I Remember Mama (1948)

A young aspiring writer (Barbara Bel Geddes) recalls her childhood in 1910 San Francisco and the influence of her Norwegian immigrant mother (Irene Dunne) on the family. Based on the play by John Van Druten by way of the autobiographical novel MAMA'S BANK ACCOUNT by Kathryn Forbes and directed by George Stevens (SWING TIME). A nostalgic and sentimental (but not necessarily in a bad way) look back coming of age tale. It's a film that I've slowly warmed up to over many years but I still find parts of it treacly. As the mother, Irene Dunne is good (it's my favorite of her dramatic roles) and a raft of fine supporting players add to the appeal of the story. The best performance in the movie comes from Oscar Homolka (recreating his stage role) as the intimidating Uncle and family patriarch. Although a critical hit and recipient of five Oscar nominations, it did poorly at the box office. With Philip Dorn, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Florence Bates, Ellen Corby, Rudy Vallee, Edgar Bergen, Barbara O'Neil, Florence Bates and Edith Evanson.