VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Mathilde the Guild Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Jenni Devyn Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

George Wright Outstanding performances mark this movie from 1949 with Spencer Tracey, and Deborah Kerr in the leading roles. Kerr, in particular, demonstrates a range that comes only from a great character actor in her slow but definite slide from respectability to debauchery. Her appearance and speech usually remind me of Queen Elizabeth but she moves out of that upper crust bearing in portraying Evelyn Boult, the long-suffering wife. The movie feels like a stage play and the darkened sets give it a rather brooding atmosphere. Spencer Tracey is the ruthless businessman Arnold Boult, said to be modelled after Canadian Lord Beaverbrook, whose smile and joviality mask the true nature of a man who will do whatever is required to further his own interests. He also turns a blind eye to the unethical conduct of his wayward son Edward, who never appears on the screen. Edward's upbringing and youthful misdemeanours bother his mother who feels her husband is not instilling him with the proper values. Tracey is clearly the smiling charmer who can take advantage of his business associates and women alike. Tracey and Kerr's talents are ably combined with a supporting cast led by Ian Hunter as the family doctor, Leueen McGrath as his secretary, Felix Aylmer as the schoolmaster, and Mervyn Johns, an often morose character actor, as his broken partner. Actor Robert Morley wrote the script for the movie, which was also a stage play. George Cukor directed the movie, one of his many outstanding movies. This movie is not for the faint of heart but it does serve up some fine acting talent.

jarrodmcdonald-1 The production code mars the end of Edward, My Son. In the final moments, Spencer Tracy's character is punished for a crime that occurred at the very beginning of the film. He committed much worse acts throughout the rest of the story. Is he punished for any of those?I suppose if you read into this film deeply enough, you will walk away with the realization that Mr. Tracy's character is his own judge, jury and executioner. That he gets away with many of his crimes but creates his own misery could be some sort of strange consolation. An otherwise excellent film, it contains solid performances by Tracy and his costar Deborah Kerr (in the first of her many Oscar nominated roles).Refilmed in 1955 for an episode of 'The United States Steel Hour,' which starred Robert Morley and Ann Todd. Mr. Morley was a co-author of the play and appeared in the original stage production.

edwagreen Outstanding 1949 film with Spencer Tracy giving one of the best of his many performances ever. This time, Tracy is conniving as a father who supposedly will break all the rules for his son, but it must be remembered that at the same time Tracy benefits as he spoils his son to ultimate tragedy, and literally loses his wife, admirably played by Deborah Kerr.Amazing that despite 10 Oscar nominations, Tracy wasn't nominated here. Kerr received her first of 6 losing bids as she is perfect as the wife, who was so much better off as a struggling partner. Wealth, a title and success, certainly did not help her.It is very effective that you never see this spoiled, pampered son Edward throughout the picture. Yet, you are able to convey a full imagine of him just like you did with 1940's "Rebecca."The film poses many ethical, moral problems such as starting a fire to gut his business but at the same time pay for his son's much needed operation.The person who made up Kerr up deserved an Oscar for that job. Kerr goes from a young housewife to an elderly souse, looking like a tragic Norma Desmond, depicted by Carol Burnett.Tracy's preaching to the audience is well effective. You know that he shall come up as the devil. Ian Hunter is just fine in the supporting role as the doctor who loved Evelyn, (Kerr) but could not bring himself to lead her away from an emotionally abusive Tracy.

blanche-2 "Edward, My Son" is a 1949 film based on the play that starred Robert Morley. Here the stars are Spencer Tracy, Deborah Kerr, and Ian Hunter. The title role, Edward, is never seen. The movie is really about his father, Arnold Boult, who spoils the boy and ruins everything and everybody he touches.There was a mention that Spencer Tracy was miscast, that the character shouldn't be so amiable but more acid. I think in a way, Tracy's amiability was more sinister - he threatened people and seemed so cheerful about it. It's quite effective.The revelation, the stunning, knockout performance comes from Deborah Kerr as Arnold's unhappy wife Evelyn. Young, pretty, and cheerful in the beginning, her character development, in looks and personality, is remarkable - right down to her osteoporotic walk with the slightly stooped shoulders. How often do we see really wonderful actors play older people with just a little gray in their hair, with nothing else changed? The only other "aging" performance I have seen to equal this was Emma Thompson at the end of "Remains of the Day."I always knew Deborah Kerr was a fine actress, but obviously, she mostly did roles that were beneath her capability.Ian Hunter is very good as the doctor s a man who see through Arnold's behavior, and who has always been in love with Evelyn.Don't miss Kerr's performance in this film.