JohnHowardReid Review of Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!

Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948)

You've got to be fast to catch Marilyn!

[8/10 · 18 March 2017]

This was Marilyn Monroe's debut film, but you've got to be fast to catch her coming down the church steps. A scene of Marilyn with Colleen Townsend in a canoe, featured in many books, is not in the movie. So that's disappointing, but the film is an entertaining rural piece nonetheless. It features some fine acting, particularly from Anne Revere in a rare, unsympathetic role. Tom Tully also has a meaty role, and young Natalie Wood is very convincing. In fact, under the expert direction of screenwriter, F. Hugh "The Moon I Blue" Herbert (of all people!), just about the whole cast come up with great performances. Karnes is an exception, but he's still okay as the villain. And I thought Hull was more effective in his early scenes than in those later on. Tom Tully, Natalie Wood, June Haver, Walter Brennan and Lon McAllister are all excellent. And there's some great Technicolor photography.