Home Town Story (1951)

As blatant a piece of propaganda as has ever been produced, Home Town Story would be unwatchable were it not for its cast. Story was made under the supervision of General Motors, and its simplistic, hit-you-over-the-head screenplay is completely devoid of subtlety and nuance. There is absolutely nothing wrong with making a movie that wishes to make a case for the advantages of Big Business; but to make one with as amateurish a screenplay as this and with as little regard for real character development and accuracy is simply insulting. It doesn't help that the lead is played by Jeffrey Lynn. Granted, his part is horrible, the kind of claptrap that can sink all but the most determined actors. Yet even considering that, Lynn's work here is substandard. Much better is Alan Hale, Jr., who doesn't have as much to do and whose part, while marginally better written, is still not a world beater. But Hale does a fine job, overcoming his material to make a real impression. Likewise, even though he has one of the most groan-inducing speeches in the whole film, Donald Crisp finds a way above his material. And a young Marilyn Monroe makes the most of her scant few minutes of screen time as well. These actors don't make Story worth watching, but if you gotta watch it, they make it easier to take. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide