White Banners

I was very happy to discover White Banners for the first time yesterday evening on TCM. Several reviewers here said it was "dated." Some said "dull" or slow-paced. Too bad! I thought it was first rate and not only because of it's superb cast. I would in fact call it "classic"–––with a message of timeless significance.

It shows very sadly how much ground we've lost as a society that the character of Hannah Parmalee masterfully played with quiet, subtle restraint by Fay Bainter is regarded by some modern observers as priggish, preachy, sappy and too good to be true. That's how cynical we've become in the face of nobility these days. Unselfishness and refined sensibilities are regarded as "sappy."

The story is intensely Christian in tone, because it centers on the tremendous strength and power one gains from considering the needs and feelings of others before one's own. What we are supposed to glean from the story is the idea that by not fighting for our rights and not demanding justice for ourselves we can win a reward much greater than the one we originally sought. Doing the right thing and not taking the paths of least resistance transcends grief, gives added strength and often leads to greater heights than one ever dreamed of reaching.

There is a sweetness and yes a naiveté in this story that is frankly refreshing. The lush romantic musical score written by the same composer who did Gone With The WInd provides a beautiful, perfectly realized, expressive accompaniment to every scene. Music of this high quality gives added dignity and significance to the film elevating it almost to the status of art.

In this noisy age of unbridled vulgarity, cheap sensationalism, excessive noise, and dissolute, despairing characters acting brutal, selfish, inconsiderate, exploitative and callous towards one another the QUIETUDE and profound depth of feeling in this movie is balm for the soul.