Mother Carey’s Chickens *** (1938, Anne Shirley, Ruby Keeler, Fay Bainter, James Ellison, Walter Brennan) – Classic Movie Review 7363

Director Rowland V Lee’s attractive 1938 RKO black and white Mother Carey’s Chickens is notable in itself but especially as it stars a wonderful cast – Anne Shirley, Ruby Keeler, Fay Bainter, James Ellison, Walter Brennan, Donnie Dunagan, Frank Albertson, Alma Kruger, Jackie Moran, Virginia Weidler, Margaret Hamilton and Ralph Morgan. Screen-writers S K Lauren and Gertrude Purcell translate Kate Douglas Wiggin’s novel and play to the screen.

Fay Bainter stars as 1890s widow Old Mother Carey, who looks after her brood of kids (two daughters Anne Shirley and Ruby Keeler; two sons Donnie Dunagan and Jackie Moran) in times of trouble in this pleasingly played, small-scale drama, with romantic complications when the daughters fall in love with the same man.

It may seem a little inconsequential, a bit over-schmaltzy and even a shade uneasy at times, despite some amusing scenes and affecting moments, but is its still a pleasant story and the delightful work from the lovely vintage ensemble cast makes it really worthwhile.

Also in the cast are Phyllis Kennedy, Harvey Clark, Lucille Ward, George Irving, Lew Kelly and Marie L Day.

Katharine Hepburn bought out her RKO contract to avoid starring in this film. RKO won both ways, as the film went into a profit of $110,000, though did lose Hepburn.

Shockingly, Hamilton and Clark share screen time in the same bed, despite Hays Code prohibition.

Mother Carey’s Chickens came home to roost. This first version of Kate Douglas Wiggin’s novel and play (with Rachel Crothers) was remade in 1963 as the Walt Disney movie Summer Magic.

The play version opened in New York City on 25 September 1917 and ran for 39 performances. Marie L Day, who has a small role in the movie, was in the cast.

Donnie Dunagan was born on 16 August 1934 in San Antonio, Texas. His most recent film work is the voice of Young Bambi in Bambi (1942). Dunagan became a career Marine (1952-77), serving in Vietnam, winning a Purple Heart, and working in counter intelligence.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7363

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