I’d Climb the
Highest Mountain
By: Calvin E. Johnson, Jr.,
American-Historical Writer, Author of book “When America Stood for
God, Family and Country” and for over 36 years a member of the
Sons of Confederate Veterans—http://www.scv.org
1064 West Mill Drive
Kennesaw , Georgia 30152
Phone: 770 428 0978
Cleveland , Georgia is the home of the Old Stovall Covered Bridge
that bridges Chickamauga Creek. This 1890s structure appeared in
the movie “I’d Climb the Highest Mountain .”
Have you ever seen the
movie ‘I’d Climb the Highest Mountain?’
This wonderful-classic movie was made during the 1950s, when
families spent quality time at the movies where Coca Cola was a
nickel, hot bettered popcorn a quarter and for a mere quarter you
might see a double-feature film, cartoon and newsreel. Parents did
not worry about the sexual, bad language or graphic scenes of the
early films because most were family friendly.
It was also during June 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea
and soldiers said goodbye to their mother, father, sister, brother
and sweetheart to fight a war many miles away from home.
America saw sad times during the 50s but there was also much
excitement in the North Georgia Mountains . This was the year that
the movie ‘I’d Climb the highest Mountain’ was filmed in Georgia
’s red clay hills. The 1910 novel that became a movie was written
by Georgia ’s own Corra Harris and was entitled ‘A Circuit Rider’s
Wife.’ It told the story of a young Methodist preacher and his
bride as they moved to the Georgia hills to pastor a local church.
Much of the movie was shot around Helen and Cleveland in what is
called the Blue Ridge Mountains .
When Corra Harris died in 1935, Hollywood screenwriter Lamar
Trotti, an Atlanta , Georgia native, wrote the screenplay of her
book. Trotti earned his fame far from Georgia , but had kept his
love of his home and its history. After World War II, Henry King,
a successful director, worked with Trotti to produce the movie for
Twentieth Century-Fox. King had made the religious films ‘David
and Bathsheba’ and ‘Song of Bernadette.’ He was born in
Christiansburg , Virginia .
Susan Hayward played the role of Mary Elizabeth, the preacher’s
wife and narrates the story. Reverend William Thompson is played
by William Lundigan. Both give fine performances about a country
preacher, his wife and the Christian life of a small town in the
rural South. Their faith is tested by a deadly flu epidemic, a
child drowning at the church picnic and the miscarriage of their
child. The faithful strength of this couple brings the people
closer to one another. Mary even talks a tight fisted old man out
of money and buys Christmas presents for the poor children.
The supporting cast includes: Rory Calhoun and Gene Lockhart,
father of actress June Lockhart. Alexander Knox, of the movie ‘
Wilson ’, played a non-believer who was touched in the end by the
goodness of the preacher and his wife. Even though Knox lost a
child, he now sees his children just as happy as other children
and tells Reverend Thompson that he and his family would look into
the future with an open mind.
There is an emotional scene where Minister Thompson asks all
married couples to hold hands and repeat their marriage vows. This
is a scene worth repeating—many times! The movies climax is
classic Hollywood . Thompson, as a circuit-riding minister is
transferred to another church. He and Mary bid their congregation
farewell. Susan Hayward became very fond of the mountain people,
many of whom played extras.
An early 1900s automobile was needed for the movie. The producers
found Otis Mason in South Carolina with a 1912 vintage Overland in
running condition. However, he was the only one who knew how to
drive it. Mr. Mason appears in the movie as the driver and just
had one line ‘Yes Ma’am.’ What would you give for just one line in
a movie? Especially a line that husbands use all the time!
The movie ends with the ‘Lords Prayer’ sung slowly and reverently.
The original music by Sol Kaplan and music direction by Lionel
Newman is wonderful. This beautiful Technicolor classic is about
the dirt roads, farmlands, old buildings and Georgia Mountain
folks. Edward Cronjager received praise for the films Technicolor
cinematography.
‘I’d Climb the Highest Mountain ’ was filmed during the golden era
of Hollywood . It premiered on February 17, 1951, at Atlanta
Georgia ’s Paramount Theater. Susan Hayward was honored by the
Georgia State Senate with a resolution declaring her an ‘adopted
daughter of Georgia .’ Hayward , born in New York , married a
Georgian and they made Carrollton , Georgia their home.
February 2011 will mark the 60th anniversary of the release of
this grand movie. It should be re-released on DVD for all to enjoy
because……
they don’t make
movies like that anymore.
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