Mary White

A film well worth watching
I can't think of any reason to take a star away from this film. Perhaps it requires a certain audience but that is easily selected by reading William Allen White's editorial written following his daughter's death. It inspired the movie. The Kansas State Historical Society has posted the editorial on their web site. Just look for Mary White in their index. If you find the editorial appealing, then you will enjoy the film.

Mary White lived from 1904 to 1921. You learn of her untimely death a few minutes into the movie. The story focuses on her vibrant life. Inasmuch as it deals with her death, the film is touching but stays well clear of being a tear-jerker. It's charming as a period piece and accurately portrays the era. It was filmed in the locale of Emporia, Kansas where Mary White lived, enhancing the authenticity. The script is well written. The dialogue rings true; it's often witty and occasionally brilliant. The casting and the acting are superb. You...

awsome and thought provoking
The edition of this film i saw was part of a pack of family films, 8 in all, bought from walmart for 5 dollars. I was pleasantly surprised by the film. I had never heard of the Whites, in spite of the fact I like Teddy Roosevelt. I certainly had never heard of this film. But my eyes were presented with a jewel of unprecedented and inspiring beauty. This is the story of a young Girl and her father who, just by being themselves, set out to change the world. And mybe, just maybe, they did. This is a quality film, they litteraly do not make them like this any more, but maybe they should. It takes the unusual point of view of having W.A. White- the Dad- Talk directly to the camera in a confessional style, sort of reminiscent of reality tv, but better. As if you the viewer are actually in the town as a visitor in his life. this is normally only done in travel logs, not biogrophys. So he is not just a voiceover, he is telling you the story straight up.
And the camera does not flinch at...

Wonderful family film
William Allen White was a well-known Kansas editor and author in the early years of the 20th century. His daughter, Mary, was killed in a horse-riding accident in 1921, shortly before her 17th birthday. Most of White's writings have faded into obscurity, but his editorial about Mary lives on. Mary never hesitated to speak up against social and racial injustice. She wanted to be known as a person in her own right, not as the daughter of a famous man.

The movie depicts the last year of Mary's life. Certain facts were changed -- Mary was a high school junior at the time of her death, not a senior -- but her essential story remains the same. She reached out to those less fortunate, often ignoring the social rules of her time. Her impulsiveness caused trouble at school and home, but her father stood behind her. Mary's mother felt it was time for her to grow up, and they frequently clashed. But the overall picture is of a nurturing, loving family.

The movie...

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