Jalna (1935)
68KJalna (1935). 1h 18m | Approved
“The grand old house stands on an extensive estate, for generations home to the Whiteoaks, prosperous Canadian farmers. Ruled by a sharp-tongued but benevolent matriarch, life flows on much as it always has, evenly u0026amp; predictably. But when two brides are brought home on the same day, passions are unleashed that will bring heartbreak, despair u0026amp; death, right to the very core of JALNA.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBased on a Canadian bestseller, this unpretentious film has been unfortunately ignored. Filled with both charm u0026amp; good acting, it rewards thoughtful viewing.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAll of the performers do a fine job: Ian Hunter as the brother too busy running the farm to have a life of his own; David Manners, in arguably his finest role, charming u0026amp; self-centered as the brother with a poetic bent; Theodore Newton, blunt u0026amp; passionate, as the brother determined to find love; sister Peggy Wood, jilted by hearty neighbor Nigel Bruce, suffering noisily for twenty years; Sir C. Aubrey Smith u0026amp; Halliwell Hobbes as the old bachelor uncles; Jessie Ralph, as the peppery 99-year old grandmother, wise with age; and Kay Johnson, compassionate u0026amp; sensible, as the American newcomer who marries into the family.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNotice the interesting way the film introduces the characters in the first scene, by panning around the supper table u0026amp; labeling each actor.”
