. The film acknowledges the racial divide of the time, but it also shows that people can overcome such barriers through friendship and cooperation.

Overall, So Dear to My Heart is a heartwarming and nostalgic film that celebrates the joys of rural life and the bonds of friendship. It is a film that has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by audiences today. Its timeless message of perseverance, hard work, and the power of dreams continues to inspire and uplift viewers of all ages.

So Dear to My Heart is a 1948 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.