Movie spotlight
The story begins while Tommy Martin and his mother, Martha Martin say goodbye to Henry and Reuben Johnson. After having stopped by the Mennonite farm, where Tommy and Martha stay with the William and Annie Decker, the Johnsons are headed back to their hometown of Goshen. The balance of the film is concerned with both trying to get the necessary train fare and with Tommy clearing his name over a misunderstanding.
A young boy, orphaned and living with his stern uncle, dreams of becoming a champion figure skater. He finds an unlikely mentor in a former skating star who sees his potential. Together, they overcome various obstacles, including the uncle's disapproval and rival skaters, to achieve their dreams on the ice.
Breaking the Ice was a generally well-received family film of its era, praised for its heartwarming story and performances, particularly from its young star. While not considered a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, it offered wholesome entertainment suitable for all ages, aligning with the popular musical and sports-themed films of the late 1930s.
Praised for its charming young lead and his figure skating abilities.
The film offers a heartwarming and family-friendly narrative.
Some found the plot predictable but enjoyed the musical numbers and wholesome themes.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this older film is not readily available through Google Reviews.
The film prominently features ice skating routines, with young star Bobby Breen performing many of his own stunts, showcasing his developing skills.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
Now I tend to side with Herod and Rameses when it comes to children, though perhaps not quite as brutally, so I was fully prepared to hate this. Though it does contain more than it’s fair share of cheese, it’s not that sentimental and for m...