Joel McCrea plays Josiah Doziah Gray. He is a minister in the town of Walsburg. It is torn apart by The Civil War. His job is difficult, but his wife, Harriet, (Ellen Drew), lends strong support. Joel McCrea’s character, manages to make a favorable impression, with the populace. He manages to do this through colorful anecdotes. He is able to use one after he stands up to the town bully, Perry Lokey, (Jack Lambert). Lokey has bullied Chloroform Jones, (Arthur Hunnicut). Hunnicut was a fine character, appearing in many films; many of them westerns. The Reverend Gray gains respect for this, and a few other things.
Minister Gray seems to be gaining a foothold in this war torn town. It is when this happens that tragedy strikes. The town is overrun with scarlet fever. This is a tragedy by itself, but the minister suffers a crisis of faith. The town doctor, Dr. Daniel Kalbert Harris Jr., (James Mitchell), blames Gray, for the fever ravaging the town. Dr. Harris, has his own problems, stemming from his father’s death, Dr. Harris Sr., (Lewis Stone). Stone was a veteran actor, at the time of this film. His character doesn’t have a lot of screen time, but imparts his knowledge and wisdom to the locals. Dr. Harris Jr. is very worried, that he can’t fill his father’s very big shoes. His worries are compounded, when the fever comes to the town. He cannot grasp Minister Gray’s belief, that God will lead the town through the epidemic.
The fever is a major crisis in the film. It’s other is human failings, chief among them being hate and greed. A central character, Uncle Famous Prill, (Juano Hernandez) owns several acres of land. It is discovered, that this land is very valuable. He is offered a deal to sell the land, which he refuses. The town boss, Lon Backett, (Ed Begley),once again makes an offer to Uncle Famous. It is also turned down. Lon Backett is upset that his low ball offer was turned down. He decides to get a mob together, and force Uncle Famous out. He won’t leave and they decide to hang him. The news of the mob has reached Reverend Gray. He has formed a friendship with Uncle Famous. Gray gets to the scene, and reads the will of Uncle Famous, as a last request. The will leaves many in the mob shaken. It also makes them realize, the horrible thing, that they were about to do. The reverend has managed to save souls and a life. He has also mended fences with Dr. Harris, and goes back to preaching the word.
Stars in My Crown is in part entertaining and serious. Joel McCrea’s character is a cross between Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. Joel McCray is good as a humorist/preacher, and even better as a man who stands up to an angry mob. There is a clear message regarding intolerance. The other is that God’s message of love one another, resonates in this film. This is shown when the preacher reads Uncle Famous will. It is shown before that when Jed Isbell, (Alan Hale), wants to go armed, with friends to protect the good Reverend Gray. Minister Gray tells him that he will face the mob alone. It proves that he believes that turning your swords into plow shares, is the best way.
Aside from the religious message of the film, there is another. It is that a man should be measured by his character, and nothing else. This is shown by Uncle Famous, a black man, who has to many townsfolk, been a second father. He has guided them through their formative years, showing them simple things like hunting and fishing. These were survival skills for many years. This man’s legacy is pointed out by Reverend Gray’s reading of his will. It is an understated, but terrific performance by Juano Hernandez, that brings the message of the film together.
There are directors who leave a legacy, that is incredible, like John Ford. There are also ones like Jacques Tournear. He would have been known for making, the very unusual and stylish horror films, The Cat People and I Walked With a Zombie. It is this film that allowed him to become a director with a message. He shows that racism and hate, should be confronted; particularly by leaders in society. This message was new to Hollywood, but the films made after this, reflected societal change, as well as many other issues.
This film is groundbreaking. It shows a minister confronting racism. The real life changes in society that came in the next several years, were led by ministers. Stars in My Crown is a movie, but it’s message about fighting intolerance, became a reality.