Wonderful character development!

That was an excellent one.

Absolutely the worst movie.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Brilliantly written social comedy drama about a farmer's daughter who ends up in the employ of a congressman, and then ends up running for office herself. Loretta Young was at the height of her powers as the country girl and Joseph Cotten is the congressman. As I have never cottoned to Cotten, I will say nothing about his performance other than I wish someone else -- anyone else -- had been given the role. I never bought Cotton as an actor, especially as a leading man. Ethel Barrymore is Cotten's politically savvy mother, and the supporting cast is first-rate. The film could just as easily have been made in the 1930s, as it has that era's feel. While it takes a simplistic view of Ame4rican politics, it is still delightful to watch. The subsequent TV series with Inger Stevens was not nearly as interesting.

Although this film is not as famous, it reminds me a lot of the general patriotic theme that you find in "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", and while James Stewart's performance in that film was a blockbuster, Loretta Young's performance here earned her an Oscar.The story is simple. Swedish country girl living in the Midwest travels to the big city. Gets somewhat taken advantage of, but land with her feet on the ground. Scores a job as a maid in a politician's home (Joseph Cotton, a member of the House Of Representatives), whose mother (Ethel Barrymore) is a party leader. Boy falls in love with girl. Girl runs for Congress herself. Blackmailer steps forward. The mother and son do what's wright. Girl wins seat in Congress...and a husband. Illogical? Yes. But charmingly so, and again, there's that Capracornish patriotism, though Frank Capra had nothing to do with this film.Loretta Young is excellent here, particular in a role which would have been easy to play over the top. But she played it square, and that leads to the success of the film. Joseph Cotton is excellent as the Congressman...in fact, now that I think of it, a very underrated actor. Ethel Barrymore is superb...but, then, wasn't she always? Charles Bickford -- not always high on my list of supporting character actors -- is perfect here...believable as the butler who is a real part of a powerful family. The only disappointment here is Harry Davenport, one of my favorite character actors...who is on screen less than 2 minutes. Interestingly, James Arness plays one of Young's brothers, but he is listed as James Aurness (note the spelling; his real family name).The only other time I saw this film was years ago on the late show...I remember a scratchy print that I thought was pretty stupid. So I am glad to see this again to correct my opinion. A classic that is well worth watching, and perhaps buying for your DVD shelf.

Loretta Young plays a Swedish "Cinderella" who rises from poor Minnesota farm girl to potential Washington official. This is very much a "Star Vehicle" for Ms. Young, and she is remarkable - lifting the routine rags-to-riches story far above the expected. Some of the supporting players seem a little silly - maybe playing caricatures - but, Ethel Barrymore and Charles Bickford are recommended viewing; and, Young is admirably assisted by Joseph Cotton as "leading man".There were some surprises in the predictably - at one time, the film looks like it's going to end poorly, but turns around nicely. The production values are relatively high, so ignore the fake snow scene. Surprisingly, the behind-the-scenes political dealings pulled few punches, with Ms. Barrymore's presence strongly felt. A much better film than expected. ******** The Farmer's Daughter (3/25/47) H.C. Potter ~ Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore

This one's a winner all the way, not a silly comedy but a wry comment on American politics then, before, and since with some humor sprinkled in every now and then. Too bad there aren't more like Katrin Holstrom and Glenn Morley on Capitol Hill. Strange this movie based on a play and directed by a man noted more for stage direction than for film direction should play like a movie should play and not be just another stage play on celluloid. Also the romantic attraction between Katrin and Glenn seems natural with no saccharine added.Talk about a cynical approach to mass political rallies to introduce new candidates for popular vote: Joseph Clancy (Charles Bickford) seeing that Katrin Holstrom (Loretta Young) is confused about what is happening before her eyes remarks that the crowd will approve thunderously of anything said aloud. He proceeds to stand up and yell "Fish for Sale" and the entire auditorium roars with unequivocal approval.And what acting down to the minutest part. Loretta Young deservedly won best actress. Charles Bickford was nominated and should have won best supporting actor. He stands tall above them all and competition is heavy in this flick. You have to be on your toes to out act the likes of Ethel Barrymore and Joseph Cotten, two of the finest acting talents ever, but Loretta Young and Charles Bickford succeed in doing just that.This is one of those pictures that Hollywood used to make that is fun from start to finish with surprising twists and turns from time to time. Though all comes out well in the finish, getting there is worth the journey. Plus this happy ending fits and is not just tacked on for custom and tradition. This little film actually speaks more appropriately for what is good in America than movies with more ballyhoo such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."