Famous Movie Dads from the Oldie but Goodie Movie Scene
Movies from the classic period of film in Hollywood did not typically include father roles, and when they did, it was usually as a supporting role. Hollywood was changing and developing with a lot of new technology, and over seas influence of what entertainment was.
Examples of the fast paced technology in Hollywood and the movies they made are silent films to talkies, and monographic sound to dual speaker sound. Also, there were techniques that went from a flat screen viewing to 3-D effects in the 1950s. Role development and what was considered appropriate to view on the silver screen moved along too. New styles of roles usually included the rouge, femme fatale, and the drifter. However, there were a few films that showcased, not always by the actor’s length of time in the film, a dad’s role in their children and families lives.
In 1939 the movie “Gone with the Wind” was a mega movie blockbuster. The enchanting Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable made a hot sizzling pair on screen, even though in real life they could not stand to be around each other. Eventually, the loved crossed stars married in the film, but later divorced. Vivian Leigh’s character Scarlett tries to hang on to the ole plantation, but ends up loosing her husband Rhett. Her father’s influence is apparent right off in the first scenes of the movie. The awe-inspiring speech given by her dad about the value of land leaves her with the spirit and determination throughout the film to go on.
The most powerful and influential role of a dad in the classic Hollywood period though is the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 1946 starring Jimmy Stewart. His role as George Bailey is one that is heart touching to the core. George is presented to the audience as one that always had an old soul in a young body. Extra mature beyond his years, he stays at home for his mom, dad and brother, when he could have gone on to fame and fortune in the big world outside of home. At first the viewer might think that there is not a quality time dad inside George, but Hollywood gave him time enough to look in on his sick daughter, and talk with the kids in his easy chair.
George throughout the film always sees himself as a financial failure, and he wants to provide the kids and wife with better. Finally, George is saved by a caring angel, and he realizes that even though he might not be able to provide everything for them, if he was not he would miss the moments with them, and all of the people who truly care about him Hollywood does a wonderful job with this movie by showing a man that cares, and has a sense of real value for life.
Another film of the late 1960s might not fit into the category of an oldie but goodie classic, but it reminisces about how a classic should be performed and written for dads.” Yours, Mine and Ours (1968) starred Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda as divorcees that marry, and combine a huge family into one, all 19 of them. In today’s world the screen writing can be viewed as politically incorrect, especially when dad spanks only the boys, and mom disciplines the girls, but dad handles the entire ruckus with lots of love.
There were other movies in the 1960s like “Yours, Mine and Ours”, such as “Don’t Pick the Daisies” and “Cheaper by the Dozen”, but all of them represented the best that a future classic should be. Maybe that is the point for dads in movies, is to remind them what a valuable asset they are for their kids, and families. Each movie left an important reminder for their kids about what they valued. Scarlett understood later why the land was meaningful, but would have never cherished it as much as she did if her dad hadn’t taught her. On the other hand, George Bailey wanted more for his kids, but taught them the value of what being together meant. Hollywood gave dad’s limited options on role models, but the ones they did film were magnificent.
