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source: Blossoms in the Dust

Trailer—Blossoms in the Dust

Blossoms in the Dust

Edna marries Texan Sam Gladney, operator of a wheat mill. Edna discovers by chance how the law treats children who are without parents and decides to do something about it. She opens a home for foundlings and orphans and begins to place children in good homes, despite the opposition of "conservative" citizens, who would condemn illegitimate children for being born out of wedlock. I watched this because it was shot by Karl Freund, the greatest cinematographer of all time. Nothing really stood out for me as being memorably photographed, though. The issues presented were interesting -- illegitimacy and the stigma on birth certificates, passports, and more. The characters in the film made the claim that the records are there to promote the sanctity of the home. Gladney rightly points out that what someone's parents did should not affect the child -- it is not their fault. Bonus for a Wisconsin viewer like me: Gladney was born on January 22, 1886 in Milwaukee.

Just wonderful - powerful enough to move anyone. The fact that this is a true story makes it even more remarkable. Greer Garson deserved the nomination for Best Actress - she covers decades in the life of Edna Gladney who varies from romantic girl to society hostess to earth-shaker.

"There are no illegitimate children, only illegitimate parents" what a great line. Greer Garson is wonderful in this movie. She really does a great job portraying Edna Gladney. Living in Fort Worth, were Edna Gladney's home is still in operation, and working in the Court house, this movie really made an impact on me. I have seen old adoption records actually signed by Edna Gladney. What a wonderful lady - she changed the world! What a wonderful movie - get it and watch it, you'll love it!

Greer Garson in a poignant memorable role as Edna Gladney in 1941's "Blossom in the Dust." Edna (Garson) has a friend who killed herself because her illegitimacy was revealed. It will become Edna's fight to fight this wrong on birth certificates. There is no reason why a child has to be maligned when it is stated that they are illegitimate. Garson stars with Walter Pigeon, who was to be with her in many more films. They have a son who is killed in a tragic accident as a youngster. When Garson is widowed some time after this, she devotes her life to orphaned children. She fights for their rights and their dignity. Garson is emotionally appealing as Edna. When she gives up the last child in her care, I guarantee that you will need a box of tissues. A fine film of the human spirit, touching and equally absorbing. Thank you Edna Gladney for the work you did for youngsters.

This is one of about 9 films that Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon made together and all of them are well worth watching. MGM found an excellent combination of the two actors and usually had the best writing and direction in their films--and this one is no exception. The story is about Sam and Edna Gladney. The couple had one child who was tragically killed and the couple couldn't have any more kids. So instead, they invested their lives caring for orphans and other needy children. It's all very inspirational and sweet--and, believe it or not, it reminded me of such Garson/Pidgeon films as "Madame Curie" in style as well as what will ultimately happen to poor Walter! Well made all around. Some might find it all a bit too sweet, but I enjoy a film like this now and again.

"Blossoms in the Dust" is a biographical message movie about the plight of illegitimate children in the early 20th century and the stigma they faced from the get go because of the sins of their parents. This film might as well have been called "The Greer Garson Show," because it is all about her. She plays Edna Gladney, a woman who made a crusade of finding loving adoptive homes for outcasts. She's lovely and committed in the role, and earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination for it. I believe this was the first time she was paired with Walter Pidgeon, and he's pretty good too as a cocky Texan who charms her and then marries her, but he very definitely stands in Garson's shadow for most of the film. Cedric Gibbons, Urie McCleary, and Edwin B. Willis won the Oscar for their color art direction, and this is one of the rare films from the early days of Technicolor that looks gorgeous rather than garish. The film was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Color Cinematography. Grade: B+