Archive for the ‘overseas jobs’ Category
Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front (DVD)
Period Drama DVD – The year is 1943. Molly (the charming Maya Ritter), a third grader, is determined to earn the role of “Miss Victory” in her school’s Christmas extravaganza, as World War II turns her idyllic Illinois small-town life upside down. Even with the Andrews Sisters on the soundtrack and clips from vintage newsreels, Molly is not entirely a sentimental journey. This made-for-TV production is based on the American Girl book series and is sensitively directed by Joyce Chapra. It does an admirable job of depicting the hardships of life during wartime and the efforts made by families and communities on behalf of the war effort. Molly’s doctor father is sent overseas to care for the wounded, and her family takes in Emily, a young British girl, to live with them. Rationing forces Molly to scale back her birthday party plans, and Molly’s mother (Molly Ringwald) takes a factory job. “We’re at war,” she states. “Everyone has to do their part.” Age-appropriate scenes manage to convey the tragedy of war as some make the ultimate sacrifice. Young viewers will share the anxiety Molly’s family feels every time the doorbell rings, suggesting the arrival of a telegram that could bring terrible news about Molly’s father. Molly’s initial dislike for Emily, who, she assumes, comes from a privileged background, blossoms into friendship after Molly learns of Emily’s tragic past. As with previous American Girl-based films, Molly is to be saluted for natural performances, commendable role models, and a sense of history that will give viewers a keen idea of what it was like to grow up in another era. – Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front (DVD)