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I Remember Mama (1948) | 
| Director: George Stevens
Actors: Irene Dunne, Barbara Bel Geddes, Oskar Homolka, Philip Dorn, Cedric Hardwicke
Studio: Turner Home Ent
List Price: $19.98
Buy New: $3.98
You Save: $16.00 (80%)
New (19) Used (27) Collectible (8) from $3.90
Rating:  55 reviews
Sales Rank: 2626
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), Norwegian (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 135 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 6304383169
UPC: 053939641035
EAN: 9786304383162
ASIN: 6304383169
Theatrical Release Date: 1947
Release Date: January 5, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new factory sealed.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com essential video
This high point in the 1940s vogue for movies about family life at the turn of the century was directed by George Stevens (Shane), and stars Irene Dunne as the matriarch of a Norwegian family that faces hard knocks with grace in 1910 (or so) San Francisco. Based on John Van Druten's hit play (derived from Kathryn Forbes's autobiographical memoir), the film is gorgeously rendered and quite moving as an act of memory. The sterling cast of character actors--Edgar Bergen, Rudy Vallee, Oscar Homolka, Barbara Bel Geddes, Ellen Corby, Cedric Hardwicke--add great texture and a depth of experience that make the film feel quite lived-in. Hardwicke's turn as a penniless boarder who "pays" his rent by reciting from classic literature is a special highlight. --Tom Keogh
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| Customer Reviews: Read 50 more reviews...
 Gentle and evocative May 9, 2005
Susan Fong (Las Vegas, NV USA)
51 out of 51 found this review helpful
"I Remember Mama" presents a gentle and compassionate portrait of a family of Norwegian immigrants who settle in San Francisco in the early 1900's. The movie is narrated by the family's eldest daughter, now an adult, who has written a memoir about her childhood and her colorful family. Her family includes Mama, Papa, siblings, and some overbearing but well-intentioned aunts and uncle.
Nothing sensational or terribly exciting happens in the lives of these ordinary, working class immigrants. Yet, there is extraordinary poignance in the way in which the family deals with everyday crises such as the fate of an injured pet cat or the dilemma of a mother who is not allowed to see her child in the hospital.
Acclaimed director George Stevens reconstructs such events with an honesty and delicacy that resonates long after the movie ends. And Stevens elicits superb performances from his cast led by Irene Dunne as the title character "Mama". Dunne's performance is beautifully restrained as the humble, selfless matriach who possesses an indomitable spirit and generous heart. The rest of the talented ensemble includes familiar and beloved actors such as Oscar Homolka, Barbara Bel Geddes aka Miss Ellie on the television series "Dallas", and Ellen Corby of "The Waltons" fame.
"I Remember Mama" is the kind of movie that will evoke childhood memories and remind you to appreciate where you came from and how far you've arrived.
 TENDER FAMILY MELODRAMA GETS AVERAGE TRANSFER December 4, 2004
Nix Pix (Windsor, Ontario, Canada)
33 out of 35 found this review helpful
In retrospect George Steven's production of "I Remember Mama" is the high water mark in 1940s family life melodrama. Set at the turn of the last century in San Francisco, the film stars the usually scatterbrained Irene Dunne; on this occasion as the tender yet determined matriarch, Martha Hanson. Together with her husband, Lars (Philip Dorn) and extended family (buttressed by a stellar cast including Barbara Bel Geddes, Cedric Hardwicke, Ellen Corby, Rudy Vallee, Edgar Bergan and Florence Bates) the Norwegian clan weathers some hard knocks and poignant moments with grace and charm. This is one of those elegant little `jabs of pleasure' that American cinema used to dole out en masse during its golden age, but now seems rendered in exceedingly short supply. Based on John Van Druten's hit play (derived from Kathryn Forbes's autobiographical memoir), the film is a veritable feast for the heart and mind; a richly textured and moving experience - not to be missed.
Unfortunately more could have been done to clean up this print before rushing it out to DVD. Warner's transfer is marred by a considerable amount of age related artifacts. Though the gray scale is nicely balanced at times, the image often tends to exhibit an overly soft quality that is more blurry than evocative of mood or style. There is also a considerable amount of film grain present in most scenes. Otherwise, black and contrast levels on the whole tend to be deep and nicely balanced. There are no digital anomalies. The audio is mono and suffers at times from a muffled characteristic. Background hiss is detected in quiescent scenes. A brief introduction by the director's son, George Steven's Jr. is all the extras you get. Bottom line; this film still gets my recommendation for a must have Christmas stocking stuffer. It may not be presented here in its optimal condition but regardless, is sure to warm the heart throughout the holidays and beyond.
A superb family drama November 9, 2004
City Of Evanston (EVANSTON, IL United States)
24 out of 25 found this review helpful
How wonderful that this is being released on DVD. Irene Dunne
had one of her greatest roles as Martha Hansen. She is perfect
in every way. Nice support from Barbara Bel Geddes and Ellen
Corby who would become big tv stars in the years to come. Edgar
Bergen and Rudy Vallee are fine too and Oscar Homolka nearly
steals the show as the cantankerous Uncle Chris. It brings back
memories of Friday nights when Peggy Wood came on making Maxwell
House coffee and then the show started. MAMA was the highlight of
the week. How sad they were live since most episodes are lost forever.
A Heartwarming Treasure of a Classic! July 6, 1999
20 out of 20 found this review helpful
"Iss Good! We don't have to go to the bank." Like finding buried treasure ~ this film is a real gem! About the day to day struggles of an immigrant Norwegian family living in San Fransisco at the turn of the century. The innocence and old-world charm of this colorful family is irresistable with Irene Dunne playing the part of Mama. (My favorite classics actress next to Myrna Loy). Narrated by the eldest Daughter recounting stories of her childhood, it's a tale of human frailties, strength, self-sacrifice, loyalty and love. A charming, classic and must see.
7 Reasons Why This is A Special Film April 19, 2006
Craig Connell (Lockport, NY USA)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
Seven reasons why this has always been one of my all-time favorite films:
1) A movie filled with nice, ordinary people you can relate to.
2) The sweetness of Barbara Bel Geddes and her character. She narrates throughout and this story is as much hers as it is "Mama's."
3) The great facial closeups and general cinematography, directed by one of the all-time best, George Stevens.
4) Oscar Homolka's performance as the gruff-but-kindhearted "Uncle Chris"
5) An amazing supporting cast which help make this film so memorable: Ellen Corby, Philip Dorn, Edgar Bergen, Cedric Hardwicke, Hope Landin, Peggy McIntyre, Florence Bates, Steve Brown, Rudy Valley, Tommy Ivo, etc.
6) Some important life lessons in here for all viewers.
7) Nice touches of sentimentality, with the hard-working devoted mother (played stoically-yet-warmly by Irene Dunne) getting her due in the end.
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