Typical Edna Ferber multi-generation story about a self-made timber tycoon (tubby Edward Arnold) who marries for business & dumps true love Francis Farmer. She weds his sidekick (Walter Brennan, painfully hokey in an Oscar’d perf) & dies young. But not before having a girl who’s her spittin’ image (Francis Farmer, again!). Arnold falls for the kid, but finds a rival in his handsome, smitten son (Joel McCrea). It’s an odd film with some superb second unit timbering stuff, a chance to see the famously doomed Ms Farmer (2 movie bios & counting), she’s a bit like Kim Novak, and a unique chance to guess at what was helmed by Howard Hawks (fired mid-way by producer Sam Goldwyn) and what William Wyler megged. Actually, it’s pretty easy, most of the first half, with the brawling & forced comradery is Hawks (not at his best), while the second half family drama is pure Wyler. And with Arnold & McCrea pining for the same gal, it’s compellingly creepy stuff, better than it has any right to be. Just watch a late scene between Andrea Leeds & Arnold to see what Wyler could pull out of an unheralded actress.
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