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From Amazon.co.uk
Shenandoah, a film well-liked in its day, recalls Friendly Persuasion and foreshadows The Patriot as it tells of an American clan traumatised by war on native soil. Virginia farmer James Stewart has never owned slaves, owes allegiance to no one beyond his own kin, and adamantly disregards the North-South strife rumbling just over the hill: "This war is not mine and I take no note of it." That changes when youngest son Philip Alford (To Kill a Mockingbird's Jem) is carried off by Yankees, and the family must ride out to reclaim him. Shenandoah has several affecting moments--notably a homefront atrocity--but much of it is lit and played like a television show. Script and direction are formulaic, Stewart falls back on cozy shtick, and the supporting cast is a collection of bland studio contract players. As the closing credit says: "filmed entirely at Universal City." --Richard T. Jameson
Product Description
Classic civil war drama set in 1863, starring James Stewart as Charlie Anderson, a wealthy farmer in Virginia who has hitherto steadfastly refused to take any part in the war that is raging around him. But the war inevitably ensnares him through a series of family tragedies that includes his youngest son (Philip Alford) being taken prisoner by the Unionists and charged with spying, his son James (Patrick Wayne) and daughter-in-law Ann (Katharine Ross) being murdered by a gang of looters, and the death of his eldest son Jacob (Glenn Corbett). Meanwhile his daughter, Jannie (Rosemary Forsyth) falls in love with a Confederate soldier, Sam (Doug McClure). Despite the tragedies that punctuate the film, it carries strong and hopeful anti-war and pro-family messages, particularly in the sentimental finale which shows the Anderson family prevailing against all the odds, and the screenplay has since been successfully adapted into a Broadway musical by the same name.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Louise Casey
Format:DVD
We settled down for a nice evening viewing this much loved classic and were very disappointed that scenes have been cut spoiling the whole feel of the story. James Stewart's pain on losing his sons and the emotional hunt for his youngest are all ruined by these cuts.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Mark Kibble
Format:DVD
The Anderson family, a father (James Stewart), his six sons, daughter and daughter in law, try to sit out the war (u.s. civil) on their Virginia farmstead. He won't side with the south because he doesn't agree with slavery etc, but he won't fight against his homeland either.
Others try to entice him and his sons to join the southern cause, leading to some poignant and at times humorous moments, but as long as folk stay off his land and leave his family be he's not interested.
Not long after becoming a granddad, his youngest son is taken prisoner by union troops, so leaving his son and daughter in law to care for the farm, the rest of the family set off in pursuit. At this point the film splits, focusing sometimes on the boy, sometimes on the family. Having exhausted all possible leads in his attempts to find the boy, he leads the party home, to catastrophic effect.
The final ten or so minutes of the film are a real mixed bag of emotions, the scene at the family grave, where his wife has now been joined by his two eldest sons and his daughter in law, and maybe the boy is touching, then the church bells ring! "why didn't somebody tell me it was sunday", he rounds up what is left of the family and leads them off to church (late as usual) for a surprise ending.
My favourite J.S. film, which sees him wrestle against not only outside circumstances, but also his conscience.
Others try to entice him and his sons to join the southern cause, leading to some poignant and at times humorous moments, but as long as folk stay off his land and leave his family be he's not interested.
Not long after becoming a granddad, his youngest son is taken prisoner by union troops, so leaving his son and daughter in law to care for the farm, the rest of the family set off in pursuit. At this point the film splits, focusing sometimes on the boy, sometimes on the family. Having exhausted all possible leads in his attempts to find the boy, he leads the party home, to catastrophic effect.
The final ten or so minutes of the film are a real mixed bag of emotions, the scene at the family grave, where his wife has now been joined by his two eldest sons and his daughter in law, and maybe the boy is touching, then the church bells ring! "why didn't somebody tell me it was sunday", he rounds up what is left of the family and leads them off to church (late as usual) for a surprise ending.
My favourite J.S. film, which sees him wrestle against not only outside circumstances, but also his conscience.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By ray dorrity
Format:DVD
This one of the best movies made about the War Between the States.
It's about a prosperous Virginian farmer and his family and his attempt not to get drawn into a war he doesn't agree with.
From a historical perspective, everything is correct about the film, from the horses saddles right through to the weapons used.
A great piece of entertainment. The movie ranks alongside "Friendly Persuasion" as the best made about that war.
Buy and enjoy.
It's about a prosperous Virginian farmer and his family and his attempt not to get drawn into a war he doesn't agree with.
From a historical perspective, everything is correct about the film, from the horses saddles right through to the weapons used.
A great piece of entertainment. The movie ranks alongside "Friendly Persuasion" as the best made about that war.
Buy and enjoy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shenandoah - an admirable platform for James Stewart to confirm his...
This movie had it's share of cold blooded violence and in contrast, in some scenes there won't be a dry eye in the house! Read more
Published 1 month ago by T. F. Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars
great western
Truly a great film , one of James Stewart best films in my opinion. buy one now and sit back and enjoy.
Published 2 months ago by notsagnamron
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shenandoah
This is a Great film, The disc is in very good condition, Watched it twice in one day, and no doubt we will be keeping this DVD. I would Recommend this DVD to everyone.
Published 2 months ago by Susan Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shenandoah
Not available in the shops so buying this product on line was excellent. It made an excellent Xmas Present and was watched on Christmas Day and enjoyed. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. J Threlfall
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Civil War Classic
This is one of my favourite James Stewart westerns and the main reason why I really like this is the story. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mrs. Marilyn A. Rice
4.0 out of 5 stars
DVD
Bought as a gift. Easy to find on amazon despite it being an old film. Arrived quickly in the post.
Published 17 months ago by ramgib
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shenandoah Western
I purchased this DVD after watching the film several times on TV and loved it so much I had to add it to my DVD collection, one of James Stewart's best performances.
Published 17 months ago by sandy
5.0 out of 5 stars
SHENANDOAH.
One of the last Jimmy Stewart westerns I needed for my collection. I was very impressed with the quality of the copy and do not hesitate to recommend this disc and give it five... Read more
Published on 18 May 2011 by colly.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Civil War Classic
This is one of my favourite James Stewart westerns and the main reason why I really like this is the story. Read more
Published on 26 April 2011 by Mrs. Marilyn A. Rice
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Family Movie
I first saw this movie more than 40 years ago when I was just a young woman. I loved it then and love it just as much today. Read more
Published on 3 Dec 2010 by Diddums
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