Mutterherz (1946)

Mutterherz: Directed by Mitchell Leisen. With Olivia de Havilland, Mary Anderson, Roland Culver, Phillip Terry. An unwed mother, forced to give up her child to avoid scandal, follows her son’s life from afar even as she prospers in business.

“First, let me say Iu0026#39;m in awe of the previous reviewers and their spot-on knowledge of this film and Olivia de Havillandu0026#39;s body of work. Bravo, and thank you for pointing me towards this u0026quot;hiddenu0026quot; treasure.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSo allow me to confirm that this u0026quot;smallu0026quot; 1946 movie is still riveting fare in 2010. The subject matter is just as relevant today and will speak to women for generations to come. In that regard, its forever timeless.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFilmed in bu0026amp;w, and happily so, though 7 years newer than u0026quot;The Wizard of Ozu0026quot;… Iu0026#39;m still waiting for them to colorize the rest of that bloated Saturday matinée flick. *s* Tune in next time when I attack u0026quot;Gone with the Wind,u0026quot; u0026quot;Casablancau0026quot; and u0026quot;Citizen Kane.u0026quot;u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis film dealt with a delicate subject in a frank and realistic manner. Iu0026#39;m particularly impressed by the way this movie was story-boarded. It flowed brilliantly. If shot today, it would be shoved in my face, every stinkinu0026#39; detail, nothing left to the imagination… plenty of yelling, smashing dishes and cussing.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eEqually impressive is Ms. de Havillandu0026#39;s Oscar-winning performance. I couldnu0026#39;t take my eyes off her. When the movie took her back 20 years younger, my mouth dropped.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBut it was much more than the make-up. It was Olivia.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHappy ending or sad? not telling. Iu0026#39;ll reveal this, though. This 55 year old man doesnu0026#39;t typically cry at weddings or funerals, but by the closing credits, both cheeks were wet. But then maybe its because she reminds me of my mother, 1933-1981.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSearch out this gem.”