The Jack-Knife Man

Audience Reviews

View All (1) audience reviews

Nick M A riverboating hermit, low on resources but overflowing with kindness, devotes himself to the wellbeing of an orphan who unexpectedly comes into his life on the fateful night of a terrible storm. I believe this is the first film I've watched by the illustrious King Vidor, who pledged from a young age to create films which upheld the precepts and values of Christian Science. The Jack-Knife Man certainly fits this bill, and that isn't to say that I find fault with his aims. It's a quaint, charming picture, but too rough around the edges to make much of an impact. Biographer John Baxter characterizes the general tone of the film as one of relentless realism alleviated by rural humor, which was lifted directly from the source material: a story of the same name by author Ellis Parker Butler. As an aside, the director's treatment of the prevalent theme of man's struggle with nature feels reminiscent of the work of Victor Sjöström, one of Vidor's contemporaries (though separated by an ocean and more.) I found the direction verging on twee, but the actors' performances are universally strong. My personal favorite is the brief appearance of veteran bit part player Claire McDowell, who I've been a fan of since her early Biograph work with D. W. Griffith. Her portrayal of the orphan's sickly mother is fantastic - particularly her characterization when she is first waking up from her fainting spell. It was an enjoyable watch, and I'm looking forward to seeing the director's stronger work in the future. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews

The Jack-Knife Man

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW