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The Greatest Mother of 'em All

The Greatest Mother of 'em All (1969)

Dec 31, 1969 30m Drama

Stage mother Dolly Murdock (Ann Sothern) uses the attractiveness of her teenage daughter Tricia (Alexandra Hay) for her own economic gains, leading Tricia to experience a nightmarish loss of innocence.

Directed by Robert Aldrich

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Robert Aldrich
Writer
  • A.I. Bezzerides
  • Leon Griffiths

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Greatest Mother of 'em All examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Robert Aldrich brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1969, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Greatest Mother of 'em All took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 30 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 71 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 268 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1969, when this film was released:
  • Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
  • The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Greatest Mother of 'em All shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike On the Beach at Night Alone, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Greatest Mother of 'em All offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Ben Tumbling and Heat explore similar territory, The Greatest Mother of 'em All stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 31, 1969
  • Runtime: 30m
  • Budget: $140,000

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