The Sun Shines Bright

1953
Approved
1h 30m

IMDb RATING

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John Russell, Arleen Whelan, and Charles Winninger in The Sun Shines Bright (1953)

William Pittman Priest has to use all his wiles to retain his position as judge in his Kentucky hometown, while continuing to be a voice for the town's underclass and for democratic values.William Pittman Priest has to use all his wiles to retain his position as judge in his Kentucky hometown, while continuing to be a voice for the town's underclass and for democratic values.William Pittman Priest has to use all his wiles to retain his position as judge in his Kentucky hometown, while continuing to be a voice for the town's underclass and for democratic values.

Director
- John Ford
Writers
- Laurence Stallings
- Irvin S. Cobb
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

1.9K

YOUR RATING

Director
- John Ford
Writers
- Laurence Stallings
- Irvin S. Cobb
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 2 nominations total

Photos

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
According to a 1968 interview with John Ford, this is his favorite of all of his films.

Quotes
[the prayer he says at the funeral of Lucy Lee's mother]
Ashby Corwin: Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, / look upon a little child. / Pity her simplicity; / suffer her to come to thee. / Amen.

Alternate versions
Three known versions exist: a 90, 92, and 100 minute version. When originally prepared the film ran 100 minutes, which the studio forced Ford to cut to 92 minutes. When the film did poorly it was cut by another two minutes. The 90 minute cut became the standard TV print. The 100 minute cut was accidentally discovered after preparing a video print. The print given to Republic Video was Ford's personal copy, which had never been publicly viewed. Thus the main print in circulation is the 100 minute "director's cut".

Connections
Featured in John Ford (1992)

Soundtracks
My Old Kentucky Home
(uncredited)
Music by Stephen Foster
Arranged by Jester Hairston

User reviews25

Review

Featured review

6/10

Liberal, Dixie judge takes a principled stand against small town hypocrisy in turn of the century Kentucky

One of the odd aspects of this film is the post Civil War background that looms large to a greater or lesser degree throughout. This takes the form of a blatantly obvious pro Confederate stance, and an almost religious idolatry of 'Dixie'. Halliwell tells us that Judge Priest, the moral heart of the film, "has trouble quelling the Confederate spirit" - but the opposite is the case - the judge is absolutely central to maintaining and celebrating that spirit. The oddness comes because, it seems to me at least, we are not used to seeing such a character defending black rights, preventing a lynching, etc. Even more peculiar is to see such a 'happy' black population - particularly the quite disturbing courthouse scene where 2 black characters suddenly burst into a grotesque song and dance routine. "Mississippi Burning" this certainly isn't! But certainly a film worth watching, and the prostitute's daughter's funeral scene is excellently done. It somehow feels older than 1953.