A major work which was long overdue at last released
A great quality picture and sound adds an even larger satisfaction to me.
This is for me personally the best film John Ford ever made. I love the portrayal of Judge Priest by Charles Winninger. All the other character actors in this film were perfectly cast. The storyline is very human and very emotional as well on the humourous side as on the sadder side. I've seen the film about ten times and each time it is as refreshing as it was the first time.
Superb little film by John Ford
Famed director John Ford once said that "The Sun Shines Bright" was his favorite film, and it is not hard to see why. Basically, this is a remake of his much earlier, "Judge Priest," from 1934 (starring Will Rogers). Ford critics tend to favor that earlier film version of Irvin Cobb's delightful short stories of old Kentucky, but I have always believed that this version is superior, not the least because Charles Winninger's acting is actually sharper and the dialogue crisper. Certainly, Rogers was a superb actor, but too many times his dialogue seems to trail on and on, becoming nearly unintelligible. Then, again, filmmaking in 1934 was not the same as in 1953.
Winninger was an accomplished Hollywood role player; but in "The Sun Shines Bright" he demonstrates that he was no simple comprimario or "co-star." He alternately illustrates humor, wisdom, sadness, and wistfulness. It's a superb performance. Despite the inevitable criticism that may...
A long-hidden John Ford gem
Ford brilliantly captures the slow, leisurely pace of a small river town in early 20th century America. A wonderful character study!
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