Film · TMDB
6.7The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862. Their religious sect is strongly opposed to violence and war. It's not easy for them to meet the rules of their religion in everyday life but when Southern troops pass the area they are in real trouble. Should they fight, despite their peaceful attitude?
Released: 1956-10-30137 minDir: William WylerDrama, WarBudget: $3.0MBox office: $8.0M
Cast
- Gary Cooper as Jess Birdwell
- Dorothy McGuire as Eliza Birdwell
- Anthony Perkins as Josh Birdwell
- Richard Eyer as Little Jess Birdwell
- Robert Middleton as Sam Jordan
- Phyllis Love as Mattie Birdwell
Themes
- indiana, usa
- based on novel or book
~15 min read
Article
Friendly Persuasion is a 1956 American Civil War drama film produced and directed by William Wyler. It stars Gary Cooper, Dorothy McGuire, Anthony Perkins, Richard Eyer, Robert Middleton, Phyllis Love, Mark Richman, Walter Catlett and Marjorie Main. The screenplay by Michael Wilson was adapted from the 1945 novel The Friendly Persuasion by Jessamyn West. The film tells the story of a Quaker family in southern Indiana during the American Civil War and the way the war tests their pacifist beliefs.
The film received positive reviews, praised for its performances, but faced some criticism for inaccuracies in portraying Quaker views. It earned $4 million at the box office, won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and received six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. Michael Wilson, the screenwriter, was initially uncredited due to being on the Hollywood blacklist but was later restored in 1996.