Although this is not the best of sequels it is still watchable. The main problem is that the actors playing Toby and Judy are so unlike the ones in the previous film, also the character of Vin has been completely left out altogether. I have heard it stated that the character played by Theresa Wright is somehow brought back to life. This is totally incorrect. In the original film she played Carol who became the Minivers' daughter in law. That character does not appear in this film. Whilst not as good as the first Miniver film it still has its merits, mainly the performances of Greer Garson and Walter Pigeon who still convince as Kay and Clem Miniver. In my opinion it's worth a watch as long as you don't expect too much. The ending though is very effective.
24 Reviews
Far better than anticipated but not anywhere near as good as Mrs Miniver
TheLittleSongbird31 August 2014
Mrs Miniver, while not completely flawless, is a superb film and quite rightly received 6 Oscar wins and a further 6 nominations. It was a very powerful and touching film that was beautifully made and superbly acted and directed. I was expecting very little from The Miniver Story judging from what has been said about it. After watching, it was a far better sequel than expected though admittedly it was unnecessary and is nowhere near as good. The script is very soap-opera-ish, skim-the-surface quality and in places caked in over-sentimentality, something that Mrs Miniver- for a melodrama- managed to avoid. The story does have compelling moments and isn't completely tedious, but because this is no longer set in the war the drama is not as emotionally investing or as tense, the characterisations(especially the children, where there is an aforementioned glaring omission) even sketchier. You care about Mrs and Clem, particularly the former, but the rest we don't know enough about. H.C.Potter's direction is competent and gets the job done, but it lacks the tightness and nuances that made William Wyler's direction add so much to the film. The Miniver Story looks beautiful though, with sumptuous period detail and photography that is both moody and luminous. The music is nicely understated, and there are bright spots in the story. Parts of it are heart-warming, the ending is heart-breaking as is the scene on the staircase and there is a funny scene demonstrating the Home Run. The acting is good, especially Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon, Garson is very sincere and touching and Pidgeon acts with understated dignity, the two of them work wonderfully together. James Fox makes a very confident film debut and John Hodiak while not having a lot to do acquits himself well. Leo Genn and Reginald Owen are fine as well, in fact all the support cast are but you do miss May Witty, Teresa Wright and Henry Travers. All in all, not anywhere near as good a sequel and is somewhat unnecessary but while very problematic I found The Miniver Story better than anticipated. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Not Bad At All
tony-baird125 December 2008
After avoiding this sequel for so long because it has only 1 star in reviews,I decided to watch it today.
I was pleasantly surprised and quite enjoyed it. It can't be compared with the classic Mrs Miniver because that was legendary, but this stands on its own two feet as an interesting if not terribly exciting film.
It gives an insight into what people had to suffer after the war, because their lives were so different during 1939 to 1945.
Greer Garson gives her usual immaculate performance and is ably supported by Walter Pidgeon.
How can anything with Greer Garson in be other than enjoyable? :)
I was pleasantly surprised and quite enjoyed it. It can't be compared with the classic Mrs Miniver because that was legendary, but this stands on its own two feet as an interesting if not terribly exciting film.
It gives an insight into what people had to suffer after the war, because their lives were so different during 1939 to 1945.
Greer Garson gives her usual immaculate performance and is ably supported by Walter Pidgeon.
How can anything with Greer Garson in be other than enjoyable? :)
Not so bad! Quite good on its' own.
chairnazi15 December 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Minor spoilers may be present.
If one expects this sequel to match the impact of the classic MRS. MINIVER (1942), it may result in disappointment. However, taken on its' own as a picture made in the early 1950's it is good viewing. Greer Garson is her sparkling self and Walter Pidgeon is equal to the task of reprising the role of the original.
There are some liberties taken in following the original story to the letter. The most glaring oversights are with the Miniver children. There is no mention of their eldest son, Vincent (Vin) a widower as a result of the war. Perhaps one of the most important storylines in the original, Vin's existence is completely ignored in this film. Not even a casual reference that he is away or has been killed in the war. And there is a splendid opportunity for the family to comment on Vin when they sit down to a meal and Kay remarks it is the first time they are ALL together for the first time since 1940. To me, this is the lone disappointment in the sequel. I would love to find out the behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in why Vin's character was eliminated. The other inconsistencies are minor. For example, little Toby with thick, curly brown hair has become a thin blond pre-teen who has just returned from America? Why? And daughter Judy has seemed to grow up quite fast and quite beautifully. And she comes hopping back from Cairo? Boy, the Miniver children are quite the travelers! If one can overlook these details and enjoy what has remained consistent, this is a film that can be enjoyed. There are references to some of the original storylines. When Clem Miniver has returned from the War, he and Kay take a stroll and reminisce with the old boat and speak of Dunkirk. And a brief mention of roses has Kay remember fondly having an award winning rose named in her honor. The Miniver house is the same, even the always-behind grandfather clock at the landing of the stairs.
The newcomers to the film are actually quite recognizable. Toby is played by James Fox who I recognized as an adult in KING RAT (1965), which is a fascinating movie set in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Fox plays Toby very confidently and shares a most hilarious scene with Pidgeon in demonstrating the "Home Run". Cathy O'Donnell plays daughter Judy who is currently (and not secretly) having an affair with a married Brigadier General, egad! Earlier, O'Donnell played a sympathetic wife-to-be of a returning (armless) veteran in BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, THE (1946). The character of Spike, the American officer "in love" with Mrs. Miniver, is played by John Hodiak who played a tough guy in Alfred Hitchcock's LIFEBOAT (1944). I don't recall Spike's character in the original, but his presence in Kay's life plays a small role to remedy Judy's immoral affair. By the way, I highly recommend all three movies referenced in this paragraph.
I found it refreshing to see a picture that depicted "life after...". And in this case after the War and squarely about the Miniver family. There's very little if any danger or suspense which was present in the original. It reminded me of the episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation in which Picard's character visits home after his terrible ordeal of being assimilated by the Borg. The episode followed a particularly intense two-part cliffhanger and was a refreshing soft change of pace. It is the only ST:TNG episode I can recall without any danger or trouble. The Miniver Story has this same calm life-after-the-great-storm feel, with the possible exception of Kay's grim secret. That's all I shall say about that other than it provides a sad, but wonderful scene between Kay and Clem when the secret is revealed. I thought the chemistry between Garson and Pidgeon displayed in the original is very much intact here. The scene where Clem declares "You women are fantastic..." and ends with him smacking Kay on the fanny is belly-laugh funny. He rants about how the English women provide lavish meals for foreign visitors in spite of scarce resources, thus misrepresenting England's temporary post-war poverty. Meanwhile Kay is on the horn making plans for such a meal while pleasantly ignoring Clem's rant. Classic comedy. Greer Garson shows remarkable flexibility in two scenes, one very serious in tone, the other lively and full of wit. In the serious scene, she is reading a letter from the USA she has recently received from Spike. Judy is listening riveted in the background as Kay reads about how when the war ends, some relationships have to end. She is making the point that Judy should consider ending the affair with Steve, the married general. As Kay is nearing the end of the letter, she looks up and continues reciting the letter without missing a word, obviously having already memorized such an important letter in a short period of time. This scene was preceded by Kay visiting Steve, with Judy's blessing, in order to meet this mystery man Judy claims to be in love with. The dialogue between Kay and Steve is very witty, engaging, and quite revealing. Near the end of the scene, Steve is passionately playing a piano piece that demonstrates the love he still possesses for his estranged wife. Kay recognizes this and makes it known to Steve that she feels he is still in love with her. He reluctantly agrees. As Kay leaves Steve's apartment he continues playing the haunting piano piece that left quite an impression on me. In fact, I rewatched the part when Steve plays the two versions, his and his wife's interpretation, to see if I could detect a difference. "His" version was played with more feeling and with a flair, while "Her" version was more mechanical and mathematically precise. However, at first listen I had to agree with Kay: "No, I can't tell any difference. They sound quite the same to me."
I felt compelled to write a positive review of this film after finding only one unfavorable one available so far. I viewed MINIVER STORY, THE soon after watching the original for the first time. I had low expectations based on what little had been written about it, and was pleasantly surprised. If you like an ending that resolves everything, this one is for you. It is by far not a happy, sappy ending but one with a mixture of triumph and tragedy. Check it out! 7.5/10.
If one expects this sequel to match the impact of the classic MRS. MINIVER (1942), it may result in disappointment. However, taken on its' own as a picture made in the early 1950's it is good viewing. Greer Garson is her sparkling self and Walter Pidgeon is equal to the task of reprising the role of the original.
There are some liberties taken in following the original story to the letter. The most glaring oversights are with the Miniver children. There is no mention of their eldest son, Vincent (Vin) a widower as a result of the war. Perhaps one of the most important storylines in the original, Vin's existence is completely ignored in this film. Not even a casual reference that he is away or has been killed in the war. And there is a splendid opportunity for the family to comment on Vin when they sit down to a meal and Kay remarks it is the first time they are ALL together for the first time since 1940. To me, this is the lone disappointment in the sequel. I would love to find out the behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in why Vin's character was eliminated. The other inconsistencies are minor. For example, little Toby with thick, curly brown hair has become a thin blond pre-teen who has just returned from America? Why? And daughter Judy has seemed to grow up quite fast and quite beautifully. And she comes hopping back from Cairo? Boy, the Miniver children are quite the travelers! If one can overlook these details and enjoy what has remained consistent, this is a film that can be enjoyed. There are references to some of the original storylines. When Clem Miniver has returned from the War, he and Kay take a stroll and reminisce with the old boat and speak of Dunkirk. And a brief mention of roses has Kay remember fondly having an award winning rose named in her honor. The Miniver house is the same, even the always-behind grandfather clock at the landing of the stairs.
The newcomers to the film are actually quite recognizable. Toby is played by James Fox who I recognized as an adult in KING RAT (1965), which is a fascinating movie set in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Fox plays Toby very confidently and shares a most hilarious scene with Pidgeon in demonstrating the "Home Run". Cathy O'Donnell plays daughter Judy who is currently (and not secretly) having an affair with a married Brigadier General, egad! Earlier, O'Donnell played a sympathetic wife-to-be of a returning (armless) veteran in BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, THE (1946). The character of Spike, the American officer "in love" with Mrs. Miniver, is played by John Hodiak who played a tough guy in Alfred Hitchcock's LIFEBOAT (1944). I don't recall Spike's character in the original, but his presence in Kay's life plays a small role to remedy Judy's immoral affair. By the way, I highly recommend all three movies referenced in this paragraph.
I found it refreshing to see a picture that depicted "life after...". And in this case after the War and squarely about the Miniver family. There's very little if any danger or suspense which was present in the original. It reminded me of the episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation in which Picard's character visits home after his terrible ordeal of being assimilated by the Borg. The episode followed a particularly intense two-part cliffhanger and was a refreshing soft change of pace. It is the only ST:TNG episode I can recall without any danger or trouble. The Miniver Story has this same calm life-after-the-great-storm feel, with the possible exception of Kay's grim secret. That's all I shall say about that other than it provides a sad, but wonderful scene between Kay and Clem when the secret is revealed. I thought the chemistry between Garson and Pidgeon displayed in the original is very much intact here. The scene where Clem declares "You women are fantastic..." and ends with him smacking Kay on the fanny is belly-laugh funny. He rants about how the English women provide lavish meals for foreign visitors in spite of scarce resources, thus misrepresenting England's temporary post-war poverty. Meanwhile Kay is on the horn making plans for such a meal while pleasantly ignoring Clem's rant. Classic comedy. Greer Garson shows remarkable flexibility in two scenes, one very serious in tone, the other lively and full of wit. In the serious scene, she is reading a letter from the USA she has recently received from Spike. Judy is listening riveted in the background as Kay reads about how when the war ends, some relationships have to end. She is making the point that Judy should consider ending the affair with Steve, the married general. As Kay is nearing the end of the letter, she looks up and continues reciting the letter without missing a word, obviously having already memorized such an important letter in a short period of time. This scene was preceded by Kay visiting Steve, with Judy's blessing, in order to meet this mystery man Judy claims to be in love with. The dialogue between Kay and Steve is very witty, engaging, and quite revealing. Near the end of the scene, Steve is passionately playing a piano piece that demonstrates the love he still possesses for his estranged wife. Kay recognizes this and makes it known to Steve that she feels he is still in love with her. He reluctantly agrees. As Kay leaves Steve's apartment he continues playing the haunting piano piece that left quite an impression on me. In fact, I rewatched the part when Steve plays the two versions, his and his wife's interpretation, to see if I could detect a difference. "His" version was played with more feeling and with a flair, while "Her" version was more mechanical and mathematically precise. However, at first listen I had to agree with Kay: "No, I can't tell any difference. They sound quite the same to me."
I felt compelled to write a positive review of this film after finding only one unfavorable one available so far. I viewed MINIVER STORY, THE soon after watching the original for the first time. I had low expectations based on what little had been written about it, and was pleasantly surprised. If you like an ending that resolves everything, this one is for you. It is by far not a happy, sappy ending but one with a mixture of triumph and tragedy. Check it out! 7.5/10.
Very nicely done!
g_dekok23 September 2011
Having finally seen this movie, and being a major fan of "Mrs. Miniver", I can definitely say that it was NOT a "weak script" or one to be skipped, as other people have stated.
It's just a nice, warm, well-done movie showing the time period was like after WWII, that's all. People DID have conflicts, couples when the soldier returned, etc.
Some have commented, negatively, on the absence of Vin, or Vincent, the oldest Miniver child from the previous movie. Richard Ney, who played him, and Greer Garson were married after the first one, and the marriage was a stormy one, and ended two years later. In the first movie, I thought it was the Vin character who was weak, and a bit of a whiner. In the movie story, he might have been captured by enemy forces and nobody've had heard from him again. It did happen.
It's just a nice, warm, well-done movie showing the time period was like after WWII, that's all. People DID have conflicts, couples when the soldier returned, etc.
Some have commented, negatively, on the absence of Vin, or Vincent, the oldest Miniver child from the previous movie. Richard Ney, who played him, and Greer Garson were married after the first one, and the marriage was a stormy one, and ended two years later. In the first movie, I thought it was the Vin character who was weak, and a bit of a whiner. In the movie story, he might have been captured by enemy forces and nobody've had heard from him again. It did happen.
Too slow paced, yet touching
vincentlynch-moonoi26 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"Mrs. Miniver" was, of course, one of the great war-time movie classics. This sequel -- filmed 8 years later -- is hardly a classic, but it is still a very good film. Films dealing with the war are almost countless. Films that deal with the home front AFTER the war are somewhat rare. So this film is in between that war period and the 1950s...the time in-between.
Greer Garson seems somewhat subdued here. Perhaps it's because of the terminal heart illness she has, or because she feels guilty for having a non-sexual affair during the war while her husband was away in the military.
Walter Pidgeon is...well...Walter Pidgeon. Perfect in the role of Mr. Miniver.
John Hodiak is very good as the man with whom Mrs. Miniver had an affair. I was interested in Cathy O'Donnell...she looked familiar...and I realized she played Tirzah in "Ben Hur". The one role I don't like here is that of Leo Genn -- a usually very good actor, who here has a rather inane characterization as a possible fiancé of Mrs. Miniver's daughter.
Yes, this is solid film...but it has one big problem -- pacing. Ever watch many British films from the 1940s and 1950s? You know that many were paced very slowly. Although this is an American MGM film, you're not going to be sitting on the edge of your chair. But if you don't shed a tear at the end, you're just a rock.
A weak "7".
Greer Garson seems somewhat subdued here. Perhaps it's because of the terminal heart illness she has, or because she feels guilty for having a non-sexual affair during the war while her husband was away in the military.
Walter Pidgeon is...well...Walter Pidgeon. Perfect in the role of Mr. Miniver.
John Hodiak is very good as the man with whom Mrs. Miniver had an affair. I was interested in Cathy O'Donnell...she looked familiar...and I realized she played Tirzah in "Ben Hur". The one role I don't like here is that of Leo Genn -- a usually very good actor, who here has a rather inane characterization as a possible fiancé of Mrs. Miniver's daughter.
Yes, this is solid film...but it has one big problem -- pacing. Ever watch many British films from the 1940s and 1950s? You know that many were paced very slowly. Although this is an American MGM film, you're not going to be sitting on the edge of your chair. But if you don't shed a tear at the end, you're just a rock.
A weak "7".
The Miniver Soap Opera
PudgyPandaMan24 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
It is hard to follow up the success of hugely popular WWII film with a sequel. The original "Mrs. Miniver" set the bar so high that it would be hard to measure up under the best of circumstances. Add to that the fact that William Wyler is no longer directing but a less than adequate H.C. Potter. Unfortunately, the result is far from attaining the excellence of "Mrs. Miniver", as evidenced by it not even receiving a nomination for a single award. "Mrs. Miniver", on the other hand, won 6 Oscars and was nominated for another 6.
With that being said, on top of what they had stacked against it in trying to measure up to the original - they then decide to stoop to the level of soap opera in the script. The 20ish daughter is involved with a married general,and Mrs. Miniver is diagnosed with a terminal mystery illness and refuses to tell the family. The first film presented a family that everyone admired, and then they turn them into a sappy soap opera.
Greer still is quite beautiful to watch and her acting is admirable in spite of the weak script. I did like the scene when she finally tells her husband she is sick at the dance. It was filmed quite beautifully, and Pidgeon's voice-over describing his thoughts at the moment about noticing mundane things (like a lamp flickering) was quite effective. The ripples in the lake water was also a nice touch as you imagine the ripple effect of the news he is learning.
While it certainly isn't a complete dud, it falls way short of the success of the first "Mrs. Miniver."
With that being said, on top of what they had stacked against it in trying to measure up to the original - they then decide to stoop to the level of soap opera in the script. The 20ish daughter is involved with a married general,and Mrs. Miniver is diagnosed with a terminal mystery illness and refuses to tell the family. The first film presented a family that everyone admired, and then they turn them into a sappy soap opera.
Greer still is quite beautiful to watch and her acting is admirable in spite of the weak script. I did like the scene when she finally tells her husband she is sick at the dance. It was filmed quite beautifully, and Pidgeon's voice-over describing his thoughts at the moment about noticing mundane things (like a lamp flickering) was quite effective. The ripples in the lake water was also a nice touch as you imagine the ripple effect of the news he is learning.
While it certainly isn't a complete dud, it falls way short of the success of the first "Mrs. Miniver."
A disappointment if there ever was one!
Pat-5410 November 1998
One of the great films of the war, "Mrs. Miniver" won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1942. In 1950, M-G-M released this sequel; "The Miniver Story." A disappointment if there ever was one! First of all, the first film was directed by the legendary director, William Wyler. This film was directed by H. C. Potter. No more needed to be said on that point! And since this is a sequel, why is there no mention of the Miniver's older son Vincent? (Played by Richard Ney in the first film.) It's as if he never existed. Both Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon (the only originals) should have said no to this turkey!
This is a good sequel to a classic film
DennisJOBrien12 May 2005
I watched this sequel on a rental after hearing about it for years and expecting it to be somewhat disappointing. Of course, I knew the original "Mrs. Miniver" Best Picture Oscar winner and had seen that perhaps five times. This follow-up creation was much better than I expected. It tackles important issues of the post-war era just as well as the original showed the problems and challenges during the war. The acting and directing of the film seemed smooth enough. It is a sad, realistic story, without sugar coating. It is not melodramatic. Greer Garson is simply excellent in an understated way and again the story rightfully revolves around her character. Walter Pigeon is also excellent, with his familiar voice serving to narrate the film with thoughtful voice-overs. Those who completely knock this picture compared to the first one need their eyes examined.
follow-up to Mrs. Miniver
SnoopyStyle25 May 2023
It's 1945 London. It's VE day. Kay Miniver (Greer Garson) is brought to tears hearing Churchill's announcement. Her husband Clem (Walter Pidgeon), daughter Judy, and son Toby are all returning home. Clem is the narrator.
This is the follow-up to Mrs. Miniver (1942) which won six Oscars. The first half of the first movie is slow. That's the same sense I get from the second movie. There are moments of interest and comedy. It's family drama and I'm not completely invested in it. It feels meandering at times. Nevertheless, it's nice to catch up with the family, but like all happily ever after, the story after is not always that compelling.
This is the follow-up to Mrs. Miniver (1942) which won six Oscars. The first half of the first movie is slow. That's the same sense I get from the second movie. There are moments of interest and comedy. It's family drama and I'm not completely invested in it. It feels meandering at times. Nevertheless, it's nice to catch up with the family, but like all happily ever after, the story after is not always that compelling.
The sequel that should not have happened...
Doylenf1 November 2006
Predictably, because the first MRS. MINIVER film directed by William Wyler was such an overwhelming success, MGM thought it was time to bring the Minivers back in a post-war tale that would also bring in the customers since it would also star GREER GARSON and WALTER PIDGEON.
Wrong. H.C. Potter is no substitute for William Wyler and the script is a sentimental sudser with Garson harboring a deep secret she wants to nobly hide until the last moment. Eldest son Vin (played in the original by Richard Ney, soon to become Garson's real-life hubby) is nowhere in sight in this sequel. Instead we have Toby (JAMES FOX in his film debut as Toby Miniver) and CATHY O'DONNELL as his sister, Judy.
With a cast that also includes British star LEO GENN, JOHN HODIAK and REGINALD OWEN, this was an attempt to give the post-war years of the family a meaningful treatment so that fans would rush to the box-office for a sequel to the famous World War II film. Again, wrong.
Garson and Pidgeon do respectable acting jobs as the couple with on screen chemistry, but the script is a tedious thing and certainly not up to the standards of the original film. If you have fond memories of MRS. MINIVER, I'd advise you to skip this one.
Wrong. H.C. Potter is no substitute for William Wyler and the script is a sentimental sudser with Garson harboring a deep secret she wants to nobly hide until the last moment. Eldest son Vin (played in the original by Richard Ney, soon to become Garson's real-life hubby) is nowhere in sight in this sequel. Instead we have Toby (JAMES FOX in his film debut as Toby Miniver) and CATHY O'DONNELL as his sister, Judy.
With a cast that also includes British star LEO GENN, JOHN HODIAK and REGINALD OWEN, this was an attempt to give the post-war years of the family a meaningful treatment so that fans would rush to the box-office for a sequel to the famous World War II film. Again, wrong.
Garson and Pidgeon do respectable acting jobs as the couple with on screen chemistry, but the script is a tedious thing and certainly not up to the standards of the original film. If you have fond memories of MRS. MINIVER, I'd advise you to skip this one.
"I Won't Be Here In The Spring"
bkoganbing14 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Probably the greatest propaganda film from American studios during World War II was Mrs. Miniver. It was that because it successfully made the American civilians identify with Mr.&Mrs. United Kingdom, Clem and Kay Miniver. After seeing this film, no red blooded American didn't want to go to war and save this family and millions like them from Mr. Hitler. Mrs. Miniver is also a favorite film of mine. It was the best film of 1942 and Greer Garson and Teresa Wright won Oscars from that film, It certainly gave Greer the film she was most identified with.
But like so many actresses Greer wanted to move on, but I suspect that she and Walter Pidgeon were pressured into making the sequel. Because of that I also suspect Greer insisted on killing Kay Miniver off in the sequel so she wouldn't be doing a series. This was going to be it for the Minivers.
This story leaves off the balance of the war years from 1940 to 1945 from where the first film ended. Walter Pidgeon has also gone off to war, joining his son Richard Ney who is absent and not even referred to in this film. Older daughter Cathy O'Donnell is a WREN and also out of the service. And young James Fox making his screen debut has been sent to America as so many British children where he's now picked up Americanized idiom, habits, and customs such as baseball.
The Minivers are facing the problems that were common all over Europe, rebuilding after the conflict Mr. Hitler made. There are a few personal issues as well. Walter Pidgeon is an architect and he's been given a really nice offer to go to Brazil for the duration to design some buildings. Cathy O'Donnell is involved with married General Leo Genn although working kid from their town, Richard Gale is crushing out big time on her.
But looming over all of this is the fact that Greer has been diagnosed as terminal from one of those unnamed Hollywood diseases. Only she and doctor Anthony Bushell know and she'll pick the proper time and place to inform her family.
In the meantime she wants as many loose ends tied up as possible before she meets her Maker. That's the substance of The Miniver Story.
Probably the reason that The Miniver Story was so badly received by the movie going public was that a beloved mother figure from cinema died in the film. Certainly it was more realistic in some ways, but lots of people do like happy endings.
Besides Walter and Greer, Reginald Owen and Henry Wilcoxon repeat their roles from Mrs. Miniver. I think The Miniver Story is a fine sequel to one of the best films ever made.
But like so many actresses Greer wanted to move on, but I suspect that she and Walter Pidgeon were pressured into making the sequel. Because of that I also suspect Greer insisted on killing Kay Miniver off in the sequel so she wouldn't be doing a series. This was going to be it for the Minivers.
This story leaves off the balance of the war years from 1940 to 1945 from where the first film ended. Walter Pidgeon has also gone off to war, joining his son Richard Ney who is absent and not even referred to in this film. Older daughter Cathy O'Donnell is a WREN and also out of the service. And young James Fox making his screen debut has been sent to America as so many British children where he's now picked up Americanized idiom, habits, and customs such as baseball.
The Minivers are facing the problems that were common all over Europe, rebuilding after the conflict Mr. Hitler made. There are a few personal issues as well. Walter Pidgeon is an architect and he's been given a really nice offer to go to Brazil for the duration to design some buildings. Cathy O'Donnell is involved with married General Leo Genn although working kid from their town, Richard Gale is crushing out big time on her.
But looming over all of this is the fact that Greer has been diagnosed as terminal from one of those unnamed Hollywood diseases. Only she and doctor Anthony Bushell know and she'll pick the proper time and place to inform her family.
In the meantime she wants as many loose ends tied up as possible before she meets her Maker. That's the substance of The Miniver Story.
Probably the reason that The Miniver Story was so badly received by the movie going public was that a beloved mother figure from cinema died in the film. Certainly it was more realistic in some ways, but lots of people do like happy endings.
Besides Walter and Greer, Reginald Owen and Henry Wilcoxon repeat their roles from Mrs. Miniver. I think The Miniver Story is a fine sequel to one of the best films ever made.
Doesn't do much justice to the first movie
grantss20 December 2014
Doesn't do much justice to the first movie.
The Miniver Story is sequel to Mrs Miniver, made in 1942 at the height of World War 2. That movie was fantastic - a gritty portrayal of the lives of average English folk during WW2. It deservedly won the 1943 Best Picture Oscar.
This, the sequel, now picks up with the same family with WW2 having just ended. I liked the idea: having shown them during the war, show how people recover after war, get on with their lives and live with peace.
Fine in idea, but not great in execution. As far as examining lives recovering from war, this movie barely scratches the surface. It dwells more on melodrama and soap-opera-like plots. Much more superficial than anticipated and quite disappointing.
This said, it has some decent story lines and is reasonably engaging.
Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon reprise their roles from the first movie. I found Pidgeon irritating in the first. He's more bearable in this one.
Primary irritant instead goes to James Fox, as their son Toby. Luckily his screen time is limited.
Worth watching for completeness but it won't enhance your memory of Mrs Miniver. Probably best to avoid this so that the original stays as the masterpiece it is.
The Miniver Story is sequel to Mrs Miniver, made in 1942 at the height of World War 2. That movie was fantastic - a gritty portrayal of the lives of average English folk during WW2. It deservedly won the 1943 Best Picture Oscar.
This, the sequel, now picks up with the same family with WW2 having just ended. I liked the idea: having shown them during the war, show how people recover after war, get on with their lives and live with peace.
Fine in idea, but not great in execution. As far as examining lives recovering from war, this movie barely scratches the surface. It dwells more on melodrama and soap-opera-like plots. Much more superficial than anticipated and quite disappointing.
This said, it has some decent story lines and is reasonably engaging.
Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon reprise their roles from the first movie. I found Pidgeon irritating in the first. He's more bearable in this one.
Primary irritant instead goes to James Fox, as their son Toby. Luckily his screen time is limited.
Worth watching for completeness but it won't enhance your memory of Mrs Miniver. Probably best to avoid this so that the original stays as the masterpiece it is.
Full and pointless sequel
malcolmgsw4 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was made by MGM in the UK to take advantage of blocked funds. They shouldn't have bothered. Its mawkish, lachrymose and just plain stupid. Who wants to sit through 100 minutes of a wife not telling her husband she is dying. No wonder this was MGM's biggest loss maker of 1950.
Why Vincent Miniver Wasn't In This Sequel
good-3517 February 2007
The previous poster wanted to know why Richard Ney wasn't in "The Miniver Story". I believe the reason for Mr. Ney's omission was probably on Greer Garson's part.
Mr. Ney had fallen in love with Greer Garson while filming "Mrs. Miniver". Although he played her son he was only 11 years younger than Miss Garson.
They had a stormy divorce which occurred a couple of years prior to filming this sequel. I guess that's why his character wasn't even mentioned. Miss Garson probably wanted to just wipe out all memory of him.
Mr. Ney had fallen in love with Greer Garson while filming "Mrs. Miniver". Although he played her son he was only 11 years younger than Miss Garson.
They had a stormy divorce which occurred a couple of years prior to filming this sequel. I guess that's why his character wasn't even mentioned. Miss Garson probably wanted to just wipe out all memory of him.
Just as bad as everybody says it is!
JohnHowardReid4 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Mrs Miniver was outstandingly successful at the box-office, garnering more than $5½ million in domestic rentals alone. Naturally, everyone wanted a sequel. This was finally unveiled 8 years later. Better it had stayed a gleam in MGM's eye. By this time, Garson's mannered impersonation of saintly womanhood had reached an embarrassing peak. Shamelessly hogging the camera to an extent that irritated even her most ardent fans, Miss Garson shovels with obvious relish into a scenario of unbelievable triteness and banality.
Walter Pidgeon is ruthlessly pushed aside. Fortunately, he is a dull actor anyway. Worse, his character has undergone a blasphemous transformation. He is no longer the confidently assured head of the family, but a timorous cluck on the sidelines.
Potter's direction is as undistinguished as the script. The film has but two redeeming features - the photography and the music score.
The photography is credited to Joseph Ruttenberg (who won an Academy Award for his work on the original Mrs Miniver), but we suspect the attractive actual-location landscapes were contributed by some unsung 2nd unit man.
Composer Herbert Stothart died in February, 1949. His elegantly harmonious melodies from the original film have been cleverly adapted by Miklos Rosza.
The Miniver Story outraged both fans and critics alike, making it MGM's biggest flop of the year.
Walter Pidgeon is ruthlessly pushed aside. Fortunately, he is a dull actor anyway. Worse, his character has undergone a blasphemous transformation. He is no longer the confidently assured head of the family, but a timorous cluck on the sidelines.
Potter's direction is as undistinguished as the script. The film has but two redeeming features - the photography and the music score.
The photography is credited to Joseph Ruttenberg (who won an Academy Award for his work on the original Mrs Miniver), but we suspect the attractive actual-location landscapes were contributed by some unsung 2nd unit man.
Composer Herbert Stothart died in February, 1949. His elegantly harmonious melodies from the original film have been cleverly adapted by Miklos Rosza.
The Miniver Story outraged both fans and critics alike, making it MGM's biggest flop of the year.
Touching, Lovely, Heartfelt Drama
jeffhanna36 November 2019
Like many here. I've avoided this film because of so-so reviews. What a revelation upon finally watching it. Absolutely loved it. A quietly poetic quality differentiates it it from the tense and dramatic "Mrs. Miniver."
Greer Garson can't have ever given a better performance: understated, luminous, she simply towers above everyone in the good cast.. She perfectly portrays a lovely, kind-hearted English woman shadowed by a secret sadness - the cause of which I won't reveal. There are a few scenes where she has a heartbreaking faraway look and dreamy manner. I love "Mrs. Miniver," but think Garson is far more mature and subtle in this role. A great actress. Bravo, Greer!
According to Chuchill, she saved England, but . . .
pixrox120 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
. . . Mrs. Miniver (Greer Garson) could not save herself from a slow death from a heart apparently weakened by the second-hand smoke of all the chain-smoking men in her life. Husband Clem puffs on a pipe when he's home, while daughter Judy's officer lovers, Gen. Steve and Captain Tom, make do with plain cigarettes, as does the England-based Yank with a crush on Kay, Col. Spike. Even her oncologist, Dr. Kaneslaey, blows smoke in Kay's eyes as he informs her she has 6 to 12 months to live early on in THE MINIVER STORY. However, you've got to admire Kay's spunk as she gallantly soldiers on through all this smoke, reconciling Spike with his wife, as well as Steve with HIS wife, while steering Judy and Tom to a wedding which must have been preordained in heaven. As of the date of this review, IMDb had a red letter warning that their synopsis for THE MINIVER STORY is too short; certainly mine just above is more detailed (but my internet connection is not fast enough to jump through all the hoops this site requires for the "privilege" of fixing their deficient synopses). To conclude, so what if Greer married her oldest "son" from this movie's prequel, MRS. MINIVER? It saved England, according to Winston; give Greer a pass, already!
Lovely, melting aftermath to Mrs. Miniver's events
trpdean9 January 2003
I agree with the favorable preceding review. For all who loved Mrs. Miniver, I feel this is a fine and very moving, very powerful sequel. Pidgen and Garson have extraordinary chemistry (as everyone knows) and aside from the simple error of failing to refer to the elder son, this movie wonderfully adopts, as the preceding reviewer states, an "after the storm" tone that perfectly fits life in Britain from 1945 to 1950.
I love this movie and its predecessor - largely because of Greer Garson's warmth, beauty, liveliness, decency. See also Random Harvest.
I love this movie and its predecessor - largely because of Greer Garson's warmth, beauty, liveliness, decency. See also Random Harvest.
Excellent sequel
pfahldenise25 May 2023
Excellent sequel to Mrs Miniver...addressing a lot of post war issues focusing on adjusting to civilian life and personal ones! Very entertaining and some comic incidences between Judy and her love interest Tom Foley in the car with the pig...as well as an ingenious sequence between Mrs Miniver and the older English general played by Leo Gen at his apartment, trying to dissuade him from pursuing her daughter Judy. Then helping her husband adjust by moving his architectural practice to a bustling thriving location instead of the view of a bombed out section of the city
Those who put this sequel down should have their heads examined! Very underrated!
The only flaw is there is no mention made of their elder son Vin killed in battle, or of his new bride also killed in a civilian scene in the original movie Great narration by Walter Pidgeon!
The only flaw is there is no mention made of their elder son Vin killed in battle, or of his new bride also killed in a civilian scene in the original movie Great narration by Walter Pidgeon!
The integrity holds
misctidsandbits23 September 2011
I enjoyed this movie, though of course it is very different from the original. It was good to see their wonderful old house or the recreation of it, whichever it was. Garson is very appropriate with the effects of the changes her character went and is going through. Pidgeon takes up well.
The little boy (young James Fox) is darling, though it's funny to hear his strong British accent and expressions in contrast to the American actors around the family table. But of course I wouldn't want fakey British accents. John Hodiak is refreshing playing a wholesome character. Don't think I've ever seen him as one. And Leo Genn is a favorite. He plays against usual type here as well. The daughter reminds me of Teresa Wright in appearance, though of course she is a different character entirely.
No, I think they did a decent job, as hard as it is to do sequels. There is integrity in it. The Minivers have a solid marriage, with love that has deepened. Mother holds her own in the difficult crisis with her daughter, Judy. She's a strong woman who has been tempered and grown with life and difficulties, even tragedy. They both know what it means to come through.
Though the director is very different in this, I think the real difference is in the Mrs. Miniver character. What she did formerly was more interesting than what she has to do here. She's winding down here, instead of verving up as in the original. Guess they could have written some new challenge for her, but what it is, it is. And if you appreciate certain people and elements of the original, you can enjoy this film.
The little boy (young James Fox) is darling, though it's funny to hear his strong British accent and expressions in contrast to the American actors around the family table. But of course I wouldn't want fakey British accents. John Hodiak is refreshing playing a wholesome character. Don't think I've ever seen him as one. And Leo Genn is a favorite. He plays against usual type here as well. The daughter reminds me of Teresa Wright in appearance, though of course she is a different character entirely.
No, I think they did a decent job, as hard as it is to do sequels. There is integrity in it. The Minivers have a solid marriage, with love that has deepened. Mother holds her own in the difficult crisis with her daughter, Judy. She's a strong woman who has been tempered and grown with life and difficulties, even tragedy. They both know what it means to come through.
Though the director is very different in this, I think the real difference is in the Mrs. Miniver character. What she did formerly was more interesting than what she has to do here. She's winding down here, instead of verving up as in the original. Guess they could have written some new challenge for her, but what it is, it is. And if you appreciate certain people and elements of the original, you can enjoy this film.
Surprising sequel
dbdumonteil12 November 2008
I do not think that William Wyler's classic was made with a sequel in mind.But the most amazing thing is to feature a terminally ill Mrs Minniver although the name of the disease is never mentioned (heart?)Toby and Judy characters are featured (But the former seems a bit too young now that the war is over) but Vin 's was ruled out ,which could be acceptable if they made at least one hint at him.
The film will appeal to people who liked the 1942 film :although she knows her days are numbered,Mrs Minniver wants to make the best of what is left for her to enjoy her children and occasionally to help them when they take a wrong turn (Judy who wants to marry a married man).My favorite line is when Greer Garson says that she wants to be back by Autumn cause it's one of her two favorite seasons and she won't be here when Spring returns...
People who like the Garson/Pidgeon (Not only "Mrs Minniver" but also "Madame Curie" ) couple should have a look at it.
The film will appeal to people who liked the 1942 film :although she knows her days are numbered,Mrs Minniver wants to make the best of what is left for her to enjoy her children and occasionally to help them when they take a wrong turn (Judy who wants to marry a married man).My favorite line is when Greer Garson says that she wants to be back by Autumn cause it's one of her two favorite seasons and she won't be here when Spring returns...
People who like the Garson/Pidgeon (Not only "Mrs Minniver" but also "Madame Curie" ) couple should have a look at it.
Enjoyable sequel with high production values
didi-51 October 2011
The original Mrs Miniver was a huge international hit when released during the Second World War, teaming Walter Pidgeon and Greer Garson as architect Clem Miniver and his wife Kay, characters inspired by the writings of Jan Struther.
Mrs Miniver was a fiercely patriotic film, and a reminder to the USA of what Britain was taking in rationing, nightly air raids, and bombings. This sequel though, titled The Miniver Story, takes place in peace time, and is largely concerned with troubles within the family, foreshadowed by Clem's narration at the start of the film.
This film gets a lot of bad press from those who find it weak, heavy-handed or simply sentimental. It may not have the power of its illustrious predecessor as a war film, but it simply doesn't have that agenda. Clem and Kay still have a strong marriage, Judy and Toby are fast growing up (although their eldest, Vin, is curiously absent), and if you enjoyed their characters and the teaming of Pidgeon/Garson first time around, you will like this film.
In support you will find Cathy O'Donnell, Leo Genn, a very young James Fox, and (all too briefly) John Hodiak. Jan Struther might have objected to her creation ending the way it does in The Minever Story - and the film is certainly sentimental - but it is watchable, with good points.
Mrs Miniver was a fiercely patriotic film, and a reminder to the USA of what Britain was taking in rationing, nightly air raids, and bombings. This sequel though, titled The Miniver Story, takes place in peace time, and is largely concerned with troubles within the family, foreshadowed by Clem's narration at the start of the film.
This film gets a lot of bad press from those who find it weak, heavy-handed or simply sentimental. It may not have the power of its illustrious predecessor as a war film, but it simply doesn't have that agenda. Clem and Kay still have a strong marriage, Judy and Toby are fast growing up (although their eldest, Vin, is curiously absent), and if you enjoyed their characters and the teaming of Pidgeon/Garson first time around, you will like this film.
In support you will find Cathy O'Donnell, Leo Genn, a very young James Fox, and (all too briefly) John Hodiak. Jan Struther might have objected to her creation ending the way it does in The Minever Story - and the film is certainly sentimental - but it is watchable, with good points.
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