Despite the respectable rating, the reviews here and other places seem to be mixed. Some finding it an inspiring, well-intentioned and moving film, and others finding it too heavy-handed, dull and with uneven performances while appreciating its good intentions. The subject sounded very interesting to me, and have liked to loved other films directed by King Vidor. Especially 'The Big Parade' and 'The Crowd', 'Duel in the Sun' needs a rewatch but remember liking that too.
'Our Daily Bread' is a flawed film and not consistent all the way through. It's no 'The Big Parade' or 'The Crowd' and do agree respectfully that the performances are uneven and one character and subplot brings it down too much. It is a very interesting film at the same time, as well as moving and inspiring. Really admired its good intentions and that it had its heart in the right place, its evocative depiction of the Depression and the climax is deservedly lauded.
Will start with what 'Our Daily Bread' does well which is a lot. It is well shot and evocatively produced, with Vidor directing sympathetically without idealising. The music is not over-used or overdone and is both stirring and lump to the throat worthy. There is some particularly powerful use of it in the more hopeful parts of the climax. As said, it is so sincere and its good intentions are evident, and actually the messaging is strong without being too strong mostly. The depiction of the Depression, a difficult period, is a realistic one, easy to see the hardships seen during the period and how it affected people.
The climax is the most famous and most talked about scene of 'Our Daily Bread' and for good reason. It really is the film and what it is all about, and is so inspirational and powerful. While the performances are uneven, there are a few that are good. Karen Morley's performance is deeply felt and John Qualen is also well cast. Barbara Pepper does her best despite her character being pointless.
Less effective are Addison Richards and especially (sorry, do agree with the consensus here) Tom Keene. Richards overplays and is a bit too cartoonish, while inexperience badly shows with Keene who never looks comfortable and sometimes tries too hard. The early parts are sluggish and could have done with less talk and more show. There are times where the messaging could have had more subtlety and clarity.
Do agree also that Pepper's character and subplot are little more than plot device padding that didn't ever feel like they belonged in the film. They are not interesting particularly either, redeemed only by Pepper trying hard to make the character work.
In conclusion, very flawed but admirable. 7/10
'Our Daily Bread' is a flawed film and not consistent all the way through. It's no 'The Big Parade' or 'The Crowd' and do agree respectfully that the performances are uneven and one character and subplot brings it down too much. It is a very interesting film at the same time, as well as moving and inspiring. Really admired its good intentions and that it had its heart in the right place, its evocative depiction of the Depression and the climax is deservedly lauded.
Will start with what 'Our Daily Bread' does well which is a lot. It is well shot and evocatively produced, with Vidor directing sympathetically without idealising. The music is not over-used or overdone and is both stirring and lump to the throat worthy. There is some particularly powerful use of it in the more hopeful parts of the climax. As said, it is so sincere and its good intentions are evident, and actually the messaging is strong without being too strong mostly. The depiction of the Depression, a difficult period, is a realistic one, easy to see the hardships seen during the period and how it affected people.
The climax is the most famous and most talked about scene of 'Our Daily Bread' and for good reason. It really is the film and what it is all about, and is so inspirational and powerful. While the performances are uneven, there are a few that are good. Karen Morley's performance is deeply felt and John Qualen is also well cast. Barbara Pepper does her best despite her character being pointless.
Less effective are Addison Richards and especially (sorry, do agree with the consensus here) Tom Keene. Richards overplays and is a bit too cartoonish, while inexperience badly shows with Keene who never looks comfortable and sometimes tries too hard. The early parts are sluggish and could have done with less talk and more show. There are times where the messaging could have had more subtlety and clarity.
Do agree also that Pepper's character and subplot are little more than plot device padding that didn't ever feel like they belonged in the film. They are not interesting particularly either, redeemed only by Pepper trying hard to make the character work.
In conclusion, very flawed but admirable. 7/10