H.M. Pulham, Esq.

Director: King Vidor

Overview

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.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/23/2009
UPC:	0883316125458
Original Release:	1941
Rating:	NR
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[Full Frame]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Mono]
Language:	English
Time:	1:59:00
Sales rank:	45,303

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

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
Leif Erickson	Rodney "Bo-Jo" Brown
Phil Brown	Joe Bingham,Charley Roberts
David Clyde	Hugh the Butler
Sara Haden	Miss Rollo
Walter Kingsford	Skipper
Bob Cooper	Harry as a Boy
Bobby Cooper	Harry as a Boy
Earle Dewey	Chris Evans
Byron Foulger	Curtis Cole
Harry Crocker	Bob Ridge
Douglass Newland	Sam Green
Grant Withers	Harvard Coach
Connie Gilchrist	Tillie
Frank Faylen	Sergeant
Anne Revere	Miss Redfern
John Raitt	Soldier
Ottola Nesmith	Mrs. Prindle
Ava Gardner	Girl
Arno Frey	German Officer
Syd Saylor	Preacher

Technical Credits

King Vidor

Elizabeth Hill

King Vidor	Producer,Screenwriter
Elizabeth Hill	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

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.