When I was a little girl I remember how much of an impact my Mom had on my life and my choices. She was a powerhouse of a woman who had an opinion about everything and everyone. She had a way of looking right through you or so I thought. If she made a promise, she kept it. If she said she would attend an event, she was there. If she liked the way you dressed or combed your hair, she would say so. And if she thought you were making a mistake or getting off course, she would always let you know in no uncertain terms. My Mom was eager to learn and grow, but she had a hard time letting go of old traditions. She was your fiercest advocate, and always had your back. If it was in her capacity that you needed anything, she would find a way to make it happen. She felt joy when she knew you did your best. She wanted the world for you, yet this was often a double-edged sword. Every teenager longs for their independence, all while knowing Mom was close by too. My Mom was not a quiet person. In order to be heard, I learned at an early age to speak up and it has served me well to say how I feel.
I have often thought of writing a novel about my Mom. I have had a “hospital” story to share just like Katrina (Barbara Bel Geddes) did. Coincidentally I also have my Mom’s treasured broach and her Mother’s hair combs. I have watched this seventy-year-old film more times than I can say. It encapsulates many of the strong feelings I had growing up with a formidable woman like my Mom, because “as long as I can remember, first and foremost…I REMEMBER MAMA.”
The film was based on Kathryn Forbes’s novel, MAMA’S BANK ACCOUNT, and John Van Druten’s Broadway play entitled I REMEMBER MAMA. As a theatre teacher, I encouraged many students over the years to use monologues from this story since they were age-appropriate. It always stirred my soul as treasured lines were delivered aloud. The movie received five Oscar nominations but did not bring home gold. It was an expensive film to complete costing three million dollars which was not cheap in those days. This made it hard for the studio to make a profit, but it has endured, nevertheless.
I REMEMBER MAMA speaks to my heart. It rings true as to how Norwegian families persevered in San Francisco during the first decade of the 1900s. The Hansons were poor, hard-working immigrants who counted every penny earned and never had to turn to the bank for help. “Yah, it’s good. We don’t have to go to the bank” was their mantra. There were four children, a Papa, a Mama, along with three aunts and an uncle. They were proud of their roots, their new community, and their country. I have often thought this was the way America grew to be so strong. It was definitely on the backs of those who did what had to be done every day to create a better life for their future. It will make viewers feel pride watching the respect and love given so freely.
Irene Dunn played the role of Mama. She was not the director’s first choice, but she soon changed his mind. Irene studied with a dialect coach for two months prior to filming, and often only spoke with a Norwegian accent in her own home so she would sound natural. She also padded her body for extra weight and wore no make-up. The result was authentic and rich with ordinary nuances. Her presence, her loving, knowing stares, and her expressive silent beats were exquisite. She was a masterful actress who knew the potential of the written word. She carried the film and it was impressive.
I REMEMBER MAMA is a cherished classic created from a time that no longer exists. It chronicles the plight of the poor and how, if given the opportunity, can achieve greatness. It is a simple story emulating a family’s love for each other and their desire to do better. I have always felt entwined and connected by the movie and the play. I realize some might say it is “dated” and not current. Oh, I would so disagree. I hear whispers from my immigrant ancestors who quietly say never forget…I REMEMBER MAMA. It is available to stream on TCM and Hulu.
