FRIENDLY PERSUASION

New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 928, 24 May 1957, Page 15

FRIENDLY PERSUASION

(M.G.M.-Allied Artists) G Cert. ROBLEMS of conscience in wartime, one of the themes in Battle Hymn (reviewed' a fortnight ago), are better handled in Friendly Persuasion, the story of a Quaker family caught up in the American Civil War. Perhaps it works out a complex situation a little too tidily, but it’s beautifully made (by William Wyler) and well played. At first disappointing, Anthony Perkins, a newcomer, plays an_ earnest, troubled character very well once he really gets into the part of the son who feels he must join the home guard when the rebels threaten his own home. Outstanding, however, is Gary Cooper’ as the father, and he is well supported by Dorothy McGuire as his extremely puritanical wife, and Robert Middleton as a neighbour and_ friendly rival-an almost Dickensian character, Friendly Persuasion is a little inclined to make fun of the Quakers’ silent meeting and of the bearded elders; but, trying hard to be fair to everyone, it de-, monstrates in the end that while even the most peaceable are inclined to compromise in the face of violence which threatens them, retaliation isn’t the only answer. Evén the small boy’s taming of a troublesome goose makes its point. This is a very long film which could easily have done without a_ longish interlude about some man-eating women. Even so, it never becomes tedious, and I shall be surprised, even a little disappointed, if it doesn’t do well ‘at the box office.