Spencer's Mountain

Henry Fonda stars as Clay Spencer in this 1963 adaptation of Earl Hamner Jr.'s autobiographical 1961 novel, which later became the basis for the popular TV series The Waltons. The movie relocates the story from Virginia to rural Wyoming, where Clay and his eight brothers work in the quarries, and Clay spends his weekends building a dream house in the mountains for his wife (Maureen O'Hara) and their nine children. James MacArthur costars as their eldest son Clayboy, a gifted student encouraged by his teacher to apply for a scholarship and go to college. Fonda's Clay is an earthier figure than the father in The Waltons—he mildly cusses, drinks, and refuses to attend church—but he is also generous of spirit, giving his time and labor to neighbors with no thought of payment, and he is devoted to his family. Directed by Delmer Daves, Spencer's Mountain offers a somewhat sentimentalized portrait of rural poverty, but it also emphasizes the strength of family and the importance of community. Donald Crisp costars as Grandpa Spencer, Wally Cox has a comic entrance as the town's new pastor, and Mimsy Farmer is the quarry owner's seductive but supportive daughter who woos Clayboy. The Grand Tetons offer a visually magnificent backdrop for the drama. Bowing on Blu-ray, extras include a vintage behind-the-scenes featurette and archival interviews with Fonda. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)