Our Vines Have Tender Grapes

The cast is the great thing here. O'Brien was a gifted little actress, charming in her prissiness, and Jenkins equals her as her slightly pouty friend. Both offer memorable performances--but the truly remarkable performances here, the ones for which the film should be prized, come from Edward G. Robinson and Agnes Moorehead, who are cast against type in the roles of Selma's parents. Robinson, of course, is best remembered for his tough-guy roles, full of energetic bluster; Moorehead is most often recalled as one of the most memorable shrews in Hollywood history. But both show the range of their talents in this film, playing quietly, simply, and very movingly--and one regrets that both (particularly Moorehead) were not given more opportunity to play such in-depth roles more often.

Ultimately, VINES is about how parents teach their children and shape their lives--and about how children, for good or ill, learn lessons in life from their parents. Simply filmed, beautifully performed, and memorable from start to finish, it is a film that deserves wider recognition than it normally receives. An excellent family film that both parents and children will enjoy.


Heartwarming story of father/daughter relationship   March 20, 1999
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I'm surprised that more people have not seen this movie. I saw it on one of the classic movie channels and loved it. Edward G. Robinson steps out of his usual gangster role and is totally convincing as a kind, tolerant, hardworking farmer trying to eke out a living and raise his daughter the best way he knows how. Margaret O'Brien is the daughter, and of course does an excellent job as the sweetest kid I've ever seen and she's believable! Agnes Morehead plays the mother--I was impressed with her as well, she always has played harsh,bitter women from what I've noticed and her portrayal in this movie is a total reversal. Some of the other actors may seem corny and maybe the story isn't as exciting as other movies but I'd recommend this one if you're into sentimental, happy-ending movies!


Cute, wholesome, and special.   January 27, 2006
Jonathan M. Norberg (Grand Forks, ND)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I watched this for the first time just a few days ago. It affected me so much that I watched it again the next day with someone else. I don't know when I have watched a movie that I enjoyed so much--it certainly has been a while.

While today's movies focus on action, violence, and sex, this movie focuses on real life situations and how they affect a small town Midwest family. Edward G. Robinson plays a role that you've never seen him play before--a loving hard-working father. Margaret O'Brien steals the show, however. Simply put, she is the cutest and sweetest character I have ever seen in film. There are a few times when Selma (her character) has a moment of selfishness, but she quickly realizes her error and repents. Meanwhile, she makes sweet and innocent remarks throughout the film, and her unselfish action at the end almost makes you cry.

Overall, there are several lovable characters in this film. As the teacher states at the end, you "fall in love with the whole town."

Warning--if you do not like sentimental, heartwarming, and wholesome films you will not like this!


Hard To Imagine A Nicer Film   April 19, 2006
Craig Connell (Lockport, NY USA)
12 out of 15 found this review helpful

It's true - this is about as nice as it ever got with a movie. There are no villains, no violence (except when animals had to be destroyed in a fire...and that wasn't pictured), and just a nice story of a nice Norwegian family living in rural Wisconsin.

The story emphasizes two members of the family: the 7-year-old daughter, played by 1940s child star Margaret O'Brien, and her father, played by famous tough-guy actor Edward G. Robinson. This is Robinson as you rarely saw him and refreshingly low-key.

Yes, O'Brien tends to overact a bit, but some of her lines are so touching, so moving and delivered with such a soft, sweet voice that she gets away with them. Her gesture at the end of the film - no "spoilers" here - is so astounding I doubt it would ever happen in real life.....but it's wonderful to see.

James Craig, Frances Gifford, Agnes Moorhead and Jackie "Butch" Jeknins all add to this old-fashioned wholesome film. (If those words turn you off, by all means, skip this movie.) Jenkins can be a bit much, but he does add humor to the movie. Craig and Gifford make an attractive couple.

This movie is highly recommended for those of you who want a break from films with "bad guys" and a lot of "edginess."


Captures the Trials and Rewards of Farming   September 25, 1999
9 out of 12 found this review helpful

Edward G. Robinson captures what it once meant to be a family farmer. In one scene he's sitting in his living room after having helped destroy some cattle who would have otherwise burned to death in a barn fire. He makes you understand his reply to his wife who wants him to come to bed to sleep. He replies, "A man does not sleep after shooting 30 Jerseys." The movie is full of many lighter and joyous moments as well.