Once we (yours truly) worked in a building with a quirky sliding door.
It was an entrance that hosted a lot of foot traffic, and folks were able to successfully operate the door, despite its uniqueness. Except one day a wealthy and influential man pulled the thing off its rails because he couldn’t Figure It Out.
“I broke your door,” he said, as though it were both an Achievement and an Act of Charity.
This sort of thing makes you wonder about the wealthy and influential, about how they became wealthy and influential, especially when they don’t appear to be smarter or more capable than anyone else.
But it also makes them fascinating. Although they are like the rest of us mortals, they don’t really believe they are, and we wonder what it’ll be like when they discover that Cold, Hard Truth.
Why do they like you more than me? Image: Make a Gif
The film mainly centres on the son (Tim Holt), a young man spoiled Beyond Belief and described as “a princely terror.” Holt’s character believes he occupies an Exalted Position in the universe, which is obvious in the way he treats others.
Folks generally despise him and cannot wait for his Comeuppance. We the audience can’t wait, either, although we know it’ll be messy enough to Take Down the entire family.
This is Holt’s character as a child, and this shows you with whom we are dealing:
The Ambersons are an odd, self-deluded bunch, and they have an enormous blind spot when it comes to the evolution of American society. Their livelihood is threatened by the emergence of the automobile, but they waive it aside as a temporary amusement for the masses.
They are big fish in a small pond, steadfastly opposing Change and Progress. They enjoy a suffocating and insular existence, which, ultimately, isn’t very helpful.
But they are interesting. Holt’s mother (Dolores Costello) tries not to have an affair with ex-boyfriend and automobile entrepreneur Joseph Cotten. This leads to some intrigue perpetrated by Holt’s aunt (Agnes Moorehead), because she’s also in love with Cotten.
As for Holt himself, he’s infatuated with Cotten’s daughter (Anne Baxter). Alas, she refuses to take him or his affections seriously, and you can’t blame her. You want to tell her to Run! every time she’s in the same scene as Holt.
The most interesting relationship in the film, we think, is between Holt and Moorehead. Moorehead’s character never married, nor has she measured the distance between her youth and present day. Although she confides in – and manipulates – Holt, she treats him as a child in the way she scolds his eating habits, for example.
Everyone in the family treats Holt like a child. Look at the scene where (spoiler!) Costello is gravely ill. Even from her Deathbed she asks him if he dresses warmly enough when he’s outside.
It would be easy to blame Holt for the downfall of the Ambersons, because he refuses to be anything other than a “Gentleman” (don’t laugh), and Gentlemen don’t soil their hands with Work.
It’s pitiful to see them clinging to their Place in the world, until that same world, unaware of their existence, steamrolls over the whole bunch.
The Magnificent Ambersons is based on the 1922 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Booth Tarkington, once considered to be one of America’s most influential writers.
Much that has been written* about Welles’s film adaptation, about how it could have been Welles’s greatest film – greater, even, than Citizen Kane – save for the final edit which removed 40 minutes of the film, done after Welles was dispatched to South America to direct another project.
It’s a gloomy film, a lament of sorrow and anger, with an ill-fitting studio-esque ending. However, it was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Moorehead. Welles, despite his vision and innovative direction, was not nominated.
This is a brilliant film, we think, an unsparing, critical look at a Family of Privilege, yet it’s not without sympathy. We hope you’ll have the chance to see it.
Notes
• *We recommend the Criterion essays found HERE. • This post is part of The Home Sweet Home Blogathon, hosted by Realweegiemidget Reviews and Taking Up Room.
The Magnificent Ambersons: starring Tim Holt, Joseph Cotten, Dolores Costello. Written & directed by Orson Welles. Mercury Productions, 1942, B&W, 88 mins.
Whew! I don’t know if it’s because I’m emotionally exhausted or what, but this sounds like quite a whirlwind…..that I could totally immerse myself in….because it’s fiction. 😅 I’m gonna check out the book too. Thank you! I hereby swear that one of these days I’m going to semi-understand Orson Welles. One movie at a time.
There’s a lot going on in this film, and a lot to look at, too. The sets are ornate and the costumes are lovely. It would be interesting to see the film as Orson intended, with the edited 40 minutes. Still, the cinematography is gorgeous, with some striking imagery.
It does look beautiful here, that’s what’s drawing me to the “rent now” button, but yeah. I’ll take your advice and wait until I’m cheered up a bit. Thanks, Ruth 😊❤️
As you say, “It’s a gloomy film, a lament of sorrow and anger, with an ill-fitting studio-esque ending.” Yet, unlike other gloomy films, I can never turn away from the Ambersons; I look forward to watching the Ambersons. Ah, there’s a big difference – the Ambersons would never want to watch me.
There was a great article on the search for Welles cut of Ambersons. I believe it was Esquire magazine, but it was a long time ago. It is such a beautiful movie, the loss of 90 minutes of footage is heartbreaking. I still hold out hope …
This is a truly great film, but it takes a bit of resolve to get to the killer scenes at the close. The final monologue is terrific; never was the notion of comeuppance more hauntingly discusses. We may not be there to see it, but it will come around.
Great article on a gorgeous film…I think it gets a bad rap only because it is Welles’s follow up to Citizen Kane. If he had not made that, this would be his masterpiece, though of course I love with Lady from Shanghai and Touch of Evil. Guess what? Cotten and Moorehead also appear in MY Home Sweet Home blogathon selection! Small world!
Hey that’s great (about Moorehead and Cotten). I’ll be by to check it out – great minds think alike! 😉
I really like Lady from Shanghai and Touch of Evil, too. When you watch those films, you know you’re in the hands of a skilled filmmaker. They’re completely engrossing.
Ha! I took your advice and looked for more on YouTube, and now I’m stuck in a vintage commercial rabbit hole, featuring Orson Welles and other old Hollywood celebs. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday evening!
Dang, sounds very interesting and I had never even heard of it before this! I wouldn’t mind reading the book either. Any thoughts on where I might be able to view this?
It has been so many years since i saw this film that I forgot it starred Tim Holt, who starred six years later in TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, which I’ve seen more recently and more often. Oddly enough, I can’t remember Holt in any other film, though he was probably in more than a few. I wonder whatever happened to him?
It turns out that I have the answer to that question on my own bookshelves (in a book titled WHATEVER BECAME OF…?), and didn’t realize it. He was the son of silent film star Jack Holt and his early career was spent mostly as a star in the late 1930s in “B” westerns (with the exception of STAGECOACH in 1939). He enlisted in the Air Corps in 1942 and was discharged as a major in 1945. His movie career ended with a minor part in THE TIME MACHINE in 1960. He died of cancer in 1973 at the age of 54.
I’ve made my graduation thesis on Orson Welles, and luckily enough still have all dvds of his movies (well, most of them) so I can easily rewatch this now that you reminded it to me with such a deep and smart analysis. Citizen Kane will always be the apple of my eye but there is grandeur in the Amberson, as there is in Orson Welles. Both of them just simply cannot avoid it. Thank you, wonderful post!
Thanks for asking! Actually my paper was on Don Chisciotte and how neither Orson Welles nor Terry Gilliam had been able to complete a movie about this fascinating character. When, some years later, Gilliam did actually succeed in making his movie I started to fear that the University would call me and say: “Hey, your graduation paper is no longer valid, you’ll need to graduate again!!”
I love this film, and it’s still true today. Did you hear about the millionaire casino CEO and his actress wife who flew to the Yukon to a small town there, lied about working at the local hotel and got Covid vaccines, then flew back to Vancouver? There’s not much that can be done except fines that they can easily pay, although he was fired. Disgusting people, but the very rich always think they can act with impunity.
I’m not sure if you remember me, but I used to participate quite often in blogathons sponsored by your website and others that you posted about. I’m an author and movie buff (you can read more about me below). I got out of the loop a bit a few years ago because I was focusing more on historical content related to my books. But I really miss blogging about classic films and I’m anxious to get back into blogathons again. I’m still receiving notifications of your posts (which I’ve really enjoyed) but I don’t seem to be getting the announcements about blogathons. Is there a separate list to join for this? Or can you just put me on a list of notifications if you have them? Or should I just keep reading the blog posts and I’ll stumble upon the announcements in time to hopefully join a few blogathons?
Hi Tam! I do remember you amd youe fab blog, and I’m glad to see you back in the blogosphere.
I’m not co-hosting any blogathons this year, but there are a few blogathon banners on my site under the menu tab. From there, you can probably find more to join.
Also, you can check the Classic Movie Hub site – a lot of people post blogathon notices there. Have fun!
Sorry I missed seeing your post on it’s publication date but added you now to my bonus post for tonight. I’ve heard of this movie through other blogathons, but I love your take on it, it sounds like soap opera heaven – thanks for joining the blogathon. Adding this to the to watch list!
I’ve seen “Citizen Kane” many times (and love it more with each viewing), but it’s been years since my one and only viewing of “The Magnificent Ambersons.” In fact, I recall it being on videotape,
So it’s clearly been too long. A rewatch is obviously in order. Thanks for your enjoyable review!
I first saw this film many years ago, and I was lukewarm towards it because I was expecting a fifferent ending. But it’s grown on me and when I saw it recently, I loved it. If you get a chance to re-watch, I’d love to know what you think.
After reading your post I should probably give The Magnificent Ambersons another chance. After enjoying Citizen Kane, I once sat down to watch it, but found the young Holt character insufferable. Much like Touch of Evil it’s a great shame we’ll never see the full version of this film. Those studios really should be tried for crimes against the cinema.
Despite an ending that just doesn’t work, I am a fan of The Magnificent Ambersons. It’s a more accessible film than Citizen Kane, yet made with the same love of cinema and attention to detail. I love how Welles went to great lengths to film a winter scene inside an icehouse so the audience would see the characters’ breath. My only complaint with Ambersons lies with the woefully miscast Tim Holt, who simply isn’t talented enough to make George a believable character. Fortunately, the rest of the cast is splendid!
Ha! Breaking the door as “both an Achievement and an Act of Charity.” They sound horrible, obviously, but it would be interesting to see them react knowing where they came from, so to speak. Intriguing review.
Your writing is so immersive I felt that I was watching the film just from reading this! I’m really fascinated now and want to find a chance to see it, especially as I’m woefully lacking in how many Orson Welles movies I’ve seen. Excellent article!
I find I need to be in a frame of mind to watch, as you said, a gloomy film, a lament of sorrow and anger. I confess I have not seen the film, but I can well imagine it was a snap-shot of life at time in history. Your summary makes me think of the phrasing that we really can’t understand what others are going through until we walk a mile in their shoes. And as you said, this film may have been a critical look a the Family of Privilege, it is not without sympathy.
The Magnificent Ambersons has beautiful cinematography, but it’s definitely not a feel-good film. But if you’re in the mood, it’s a terrific and thoughtful experience.
Silver Screenings 
And how ever did they talk the rest of us into worshipping hard work–hard work for them?
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Ha! That is an excellent question.
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Whew! I don’t know if it’s because I’m emotionally exhausted or what, but this sounds like quite a whirlwind…..that I could totally immerse myself in….because it’s fiction. 😅 I’m gonna check out the book too. Thank you! I hereby swear that one of these days I’m going to semi-understand Orson Welles. One movie at a time.
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There’s a lot going on in this film, and a lot to look at, too. The sets are ornate and the costumes are lovely. It would be interesting to see the film as Orson intended, with the edited 40 minutes. Still, the cinematography is gorgeous, with some striking imagery.
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Yes it would.
It does look beautiful here, that’s what’s drawing me to the “rent now” button, but yeah. I’ll take your advice and wait until I’m cheered up a bit. Thanks, Ruth 😊❤️
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Also, I don’t recommend this film if you’re feeling a bit down. Save it for a more optimistic day.
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I’d heard of this film but didn’t know what it was about. Now I want to see it! (I sympathize with Tim Holt for being infatuated with Anne Baxter.)
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Haha! Anne Baxter has never looked more beautiful than she does in this film. She’s perfectly cast, in my opinion.
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As you say, “It’s a gloomy film, a lament of sorrow and anger, with an ill-fitting studio-esque ending.” Yet, unlike other gloomy films, I can never turn away from the Ambersons; I look forward to watching the Ambersons. Ah, there’s a big difference – the Ambersons would never want to watch me.
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I can never turn away from the Ambersons either. It’s like watching a glamorous train wreck.
Also: As for the Ambersons not wanting to watch you, I think they could use some of your smarts and humour.
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There was a great article on the search for Welles cut of Ambersons. I believe it was Esquire magazine, but it was a long time ago. It is such a beautiful movie, the loss of 90 minutes of footage is heartbreaking. I still hold out hope …
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I’ll see if I can find that article online. As for the missing footage, I’m holding out hope, too!
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This is a truly great film, but it takes a bit of resolve to get to the killer scenes at the close. The final monologue is terrific; never was the notion of comeuppance more hauntingly discusses. We may not be there to see it, but it will come around.
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I agree with you re: the final monologue – and the principle of comeuppance. I love your description of “hauntingly discussed”. Beautifully said.
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I’ve seen this film a few times with the knowledge that it was compromised. But what we get is masterful. I really need to read the novel someday!
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It’s still a great film, isn’t it? I was thinking I need to read the novel, too…
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Great article on a gorgeous film…I think it gets a bad rap only because it is Welles’s follow up to Citizen Kane. If he had not made that, this would be his masterpiece, though of course I love with Lady from Shanghai and Touch of Evil. Guess what? Cotten and Moorehead also appear in MY Home Sweet Home blogathon selection! Small world!
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Hey that’s great (about Moorehead and Cotten). I’ll be by to check it out – great minds think alike! 😉
I really like Lady from Shanghai and Touch of Evil, too. When you watch those films, you know you’re in the hands of a skilled filmmaker. They’re completely engrossing.
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Hi. Do you remember the TV commercials that Welles did? Here’s one of them:
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Ha! I took your advice and looked for more on YouTube, and now I’m stuck in a vintage commercial rabbit hole, featuring Orson Welles and other old Hollywood celebs. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday evening!
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Dang, sounds very interesting and I had never even heard of it before this! I wouldn’t mind reading the book either. Any thoughts on where I might be able to view this?
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I think you can rent a decent copy on YouTube. Amazon Prime might have it, too.
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It has been so many years since i saw this film that I forgot it starred Tim Holt, who starred six years later in TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, which I’ve seen more recently and more often. Oddly enough, I can’t remember Holt in any other film, though he was probably in more than a few. I wonder whatever happened to him?
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Good question: What DID happen to Tim Holt? Excellent actor.
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It turns out that I have the answer to that question on my own bookshelves (in a book titled WHATEVER BECAME OF…?), and didn’t realize it. He was the son of silent film star Jack Holt and his early career was spent mostly as a star in the late 1930s in “B” westerns (with the exception of STAGECOACH in 1939). He enlisted in the Air Corps in 1942 and was discharged as a major in 1945. His movie career ended with a minor part in THE TIME MACHINE in 1960. He died of cancer in 1973 at the age of 54.
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He was in The Time Machine? I’ll watch for him the next time I see it. Thanks for this!
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I’ve made my graduation thesis on Orson Welles, and luckily enough still have all dvds of his movies (well, most of them) so I can easily rewatch this now that you reminded it to me with such a deep and smart analysis. Citizen Kane will always be the apple of my eye but there is grandeur in the Amberson, as there is in Orson Welles. Both of them just simply cannot avoid it. Thank you, wonderful post!
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I bet your Orson Welles thesis is a terrific read. What made you choose him in particular?
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Thanks for asking! Actually my paper was on Don Chisciotte and how neither Orson Welles nor Terry Gilliam had been able to complete a movie about this fascinating character. When, some years later, Gilliam did actually succeed in making his movie I started to fear that the University would call me and say: “Hey, your graduation paper is no longer valid, you’ll need to graduate again!!”
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Haha! I like that story.
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I love this film, and it’s still true today. Did you hear about the millionaire casino CEO and his actress wife who flew to the Yukon to a small town there, lied about working at the local hotel and got Covid vaccines, then flew back to Vancouver? There’s not much that can be done except fines that they can easily pay, although he was fired. Disgusting people, but the very rich always think they can act with impunity.
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Oh yeah, I heard about them, and you’re right. If you have wealth, you can do anything you want.
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Hi!
I’m not sure if you remember me, but I used to participate quite often in blogathons sponsored by your website and others that you posted about. I’m an author and movie buff (you can read more about me below). I got out of the loop a bit a few years ago because I was focusing more on historical content related to my books. But I really miss blogging about classic films and I’m anxious to get back into blogathons again. I’m still receiving notifications of your posts (which I’ve really enjoyed) but I don’t seem to be getting the announcements about blogathons. Is there a separate list to join for this? Or can you just put me on a list of notifications if you have them? Or should I just keep reading the blog posts and I’ll stumble upon the announcements in time to hopefully join a few blogathons?
Thank you!
Take care,
Tam
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Hi Tam! I do remember you amd youe fab blog, and I’m glad to see you back in the blogosphere.
I’m not co-hosting any blogathons this year, but there are a few blogathon banners on my site under the menu tab. From there, you can probably find more to join.
Also, you can check the Classic Movie Hub site – a lot of people post blogathon notices there. Have fun!
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Thanks so much! I must apologize. I didn’t realize I was posting a comment. I thought I was emailing you privately :-D.
Tam
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Sorry I missed seeing your post on it’s publication date but added you now to my bonus post for tonight. I’ve heard of this movie through other blogathons, but I love your take on it, it sounds like soap opera heaven – thanks for joining the blogathon. Adding this to the to watch list!
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My fault, Gill – I meant to message you, but the week’s been so hectic I forgot. Thanks for adding me to the bonus post. 🙂
I do hope you get a chance to see this one. These characters are mesmerizing.
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Not to worry. I understand completely.. it does sound like a good film.
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I’ve seen “Citizen Kane” many times (and love it more with each viewing), but it’s been years since my one and only viewing of “The Magnificent Ambersons.” In fact, I recall it being on videotape,
So it’s clearly been too long. A rewatch is obviously in order. Thanks for your enjoyable review!
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I first saw this film many years ago, and I was lukewarm towards it because I was expecting a fifferent ending. But it’s grown on me and when I saw it recently, I loved it. If you get a chance to re-watch, I’d love to know what you think.
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After reading your post I should probably give The Magnificent Ambersons another chance. After enjoying Citizen Kane, I once sat down to watch it, but found the young Holt character insufferable. Much like Touch of Evil it’s a great shame we’ll never see the full version of this film. Those studios really should be tried for crimes against the cinema.
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I disliked the Tim Holt character too, and still do. He really is too much, isn’t he? But Holt is ao good in the role, I beleive he IS that person.
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Despite an ending that just doesn’t work, I am a fan of The Magnificent Ambersons. It’s a more accessible film than Citizen Kane, yet made with the same love of cinema and attention to detail. I love how Welles went to great lengths to film a winter scene inside an icehouse so the audience would see the characters’ breath. My only complaint with Ambersons lies with the woefully miscast Tim Holt, who simply isn’t talented enough to make George a believable character. Fortunately, the rest of the cast is splendid!
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You said it! This film was made by someone who loves cinema and believes in the story.
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Ha! Breaking the door as “both an Achievement and an Act of Charity.” They sound horrible, obviously, but it would be interesting to see them react knowing where they came from, so to speak. Intriguing review.
My gosh, that Home as Prison shot is stunning!
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This film is full of striking images. Orson Welles truly shines here.
As for the family, they are fascinating. I wouldn’t recommend this film if you’re feeling a bit down, though.
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Roger that.
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Your writing is so immersive I felt that I was watching the film just from reading this! I’m really fascinated now and want to find a chance to see it, especially as I’m woefully lacking in how many Orson Welles movies I’ve seen. Excellent article!
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Thanks! I haven’t seen a lot of Orson Welles’s films, either, so we both have a lot of great viewing ahead of us. 🙂
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I find I need to be in a frame of mind to watch, as you said, a gloomy film, a lament of sorrow and anger. I confess I have not seen the film, but I can well imagine it was a snap-shot of life at time in history. Your summary makes me think of the phrasing that we really can’t understand what others are going through until we walk a mile in their shoes. And as you said, this film may have been a critical look a the Family of Privilege, it is not without sympathy.
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The Magnificent Ambersons has beautiful cinematography, but it’s definitely not a feel-good film. But if you’re in the mood, it’s a terrific and thoughtful experience.
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