The Farmer’s Daughter Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A farm girl tries to become a nurse but gets robbed, becomes a maid for a congressman, talks back a lot, and somehow ends up running for Congress herself because apparently, that’s a logical career path.

🍿 The Farmer’s Daughter: Detailed Plot Synopsis

From Farm to City

Katrin ‘Katie’ Holstrom, a bright and capable Swedish-American young woman from a Minnesota farm, dreams of becoming a nurse. She leaves her family home for the big city with her savings intended for tuition. However, she is quickly swindled out of her money by a seemingly helpful acquaintance, leaving her stranded and penniless.

Finding Her Place in a Political Household

Needing work, Katie takes a job as a domestic servant in the household of Congressman Glenn Morley. The home is presided over by his formidable and politically astute mother, Mrs. Morley, and the loyal butler, Joseph Clancy. Katie’s intelligence, strong work ethic, and refreshing honesty quickly impress the household staff and the Morleys themselves.

Awakening Political Awareness

Living among politicians exposes Katie to the inner workings of the political world. She demonstrates a keen understanding of issues and isn’t afraid to voice her opinions, often challenging conventional political thinking. Meanwhile, a mutual attraction begins to grow between Katie and Congressman Morley, though their feelings remain largely unspoken amidst the household dynamic and Glenn’s existing fiancée.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Katrin Holstrom (Loretta Young): A Swedish-American farmer’s daughter who unexpectedly becomes a maid for a congressman and is thrust into politics.
• Glenn Morley (Joseph Cotten): A United States Congressman who hires Katrin as a maid and becomes romantically involved with her.
• Mrs. Morley (Ethel Barrymore): Glenn’s politically influential mother and the matriarch of the household where Katrin works.
• Joseph Clancy (Charles Bickford): The wise and loyal butler of the Morley family who serves as a confidant and mentor to Katrin.
• A. J. Finley (Art Baker): The political candidate favored by the Morley party machine who becomes Katrin’s opponent.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joseph Clancy: “Fish for sale!” – Yelled spontaneously by the cynical butler at a large political rally to demonstrate how the crowd will cheer for anything.
• Joseph Clancy: “These days they yell for anything.” – Said to Katrin at a political convention to explain the crowd’s uncritical enthusiasm.
• Katrin Holstrom: “Well, at home I do everything. Make six beds every morning… plow with horse and tractor. I hoe potatoes…” – Part of Katrin’s extensive list of skills and chores she performs on the farm, impressing the Morley family.
• Mrs. Morley: “White?” – Asked pointedly when a political operative describes the ideal candidate as ‘100% American’.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 The Farmer’s Daughter Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, full disclosure, I went into this expecting a sweet, maybe a little silly, old movie. And it is sweet! But wow, it’s also surprisingly sharp and funny, especially about politics. Loretta Young is just radiant, you totally get why everyone in the house is charmed by her. Her accent is a bit… inconsistent maybe? But her energy and sincerity totally win you over. I particularly loved the scenes with Charles Bickford as the butler Clancy. He’s so gruff but has a heart of gold, and his banter with Ethel Barrymore’s character is hilarious. The famous ‘Fish for Sale!’ scene is genuinely funny and nails how political rallies can feel. It makes you think, which I wasn’t expecting from a movie called ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’. Joseph Cotten is charming, if a bit overshadowed by Young and Barrymore. Their romance develops nicely. Overall, I was really impressed by how relevant the political themes still feel today. It’s a genuinely great watch and more than just a fluffy romance.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood films”
  • “Viewers interested in political satires or dramas”
  • “Audiences who enjoy romantic comedies with strong female leads”
  • “Those interested in films about immigrant experiences or social mobility”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Thematic elements of political corruption and bigotry (historically contextualized)”
  • “Depictions of social dynamics between employers and domestic staff”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb User (Adapted): “This film is a delightful blend of romantic comedy and wry political commentary that still feels relevant. Loretta Young shines with her charming portrayal and impressive accent work. Supported by a superb cast including Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore, and the standout Charles Bickford, the performances elevate the smart script. It’s a well-paced, beautifully shot classic that offers sharp observations on democracy and human nature. A genuine winner that’s worth revisiting.
• IMDb User (Adapted): “More than just a simple comedy, this movie packs a subtle punch as a political and even feminist commentary, especially considering its 1947 release. The issues raised, like a living wage and speaking truth to power, were edgy for the time. While Loretta Young’s Oscar win sparked debate, her performance is undeniably captivating. The film masterfully balances humor with sharp critique, making it an engaging watch that feels surprisingly modern in its themes.
• IMDb User (Adapted): “Loretta Young delivers a charming, Oscar-winning performance as the Swedish farmer’s daughter who shakes up the political elite. Joseph Cotten is excellent as the congressman drawn to her honesty and wit, and Ethel Barrymore is magnificent as the matriarch pulling the strings. Charles Bickford provides standout support as the wise butler. The film balances its political satire with a sweet romance, creating a feel-good classic that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the sharp political satire and surprising relevance to modern politics.: Many agree that Loretta Young’s performance is charming and Oscar-worthy, despite debates. The supporting cast, particularly Ethel Barrymore and Charles Bickford, receive widespread praise for their performances and comedic timing. The film’s blend of humor, romance, and political commentary is frequently highlighted as a strength.

Overall Consensus: A charming and surprisingly relevant classic comedy-drama praised for its strong cast, witty script, and insightful (though sometimes debated) take on American politics.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1948

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Loretta Young’s Best Actress Oscar win for this film was considered a major upset, particularly over Rosalind Russell in ‘Mourning Becomes Electra’.”
• “Loretta Young worked extensively with a dialogue coach to perfect her Swedish accent for the role.”
• “The film is based on the 1937 Finnish play ‘Juurakon Hulda’ by Hella Wuolijoki.”
• “A young James Arness, credited as James Aurness, appears in one of his earliest film roles as one of Katrin’s brothers.”
• “Ingrid Bergman, a Swedish actress, was initially considered for the lead role of Katrin Holstrom.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Farmer’s Daughter?

To watch ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’ (1947), check major digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. This classic film may also air periodically on classic movie television channels like TCM (Turner Classic Movies).

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Farmer’s Daughter, you might like these similar films:

• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): Shares the theme of an idealistic outsider challenging political corruption and the establishment in Washington D.C.
• Born Yesterday (1950): Features a seemingly naive woman who gains political awareness and challenges the corrupt political machine she becomes involved with.
• The Bishop’s Wife (1947): Another charming, feel-good film from the same year featuring Loretta Young in a central role, showcasing her warmth and appeal.
• The American President (1995): A modern political romantic comedy centered on a charming public figure and their unconventional love interest, dealing with integrity and public image.
• Woman of the Year (1942): Features a strong, independent female lead navigating her professional life (journalism/politics) and a romance, with witty dialogue typical of the era.

🛒 The Farmer’s Daughter Related Products

• The Farmer’s Daughter (Warner Archive Collection): Own this beloved classic! The Warner Archive Collection provides high-quality releases of vintage films, often restored and remastered for optimal viewing.
• Vintage The Farmer’s Daughter Movie Poster Print: High-quality reproduction print of the original theatrical poster, featuring classic artwork and cast. Perfect for framing.
• Books on the Golden Age of Hollywood: Explore the history, stars, and studios that made classic films like ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’. Features anecdotes, production details, and cultural context.
• Classic Political Satire Films Collection (Digital or DVD): A collection featuring classic movies that satirize American politics, potentially including titles like ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’, ‘Born Yesterday’, and others.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Farmer’s Daughter features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Row, Row, Row” – performed by (uncredited)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rodney Atkins – Farmer’s Daughter (Official)

Ever wonder how the concept of ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’ is portrayed in modern music? This super popular song by Rodney Atkins gives it a fresh spin and has racked up millions of views – definitely worth checking out for a different take on the title!

Merle Haggard – “The Farmer’s Daughter” [Live from Austin, TX]

For a more classic take on ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’, you gotta hear this live performance by the legendary Merle Haggard. It’s a fantastic song that captures a different feeling compared to the film, and honestly, Merle sounds incredible here!

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