Some mothers go too far with their "love" to the point it becomes toxic. In fact, it isn't simply love, it's obsession. Mrs. Phelps (Laura Hope Crews) was just such a mother.
Mrs. Phelps was the mother to David (Joel McCrea) and Robert (Eric Linden) and she was every daughter-in-law's nightmare. David was newly married to Christina (Irene Dunne) while the younger Robert was engaged to Hester (Frances Dee). All five met at Mrs. Phelps Massachusetts country home for a meet and greet, and a reunion of sorts. It was the first time Christina met Mrs. Phelps and it was the first Mrs. Phelps had seen of her son, David, in some time. So naturally you'd expect them to be on their best behavior.
It turned out that Mrs. Phelps could not be. She was full of subtle slights, digs, and barbs aimed at both Christina and Hester. Every word, every utterance had the goal of separating her sons from their S. O.s and keeping them close to her. It was maddening and a little bit disgusting too. Her relationship with her sons went past that of mother and son and entered the territory of woman and lover to a degree. There were some strange vibes there for sure, especially between Mrs. Phelps and Robert whom she had the greatest sway over. The two women saw straight through her shenanigans while the two sons were too blind to see it.
This movie was so good because it hit close to home. I know a mother just like Mrs. Phelps--the guilt tripping, feigning sickness, crying, etc. To keep her children close to her. I think all mothers have a little bit of manipulation in them, but Mrs. Phelps was a master and I think her smothering had to be exaggerated just for some to see what it looks like. "The Silver Cord" was a wonderful movie that totally maximized the simple plot and singular set.
Free on Vimeo.
Mrs. Phelps was the mother to David (Joel McCrea) and Robert (Eric Linden) and she was every daughter-in-law's nightmare. David was newly married to Christina (Irene Dunne) while the younger Robert was engaged to Hester (Frances Dee). All five met at Mrs. Phelps Massachusetts country home for a meet and greet, and a reunion of sorts. It was the first time Christina met Mrs. Phelps and it was the first Mrs. Phelps had seen of her son, David, in some time. So naturally you'd expect them to be on their best behavior.
It turned out that Mrs. Phelps could not be. She was full of subtle slights, digs, and barbs aimed at both Christina and Hester. Every word, every utterance had the goal of separating her sons from their S. O.s and keeping them close to her. It was maddening and a little bit disgusting too. Her relationship with her sons went past that of mother and son and entered the territory of woman and lover to a degree. There were some strange vibes there for sure, especially between Mrs. Phelps and Robert whom she had the greatest sway over. The two women saw straight through her shenanigans while the two sons were too blind to see it.
This movie was so good because it hit close to home. I know a mother just like Mrs. Phelps--the guilt tripping, feigning sickness, crying, etc. To keep her children close to her. I think all mothers have a little bit of manipulation in them, but Mrs. Phelps was a master and I think her smothering had to be exaggerated just for some to see what it looks like. "The Silver Cord" was a wonderful movie that totally maximized the simple plot and singular set.
Free on Vimeo.