Our Vines Have Tender Grapes

When someone says “child star” it usually evokes images of Shirley Temple.  However, as Shirley was growing out of her curly top phase and into adulthood in the 1940s, another little girl took center stage:  Margaret O’Brien.  I’m a newcomer to her films.  At first glance I found her, for lack of a better word, a little “corny”.  But after seeing her recently interviewed on the Turner Classic Movie channel, I decided to take a second look.  TCM showed the film Our Vines Have Tender Grapes as part of their tribute to Margaret’s work, and I was hooked.   

In the 1930s and 40s the movie industry tended to create larger than life films full of glamour, which makes Our Vines Have Tender Grapes even more unique.  It was adapted from George Victor Marin’s book which captured the “nobility of the ordinary farm family.” 

Margaret stars alongside some of Hollywood’s greats:  Edward G. Robinson sensitively portrays Martinus Jacobson, an immigrant farmer (out of his normal GI-man character) and Agnes Moorhead is his wife Bruna (who later became famous as the mother of Bewitched’s Samantha).  Martinus simply wants to work his land and be a loving farmer to his daughter Selma (O’Brien). 

The film is ultimately charming, conveying the important lessons of life and morality.  Margaret soars beyond her years as Selma, yet captures the essence of childhood.  Her cousin played by Jackie “Butch” Jenkins will tickle the funny bone, making this movie ideal for the entire family.

 I was so captivated by the movie that I also bought a copy of the 1940 book.  It was like getting a wonderful sequel to the movie.  The essence and characters were the same, but there were additional scenes and stories not covered in the movie.   

If you have farming families in your family tree, I know you’ll enjoy spending a few hours stepping back in time with the Jacobson family of Wisconsin.  Happy viewing and happy reading!