The Magnificent Ambersons is one in a long line of A&E TV movies that have been done well, to very well. The cast including James Cromwell is impressive and essentially makes the movie. The acting, with the exception of Cromwell, is a bit sophomoric at times, but overall is very good.
The movie's theme is a bit like a Dickensian novel with the son, and his journey through life as the focus. It story plays off of the character traits of the family members, and how they impact this well-entrenched and highly interdependent family. It follows like a Dickens story from start to finish, with the very best traits of the protagonists being shown in the end, even if not apparent at first. It also had some elements of Titanic in it, in that it showed America's Gilded Age, and some new technologies that were transforming the nation. The scenery is excellent and is accurate of the late 1800s through early 1900s.
The cast is really what makes this version of The Magnificent Ambersons. The directing is good as well, and brings out the best of the story. I would give it a 4 out of 5 for TV movies.
The movie's theme is a bit like a Dickensian novel with the son, and his journey through life as the focus. It story plays off of the character traits of the family members, and how they impact this well-entrenched and highly interdependent family. It follows like a Dickens story from start to finish, with the very best traits of the protagonists being shown in the end, even if not apparent at first. It also had some elements of Titanic in it, in that it showed America's Gilded Age, and some new technologies that were transforming the nation. The scenery is excellent and is accurate of the late 1800s through early 1900s.
The cast is really what makes this version of The Magnificent Ambersons. The directing is good as well, and brings out the best of the story. I would give it a 4 out of 5 for TV movies.