Watch Daughters Courageous

Daughters Courageous is a 1939 drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, starring John Garfield, Claude Rains, and Jeffrey Lynn, along with four remarkable actresses who play the daughters: Judith Anderson, Barbara Pepper, Fay Bainter, and Janie Darwell. The film follows the story of the Norton family, who own and operate a successful shipyard in New York City during the Depression-era. The father, Jack Norton (Claude Rains), has four daughters: Mickey (Janie Darwell), Florrie (Fay Bainter), Rosalie (Judith Anderson), and Nan (Barbara Pepper). All of them are grown-ups now and are trying to find their way in the world. However, the girls each have different personalities and aspirations, which causes some conflicts within the family. Mickey, the eldest, is the glue that holds the family together. She's kind-hearted and mature, always looking out for her sisters. Florrie is the motherly figure, nurturing and protective of her siblings. Rosalie is the independent one, a feminist, and wants to make her own way in the world, refusing to be held down by societal norms. Nan, meanwhile, is the youngest and the rebellious one of the group. She has dreams of becoming a performer on Broadway, much to her father's disapproval. The family's world turns upside down when Jack falls ill, leaving the burden of taking care of the shipyard on their shoulders. The daughters must step up and problem-solve, taking on responsibilities that they never imagined themselves doing before. Meanwhile, Jack's right-hand man, Gabriel Lopez (John Garfield), complicates things as he falls in love with Rosalie despite the fact that she is already engaged to be married. The film explores themes of family loyalty, social norms, and the role of women in society. It touches on the hardship of the Great Depression and how it affects the lives of everyday people, particularly women who often had to make sacrifices for the benefit of the family. Daughters Courageous was praised for its strong performances, particularly from the four female leads. Fay Bainter and Janie Darwell were both nominated for Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress. The film was also noted for its score, which included the hit song "Oh, Give Me Time for Tenderness." Overall, Daughters Courageous is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that manages to highlight the struggles and triumphs of a family while also exploring complex societal issues. It's a reminder of the important role that women have played throughout history and how their strength should never be underestimated.