Watch Gentle Annie For Free

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Copyright 1944 by Loew's Inc. A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture. New York opening: 4 May 1945. Official release date: 20 December 1944. 80 minutes. SYNOPSIS: On the trail of a train hold-up gang, an investigator (James Craig) finds himself caught in the middle of a feud between the matriarch of a pioneer family (Marjorie Main) and a crooked sheriff (Barton MacLane). Matters are further complicated when he falls in love with a former employee of the sheriff (Donna Reed) who has sought refuge with the family he suspects is behind the robbery. NOTES: W.S. Van Dyke was originally assigned to the movie but fell ill and was replaced by newly signed Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contractee Andrew Marton (who had previously directed movies in Germany and England). It turned out to be Van Dyke's final fling behind the camera. He died on 5 February 1943. This movie was also one of the last film appearances of Noah Beery (senior) who has a small, unimportant role as a skinflint storekeeper.COMMENT:: An appealing little western, despite a hammy performance from Marjorie Main and the lumpish presence of James Craig. After a very lively action start, the movie goes backwards with a long and boring long-take monologue from Miss Main (doubtless Van Dyke's contribution), but then proceeds to make up for lost ground with the introduction of the agreeable duo, Henry "Harry" Morgan and Paul Langton. The talent line-up is soon completed by delightfully villainous Barton MacLane and his equally enjoyable thick-head heavy, Morris Ankrum. And then when Donna Reed hits her stride and gifted (if little- known) character actor, John Philliber, is thrust center-stage, we are truly in "B"-movie heaven. The hero's dilemma seems real enough as we plunge steadily towards the expected full-action climax with its clever resolution that anticipates several later films made with bigger budgets and lots more publicity. Director Andrew Marton not only keeps the action flowing fast, but fills the screen with movement. I am surprised that this effort didn't bring him to the immediate notice of studio executives. His talent seems to have been under-utilized by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, despite his later employment (with billing) as a second unit director on "King Solomon's Mines" and "Ben Hur".

Marjorie Main is the title character. This is a Western, basically. But with Main as the lead, it doesn't really feel like one. We already know her as the proprietor of the dude ranch in "The Women" -- hardly a Western -- and (though it came later) as Ma Kettle.I liked Westerns when I was a child but don't care for them now. Many still do. I think this movie would please the two camps about equally.It's psychologically quite odd, if watered-down: Main's two sons adore her. And one of them is named Violet. OK.James Craig is an outsider in town and a central figure in the plot. He was a handsome an underrated actor of this period. I sometimes wonder why certain careers, such as his, didn't take off.Donna Reed, too, is an outsider. She was very appealing in movies of the 1940s. This one is no exception.Who knows if it was intentional but the movie is, looking at it now, a little campy. We have the son named Violet. And Main's dog is named Belle. True, she is a daughter of the Confederacy. But it's kind of a grand name for a rancher to give her mongrel dog.

This movie is in the same category as 'The Big Country', But not in the same league. 'Big Country', is one of the best movies ever for getting good messages across to the audience. 'Gentle Annie' does the same thing and also in an entertaining way that doesn't insult your intelligence. Worth seeing again. Stellar performances by Donna Reed and Marjorie Main.

This is a great drama, that just happens to be a western. Craig is the marshal that must decide whether he should arrest the family that has treated him so well. This is yet another grand story from the pen of MacKinlay Kantor (Outlaw Territory, 1953/Gun Crazy, 1950). Each character is carefully developed, and, by the climax we really feel the injustice of 'the system.' Morgan shows once again, that earlier in his career he was Oscar material. Keep the kleenex handy, if you can find this one on video or TV you'll need them.