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The Human Comedy (1943)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 5.8/10
Reviews Counted: 5
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 1

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Release Date: Mar 2, 1943 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 301

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Movie Info

Author William Saroyan's corn-shucking brand of sentimentality works wonders in this 1943 filmization of his novel. Narrator Ray Collins is dead before the film begins; thus he is able to provide an all-seeing overview of the tiny community of Ithaca, California. The principal character, played by Mickey Rooney, is Collins' son; as the delivery boy for the local telegraph office, Rooney keeps in close contact with virtually every family in town, which results in several comic and poignant

Unrated, 1 hr. 57 min.

Drama, Kids & Family, Classics

Directed By: Clarence Brown

Written By: Howard Estabrook

In Theaters: Mar 2, 1943 Wide

Cast

Mickey Rooney
Homer Macauley
Frank Morgan
Willie Grogan
Fay Bainter
Mrs. Macauley
James Craig
Tom Spangler
Ray Collins
Mr. Macauley
Marsha Hunt
Diana Steed
Van Johnson
Marcus Macauley
Donna Reed
Bess Macauley
Dorothy Morris
Mary Arena
Ann Ayars
Mrs. Sandoval
Mary Nash
Miss Hicks
Henry O'Neill
Charles Steed
Katherine Alexander
Mrs. Steed
Alan Baxter
Brad Stickman
Darryl Hickman
Lionel
Barry Nelson
Fat
Rita Quigley
Helen Elliott
Clem Bevans
Henderson
Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer
Augie
Morris Ankrum
Mr. Beaufrere
Lynne Carver
Daughter
Wally Cassell
Flirt
Hobart Cavanaugh
Wallis Clark
Principal
John Craven
Tobey George
Mark Daniels
1st Soldier
Don DeFore
Texas
Byron Foulger
Blenton
Howard Freeman
Rev. Holly
Connie Gilchrist
Dolly
Gibson Gowland
Leonine Type Man
David Holt
Hubert Ackley
Butch Jenkins
Frank Jenks
Larry
Robert Mitchum
Horse
Robert E. O'Connor
Bartender
Emory Parnell
Policeman
Adeline de Walt Reynolds
Librarian
S.Z. Sakall
Mr. Ara
Mary Servoss
Mrs. Beaufrere
Jay Ward
Felix
Ernest Whitman
Black
Frank Craven
William Roberts
2nd Soldier
Don Taylor
Soldier

Critic Reviews for The Human Comedy

All Critics (8) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (1) | DVD (1)

Outdoes Capra in cornball melodrama, but does it well.

May 12, 2010 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Since Mickey Rooney was then at the height of his popularity, many viewers saw it as just another episode of the Andy Hardy series, but it was actually a bittersweet small-town saga, in the vein of Capra, dealing with the inevitable loss of innocence

November 9, 2006 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

| Comment

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

Considerable talent in direction and acting, and if viewers are able to put their cynicism behind them, it is an enjoyable film.

April 20, 2003 Full Review Source: Goatdog's Movies

| Comment

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.

Goatdog's Movies Source: Goatdog's Movies

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Audience Reviews for The Human Comedy

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A wonderfully simple film, with genuine and sincere performances. Excellent writing and Clarence Brown's direction is right on target. Good sets, nice cinematography. A very touching, warm and wonderful film.

August 27, 2009

James Higgins

December 11, 2006

James Higgins

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