Spencer's Mountain (1963)

Long before Henry Fonda played an irascible patriarch in On Golden Pond, he played an equally crusty family man in this warmly rustic, 1963 drama Spencer's Mountain, based on an Earl Hamner Jr. novel that later inspired the television series The Waltons. Fonda plays Clay Spencer, a fiercely independent, hard-drinking, foul-mouthed Wyoming laborer who believes in God but rejects (to his tiny community's consternation) organized religion. Scraping together enough money to build a new house for his wife (Maureen O'Hara) and nine children, Spencer runs into an obstacle to both his plans and family pride when his college-bound son (James MacArthur) romances the daughter of Spencer's boss. Director Delmer Daves whips up a kind of morose schmaltz out of the earnest material, but it's Fonda's grit and heartland integrity that carry the day and establish some self-effacing wit. Some nice features here, including interviews with Fonda and a short documentary, "Spencer's Mountain: Grand Teton Premiere." --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Importance of family

This film shows the importance of family, the closeness they hold over generations and the recognition of one son's desire to go further in his education than any of his forbears have been able to because of economic necessity to begin work young. It shows his family's determination to help him acheive his goal and find the financing to do so, even though they are very poor. It is a real feel good film. June 21, 2008

spencer's mountain

watched this movie when i was younger with my mom and really loved it
have been looking for it for a while.
if you like old movies this is one that you will really enjoy
i reconamended it highly June 19, 2008

I know I am in the minority, BUT....

I feel like an awful Scrooge to say it but I think this movie is just awful. It has pretty scenery and a big name cast, but the story is awkward and phony, with lots of Hollywood stock characters and trite characterizations. Now that I have said that, please enjoy it as an old-fashioned family movie that will not offend anyone with nasty things. Those are too rare, I agree; it is just that I don't think this is so great as a drama. Why not get a later Disney film like FOLLOW ME BOYS! (1967) or the even more recent and quite good TUCK EVERLASTING (2002) if you want family fare that is a little less icky than I think SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN is. Sorry folks -- forgive me if you are a fan of this one. June 11, 2008

Outstanding Movie...Affirming for Large Families

It's not often that I'm so fond of a movie that I begin giving it as a gift. SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN is that rare treat of a film that speaks to every generation: the fun of childhood, the angst of adolescence, the burdens of adulthood, and the goodbyes of the final years. Moreover, it is one of the only movies I've ever seen that truly celebrates family life, with all of its joys and trials. I especially recommend this film to large families, as they will be affirmed in their YES! to life. May 6, 2008

ON A HIGH

This is a hidden gem of a movie............
Although a basis for the tv series THE WALTONS with a great cast, great location and good use of CINEMASCOPE watch this ideal family viewing January 19, 2008

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