The Miniver Story

source: The Miniver Story

Trailer—The Miniver Story

The Miniver Story

Having finally seen this movie, and being a major fan of "Mrs. Miniver", I can definitely say that it was NOT a "weak script" or one to be skipped, as other people have stated. It's just a nice, warm, well-done movie showing the time period was like after WWII, that's all. People DID have conflicts, couples when the soldier returned, etc. Some have commented, negatively, on the absence of Vin, or Vincent, the oldest Miniver child from the previous movie. Richard Ney, who played him, and Greer Garson were married after the first one, and the marriage was a stormy one, and ended two years later. In the first movie, I thought it was the Vin character who was weak, and a bit of a whiner. In the movie story, he might have been captured by enemy forces and nobody've had heard from him again. It did happen.

One of the great films of the war, "Mrs. Miniver" won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1942. In 1950, M-G-M released this sequel; "The Miniver Story." A disappointment if there ever was one! First of all, the first film was directed by the legendary director, William Wyler. This film was directed by H. C. Potter. No more needed to be said on that point! And since this is a sequel, why is there no mention of the Miniver's older son Vincent? (Played by Richard Ney in the first film.) It's as if he never existed. Both Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon (the only originals) should have said no to this turkey!

After avoiding this sequel for so long because it has only 1 star in reviews,I decided to watch it today. I was pleasantly surprised and quite enjoyed it. It can't be compared with the classic Mrs Miniver because that was legendary, but this stands on its own two feet as an interesting if not terribly exciting film. It gives an insight into what people had to suffer after the war, because their lives were so different during 1939 to 1945. Greer Garson gives her usual immaculate performance and is ably supported by Walter Pidgeon. How can anything with Greer Garson in be other than enjoyable? :)

Like many here. I've avoided this film because of so-so reviews. What a revelation upon finally watching it. Absolutely loved it. A quietly poetic quality differentiates it it from the tense and dramatic "Mrs. Miniver." Greer Garson can't have ever given a better performance: understated, luminous, she simply towers above everyone in the good cast.. She perfectly portrays a lovely, kind-hearted English woman shadowed by a secret sadness - the cause of which I won't reveal. There are a few scenes where she has a heartbreaking faraway look and dreamy manner. I love "Mrs. Miniver," but think Garson is far more mature and subtle in this role. A great actress. Bravo, Greer!

The previous poster wanted to know why Richard Ney wasn't in "The Miniver Story". I believe the reason for Mr. Ney's omission was probably on Greer Garson's part. Mr. Ney had fallen in love with Greer Garson while filming "Mrs. Miniver". Although he played her son he was only 11 years younger than Miss Garson. They had a stormy divorce which occurred a couple of years prior to filming this sequel. I guess that's why his character wasn't even mentioned. Miss Garson probably wanted to just wipe out all memory of him.

I do not think that William Wyler's classic was made with a sequel in mind.But the most amazing thing is to feature a terminally ill Mrs Minniver although the name of the disease is never mentioned (heart?)Toby and Judy characters are featured (But the former seems a bit too young now that the war is over) but Vin 's was ruled out ,which could be acceptable if they made at least one hint at him. The film will appeal to people who liked the 1942 film :although she knows her days are numbered,Mrs Minniver wants to make the best of what is left for her to enjoy her children and occasionally to help them when they take a wrong turn (Judy who wants to marry a married man).My favorite line is when Greer Garson says that she wants to be back by Autumn cause it's one of her two favorite seasons and she won't be here when Spring returns... People who like the Garson/Pidgeon (Not only "Mrs Minniver" but also "Madame Curie" ) couple should have a look at it.

Although this is not the best of sequels it is still watchable. The main problem is that the actors playing Toby and Judy are so unlike the ones in the previous film, also the character of Vin has been completely left out altogether. I have heard it stated that the character played by Theresa Wright is somehow brought back to life. This is totally incorrect. In the original film she played Carol who became the Minivers' daughter in law. That character does not appear in this film. Whilst not as good as the first Miniver film it still has its merits, mainly the performances of Greer Garson and Walter Pigeon who still convince as Kay and Clem Miniver. In my opinion it's worth a watch as long as you don't expect too much. The ending though is very effective.