The film, which was financed by an oil executive who knew Howard Hughes, was Hughes’ first production after taking over RKO in May of 1948. It was put together as a “family film,” with 4H Club members being auditioned to star in the movie. And, it is true, several members of the cast are indeed 4H Club members, including Jessie Wexford, played by ten-year old Jeanne LaDuke (her only screen appearance).
One of the 4H Club members, who was also ten-years old at the time, is none other than Natalie Wood, who portrays, Susan, one of the four motherless Matthew kids. Keen eyes will also spot another young actor who would become a television mainstay, Martin Milner (Route 66, Adam-12), he too is a 4H Club member.
The backbone of the story has the head-strong “Matthews” (Walter Brennan), buying a farm and trying to make a go of it with his four children, including the eldest daughter, Deborah (Marguerite Chapman — Destroyer, Flight to Mars, Man Bait, The Seven Year Itch), who catches the eye of the local Ag Agent, David Barkley (Robert Paige — Son of Dracula, Highway Patrol, Flying G-Men).
Of course, “Papa” does just about everything wrong, from fathering his four kids to running the farm, but he finds redemption by the film’s end as the locals come to his aid during his family’s darkest hour.
Happy ending, family values and the virtues of becoming a 4H Club member … who can ask for more!!
Bonus features include five vintage Pathé Newreels from the period.
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