Movie spotlight
Thank You
Young Kenneth Jamieson's millionaire father, fed up with his son's wild escapades, sends him to stay on a chicken farm in the small village of Dedham. On the day he arrives there pretty Diane Lee, the niece of local Rev. David Lee, arrives from Paris. A few days later Kenneth, reverting back to his wild ways, gets drunk and makes a spectacle of himself, but rather than reproving him, Rev. Lee gives him a heart-to-heart talk and gets Kenneth to turn his life around. Meanwhile, the reverend--barely able to get by on the pittance the local vestrymen pay him--asks for a raise but is denied it, being told that he must send Diane away before they'll even consider giving him any extra money. Soon afterward Kenneth falls gravely ill. His father, hearing of Kenneth's condition and of his infatuation with Diane, arrives at the village to see his son and isn't ready for what he finds.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, idealistic minister is sent to a struggling rural parish where the local saloon owner is his main rival for the affections of a young woman. He faces numerous challenges in trying to reform the community and win her heart.
Critical Reception
While contemporary reviews are scarce, "Thank You" is generally considered a competent early work by John Ford, showcasing his developing skills in melodrama. Modern assessments highlight its sentimental themes and the performances of its leads, though it is not as widely discussed as Ford's later masterpieces.
What Reviewers Say
A well-intentioned silent melodrama.
Features early performances from future stars.
Demonstrates John Ford's developing directorial style.
Google audience: Audience reception data is not available for this early silent film.
Fun Fact
This film was one of Janet Gaynor's early starring roles before she became a major star, and it was also one of the first films directed by John Ford after he moved from Universal Pictures to Fox Film Corporation.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources