It's interesting reading the reviews here. I don't quite agree with them because I think the film misses the mark by a bit. To me there are two problems here. First off, I just don't quite buy Van Johnson in this role. It would have been great for Jimmy Stewart, but then again, Jimmy occasionally did Westerns and such. But seeing Van Johnson in the one big fist fight here...well, it just didn't sync with me. And, at times, the film tried to be just a little folksy. To some degree that was called for, but I would have eliminated 90% of Van Johnson's singing because not only was it out of place (at least to the extent it was included), but he also didn't have that good a voice.SPOILER ALERT! However, those two issues aside, the plot was a good one. A stranger (Van Johnson) shows up at a homestead right after the Civil War. The homestead is owned by supporters of the Confederacy, headed by veteran character actor Thomas Mitchell. And there's his wife (Selena Royle), lovely daughter (Janet Leigh in her first film role), and young son (Dean Stockwell). The stranger doesn't let his sympathies with the North be known, but he begins working at the homestead of his own volition. To be honest, it was pretty clear right from the very start that this stranger knew the homesteader's son who died in the war, and that he would eventually wed the daughter. But, there's a lot of interesting story in between your realization that's what will happen and when it does actually happen. The Civil War may be over, but the animosity between Northern and Southern sympathizers in Missouri isn't, and that fuels terrorism and mistrust in the settlement.Van Johnson is "satisfactory " here. He doesn't ruin the film by any means, but it's too far outside his typical casting for me to feel comfortable about him here. Thomas Mitchell is mostly pretty good here, although there were occasional scenes where I felt he sort of flubbed it. He seemed to old for the part, although he was actually only 55...just right for the role. He certainly needed his eyebrows trimmed!!!!! I actually found that quite distracting. Janet Leigh, not one of my favorites, was actually very good here in her first film role. We don't see Marshall Thompson as the son until a major flashback toward the end of the film; I usually liked him in his younger years. THe best acting here is actually done by Selena Royle, who plays the mother. Royle was once a real-life love interest of Spencer Tracy. She really very strong here. The young son is played by Dean Stockwell, who was one of the great child actors of the era, although he doesn't have a lot to do here, other than being present. There are a number of other famed character actors here that you'll recognize, including Guy Kibbee.The worst part of the film was the fist fight, which was waaaaaaaaaaaaay over-choreographed. Nevertheless, I'm glad I watched this film...once...but I don't think I'd want to see it again. It does show a side of the post-Civil War era that is not often covered in film.Recommended with reservations.

This is a Very good movie. Yes, it's formulaic but with surprises and treats to hold your interest. I laughed out loud several times and got misty eyed a couple of others. The Romance of Rosy Ridge is set in southern Missouri, one of the most evenly divided parts of the country, in the summer after the War Between the States, In this town, 23 families were on each side. The depiction of life in that era, with colloquialisms and period references is fun to observe. The battle of Pea Ridge is mentioned, although southerners call it Elkhorn Tavern. They talk of moving to "the territories", evidently Kansas and Nebraska. Home life, transportation, and farm tools are demonstrated in passing. Van Johnson's character arrives and sets about healing the violent and very partisan rift between the Yanks and Rebs. His breeziness is refreshing, yet he has quite serious moments, also sings. Janet Leigh in her screen debut is stunning; even her mother remarks, "that's a lot of woman trying to fit into that dress." Thomas Mitchell is accurate as a staunch Reb and an old-school head of household. He was Scarlett's father in Gone With the Wind. Also in the cast is Jim Davis, the one and only Jock Ewing. Several other recognizable actors perform well. One hilarious scene has Elisabeth Risdon wearing out her storekeeper husband, Guy Kibbee, about his idea of a dance to bring the townspeople together. She finally says, "this will be a terrible night and you'll be remembering it for the rest of your life." In true Fred Mertz style, he replies, "at least for the rest of Your life."

I first saw this movie as part of a double bill about 1950. I loved it. The action takes place in the defeated state of Arkansas. Van Johnson is a soldier returning home after the war. He brings news of the death of a young soldier to a family awaiting the return of a son and brother. Darkness is falling as Johnson approaches the home and a bit of humor is evident as the father tries to determine the color of his trousers. Blue, of course, would indicate a Damn Yankee while grey would denote a true-blue son of the South. But the trousers are so old and faded one could not be sure as to what the original color had been. Night-riders are roaming the countryside burning barns and homes and murdering anyone in their way. Johnson stays and eventually falls in love and helps fight the night-riders. Johnson finally tells the family the story of his friend, how they met, and how he died.I understand that no complete copy of this film exists at this time. I for one, would gladly pay top dollar for a decent version on DVD. jkisaacs

I had Turner Classic Movies on. Thought I had seen so many of the old movies, since I was born in 1941! Had not seen this one before, partly about post civil war carpet baggers. Nice story using some of the old fashioned songs and terms from the hills.Has some commentary about the losses and evils of the Civil War. A very American movie about basic values that could speak to any culture where the people farm and live simple lives full of struggle and hardship, as well as kindness and support. I did enjoy it, even though I am mostly a special effects fan. Last movie I loved was War of the Worlds. Typical ending for the times, very upbeat. An interesting look at a much smaller part of the American past than is seen in Gone With the Wind. Janet Leigh was very young in her part!