A recently published author remembers with fondness her upbringing in early 20th century San Francisco, and especially her magnanimous mother and the assembly of her immigrant Swedish family. "I Remember Mama" is a loving family tale from master director George Stevens who recounts the era of his childhood with insight, warmness, directorial tact, and humor. From the Kathryn Forbes novel Mama's Bank Account, the film is a series of vignettes centered on the wonderful portrayal by Irene Dunne and a series of supporting performances, most notably from Oskar Homolka playing the bullying and boisterous Uncle Chris. Though certainly there are several excellent modern family films, the sheer mention of the genre is often met with eye rolling and shudders. A picture like "I Remember Mama" is a reminder that family oriented movies can be earnest and funny, and if not exacting to our own childhoods, then at least capturing the essence of our own upbringing.
