Mary White

Rating:
Summary: A film well worth watching
Review: I can't think of any reason to take a star away from this film. Perhaps it requires a certain audience but that is easily selected by reading William Allen White's editorial written following his daughter's death. It inspired the movie. The Kansas State Historical Society has posted the editorial on their web site. Just look for Mary White in their index. If you find the editorial appealing, then you will enjoy the film.

Mary White lived from 1904 to 1921. You learn of her untimely death a few minutes into the movie. The story focuses on her vibrant life. Inasmuch as it deals with her death, the film is touching but stays well clear of being a tear-jerker. It's charming as a period piece and accurately portrays the era. It was filmed in the locale of Emporia, Kansas where Mary White lived, enhancing the authenticity. The script is well written. The dialogue rings true; it's often witty and occasionally brilliant. The casting and the acting are superb. You enjoy spending time with these people. The music serves the story well, never overpowering it but setting the tone nicely.

I think William Allen White would have been pleased with this faithful film rendition of his written tribute to his daughter. You do get to know, in the father's words, "the glowing, gorgeous, fervent soul of her". At the end of the movie, I wanted to watch it again to bring her back to life.