Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Better Late Then Never

The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

One thing about this vintage tearjerker—Hollywood seldom builds a story around a 64-year old woman with a figure like a fullback and a face like a mashed potato. Probably, Marie Dressler shapes up as the unlikeliest movie star in Hollywood history, especially from glamour obsessed MGM. The movie amounts to a Dressler showcase, tailored to highlight her unusual presence. As an actress, she has more furbelows than a x-mas tree— which is to say, few scenes pass without a number of eye-catching mannerisms. But, as her career shows, she was also an actress of impressive range. The movie's heart is in the right place. The trouble is Emma's (Dressler) self-sacrificing nobility is spread on with a trowel a foot deep, while the comical interludes only mildly succeed. Nonetheless, it's good to see the life of someone like a nanny-- commonly overlooked in glitzy Hollywood-- receive appreciation on the screen. I guess a sudden concern with the lives of those faceless men and women who make the country actually work was one positive result of the Depression upheaval.I agree with the reviewer who lauds the last 15 minutes. It's a very well thought-out resolution that hits just the right emotional notes. Too bad the rest of the film doesn't reach that expert level.

This is a totally outstanding film of a woman's devotion as a maid to 4 children, the youngest who adores her and the special relationship they endured, since she held him when his mother died in childbirth.Fast forward to years later when the 4 are now adults, the older 3 really miseries, stuck up to the core as their father (Jean Hersholt) has amassed a fortune.Hersholt marries Emma at the spur of the moment when she is leaving for a much deserved vacation to Niagara Falls. When he dies shortly afterward, the older 3 bring Emma (Marie Dressler at her finest) up on charges of murder. They were greedy and it's basically the same story of greed over-taking all. While Emma is vindicated, her beloved Ronnie dies in a plane crash on his way back to defend her.While the adult children to beg for her forgiveness, in a poignant scene, Emma tells them that she must leave them. Dressler is so convincing here is her comic-dramatic performance. Her scene in the make shift plane is outrageously funny and her final scenes evoke emotions beyond belief.This is certainly a film where one will need a box of tissues. For those who love these kind of films, I heartily recommend 1951's "The Blue Veil," with Jane Wyman and a phenomenal cast. See the film and you'll see somewhat of a connection.

Hello,I'm looking for a VHS or DVD copy of this movie. If anyone has one or knows where I could get one, please email me at heuerjessie@yahoo.com I'm looking for it because Mickey Rooney has a bit part in it.;) I appreciate it so much! Also visit my fan club for Mickey Rooney at www.mickeyrooneyfanclub.com I'd appreciate it! There are also a fewmore RARE movies I'm looking for. Fast Companions, Love Birds, I Like It That Way and Half A Sinner. All from the 30's.GGGGGGGGGGG OOOOOOOOOO DDDDDDDDDDDDD BBBBBBBBBBBBBB LLLLLLLLL EEEEEEEEEEEE SSSSSSSSSSSSs AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa MMMMMMMMMMM EEEEEEEEEEEE RRRRRRRRRRRRRR IIIIIIIIIII cCCCCCCCCCCCcc AAAAAAAAAA

This is just one of several films that make me wish Marie Dressler had lived to make more movies after the advent of sound movies. Her career was on the quick upswing when she died and every movie I saw her in was greatly improved by her performance.This is a heart-wrenching movie about a lonely bachelor who marries the nanny who helped raise his kids. He incorrectly assumed that since she was like a member of the family that the kids would readily accept her. However, he soon dies after the wedding and the kids instead treat her horribly--especially when they find out the fortune was left to her. Watch it and be prepared to watch excellent acting and writing--there's just too little of it in most movies.