Cast
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Claude Rains
as Paul Ward
Fay Bainter
as Hannah
Jackie Cooper
as Peter Trimble
Bonita Granville
as Sally Ward
Henry O'Neill
as Sam Trimble
Kay Johnson
as Marcia Ward
James Stephenson
as Thomas Bradford
J. Farrell MacDonald
as Dr. Thompson
William Pawley
as Joe Ellis
Edward Pawley
as Bill Ellis
John Ridgely
as Charles Ellis
Mary Field
as Hester
Edward McWade
as Sloan
Crew
Director
- Edmund Goulding
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, White Banners 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 Edmund Goulding 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 1938, 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 White Banners took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1903 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1938, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While White Banners shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Everything's Jake, which focuses more on action than character development, White Banners subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Love Your Female Neighbor! and Happy-Go-Lucky explore similar territory, White Banners 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: June 23, 1938
- Runtime: 1h 32m
