Movies:
H.M. Pulham, Esq.
- Rating:
- Genre: Drama
- Movie Type: Psychological Drama
- Themes: Boardroom Jungle, Rise To Power, Extramarital Affairs
- Director: King Vidor
- Main Cast: Hedy Lamarr, Robert Young, Ruth Hussey, Charles Coburn, Van Heflin
- Release Year: 1941
- Country: US
- Run Time: 120 minutes
Plot
MGM was doing so well in 1941 that it could afford the occasional "prestige" film with little box-office appeal. Based on the novel by J.P. Marquand, H.M. Pulham, Esq., stars Robert Young as a successful but stuffy Boston businessman. The glimmer of sadness in Young's eyes indicates that his ascension to the top was not without its cost. In flashbacks, we see how Young considered changing the track his life was on in order to marry Hedy Lamarr. After marrying his wife, however, the man never strays. The film utilizes the Strange Interlude approach of interior monologues heard on the soundtrack, and anticipates Citizen Kane (which hadn't yet been released when Pulham was filmed) by building its entire narrative on the flashback structure. H.M. Pulham, Esq. contains what may well be Robert Young's best performance, though few filmgoers in 1941 were interested enough to see it. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie GuideReview
A melancholy, adult drama about the fear of living one's life to its fullest, H.M. Pulham, Esq. has a simple message that still rings true for many people. Pulham demonstrates that there's nothing sadder than the missed opportunity, and that far too many people are willing to settle for what is safe and comfortable rather than take a risk that could result in failure. Yet, as Pulham demonstrates (until a somewhat inappropriate ending), settling for the safe and comfortable can be soul-deadening. It's a message that has been said before but that stands repeating, and Pulham makes its case in strong, dramatic terms (again, until the ending, which dampens the impact a bit). The screenplay is sensitive yet strong, and King Vidor's direction emphasizes its points without belaboring them. Robert Young is excellent in a difficult role which requires him to be passive and yet still propel the story forward. Ruth Hussey is equally fine as his wife, a perfectly suitable woman who just doesn't happen to be the woman he loves. There's also good work from Charles Coburn and Van Heflin, but the top acting honors go to Hedy Lamarr. Never considered a great actress, Lamarr here proves that, in the right role and with the right direction, she was capable of truly impressive work. She displays a warmth and feeling that is often missing from her other performances and makes one understand why Young would fall so deeply in love with her. It's a truly lovely performance in a film that is a richly rewarding little gem. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie GuideCast
- Hedy Lamarr - Marvin Myles
- Robert Young - Harry Pulham
- Ruth Hussey - Kay Motford Pulham
- Charles Coburn - Mr. Pulham, Sr.
- Van Heflin - Bill King
Fay Holden - Mrs. Pulham; Bonita Granville - Mary Pulham; Douglas Wood - Mr. Bullard; Charles Halton - Walter Kaufman; Phil Brown - Joe Bingham; David Clyde - Hugh the Butler; Sara Haden - Miss Rollo; Harry Crocker - Bob Ridge; Leif Erickson - Rodney "Bo-Jo" Brown; Frank Faylen - Sergeant; Byron Foulger - Curtis Cole; Arno Frey - German Officer; Ava Gardner - Girl; Connie Gilchrist - Tillie; Walter Kingsford - Skipper; Ottola Nesmith - Mrs. Prindle; John Raitt - Soldier; Anne Revere - Miss Redfern; Sid Saylor - Preacher; Bob Cooper - Harry as a Boy; Grant Withers - Harvard Coach; Earle Dewey - Chris Evans; Douglass Newland - Sam Green; Harry Brown - Charley Roberts
