I knew nothing about this movie until it came on at 5:00 am the other morning. I had no idea that it was a William Wyler film. It seemed a little slow in starting and usually if I'm not intrigued in the first 30 minutes, I'll change the channel. But then I became intrigued. Things started happening and all the charters seemed to jell. The screaming and yelling of the children was like chalk on a blackboard at first. Then I understood the brilliance of it, you were supposed to react that way (as we do in real life.) No one likes to hear a child cry. But they do, and that's one of the things that makes this film real. Great acting by the two main child actors (Bonita Granville as the loathed Mary Tilford and Marcia Mae Jones with a breathtaking role as the troubled Rosalie Wells.) ***Possible Spoiler*** It wasn't until bratty Mary was slapped by Mrs. Tilford's maid, (in a small roll, who would soon become an icon as the "Wicked Witch of the West") the fabulous Margaret Hamilton. At that moment I knew I had indeed seen this film as a child, and remember people cheering that slap. Quite a powerful moment that must have made an impression on me. If you're a William Wyler fan, this is a film you should see.
Review of These Three
