There were many movies made during the war, that are considered propaganda films. Mrs. Miniver fits into this category. It could be considered one of the best. It is a compelling story of a British family, the Minivers, in the early days of World War II. It details the hardships that war brings to them, and their neighbors. The heroine of the story is Mrs. Miniver, (Greer Garson). She along with her husband, Clem, (Walter Pidgeon), show what British resolve is. Their resolve is at it’s best, during a bombing raid, by the Nazis. They are terrified, but maintain their composure for their two small children. The Minivers have another son, Vin, (Richard Ney), who has joined the British Air Force. Vin, before going to join his unit, has proposed to Carol Beldon, (Teresa Wright). Carol’s grandmother, Lady Beldon, a strong willed woman, played by May Witty, opposes the marriage, but later relents. May Witty is very good as a widow who has seen all of the ups and downs of life. She represents the British upper class very well.
Mrs. Miniver shows not only the bombings, but an event that propelled British morale, Dunkirk. The citizens of the town are in the pub, and hear the call for rescuing trapped British soldiers. Clem Miniver and his neighbors bravely go to Dunkirk saving many soldiers lives. It is a highlight of the movie. The film isn’t all doom and gloom. The annual flower show is held, with the station master, Mr. Ballard, (Henry Travers) winning first prize, for his Miniver Rose. It is here that Lady Beldon demonstrates British spirit. She lets the beloved Mr. Beldon, have her first prize trophy. The other good news is that Vin Miniver and Carol Beldon get married. This film shows an example of people shining under the worst circumstances. It is during a bombing raid, that part of the Miniver house is destroyed. It is unsettling to the Minivers, but they realize it can be repaired, and everyone is alive.
A reason that makes Mrs. Miniver stand out is the acting. Greer Garson in the title role shows why she won the Oscar for it. She never wavers, even when a crashed German flyer comes into her house, looking for food, when she is alone. Her expression of horror and shock, in a key scene at the end, prove even the best people can be changed by war. Walter Pidgeon doesn’t take a back seat to Greer Garson. He shows Clem Miniver’s fatigue after the stress of Dunkirk. He shows his deep love for the children, reading Alice in Wonderland to them, while in the bomb shelter. Above all else, Pidgeon shows a man who loves his family deeply. Teresa Wright as Carol Beldon, brightens everyone spirits, and gives hope to Vin, her husband. Teresa Wright, for her performance, won the academy award for best supporting actress.
Mrs. Miniver was brought to the screen by William Wyler. He has shown war’s effect on people very well. Wyler’s shows Clem Miniver outside the bomb shelter watching the bombing, almost like a fireworks show. The reality comes shortly after, when he emerges with his family, and sees his house partially destroyed. War in all it’s ferocity and terror is shown when Mrs. Miniver and her new daughter-in-law, Carol, stop on the road, and see a dogfight. Wyler won his first of three academy awards for this picture.
Mrs. Miniver has given a clear message of British resolve, under fire. It was released a year after America officially entered the war. It is a film that shows America’s ally Britain as brave and noble. This film may be dated, but the message still has meaning. It is a solid film, that makes for good viewing, because the values in the movie, never grow old.