Once upon a time in the mid-nineteen-sixties when I lived alone in my apartment in Kansas City, I first heard this song while watching a 1952 black-and-white movie on my not-very-big, black-and-white television. It has haunted me ever since, and often reminded me that even in the valley of the shadow of death, I am not alone, ever. It was a time when "method acting" was all the rage and it seemed to me the actors went overboard with their actions. That movie… "Member of the Wedding"... seemed very much over-active, but I have never forgotten the song.
If you want to see some of the over-acting, here is a longer version from the movie, a clip that leads up to the song.
I'm a huge old movie fan, but I've never seen Member of the Wedding. Ethel Waters is a treasure. I always liked her singing. Julie Harris does seem to be really over-acting in this role. Brandon de Wilde was very young. He was later in the film "Hud" with Paul Newman.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post, Donna.
I think that many old movies were guilty of overacting and that awful made-up Mid-Atlantic accent. But I'm all about whatever people enjoy is great! I'm a fan of murder and mayhem, certainly not everyone's cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteI am glad today that his eye watches the little birds but also little me! Still I feel very alone much of the time with burdens to carry until I sleep! Galla Creek
ReplyDeleteI have never even heard of this movie. But over acting...that made me laugh. You see that in "It's a Wonderful Life," but gosh, I do love that movie. It's corny, but sweet, and this world could use a massive helping of corny sweetness, couldn't it?
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