A sweeping generational drama that follows two intertwined families, one American and one European, over a century of history. Beginning in 1825 with an arranged marriage between members of the families, the story spans major historical events including World War I, economic upheavals, and shifting global politics. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, family duty, and the relentless march of time as personal lives are shaped by the forces of history.
Genre: Drama, Historical Epic
Director: John Ford
John Ford (1894–1973) was an American film director renowned for his masterful storytelling, strong visual compositions, and deep understanding of character and landscape. Over a career spanning five decades, Ford won four Academy Awards for Best Director and became famous for classics such as Stagecoach (1939), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), and The Searchers (1956). Though best known for Westerns, Ford worked across many genres, including historical dramas like The World Moves On, which showcased his ability to handle large-scale narratives.
Star cast:
- Madeleine Carroll as Margaret
- Franchot Tone as Richard Girard
- Reginald Denny as Capt. Fred von Bergen
- Luis Alberni as Benito
- Raul Roulien as Henri
- Etienne Girardot as Uncle Elihu
- Sig Ruman as Otto Krupp
- Stepin Fetchit as Jefferson
The film was met with mixed reviews. While praised for its ambition, grand scale, and the performances of Madeleine Carroll and Franchot Tone, some critics found its sweeping historical narrative too broad and episodic. Audiences, however, appreciated its epic scope and the romantic and tragic elements woven through the decades-long saga.
Fun Facts:
- The story was written specifically for the screen, rather than adapted from a novel or play.
- Director John Ford used an international cast to reinforce the global nature of the story.
- The film’s narrative structure, spanning multiple generations, was considered experimental for its time.
- Stepin Fetchit’s role is an example of the racially stereotyped parts common in 1930s Hollywood, now often criticized in retrospect.
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