Ah, Wilderness, Eugene O’Neill’s only comedy, a classic coming of age tale, deals with the fantasy of the boyhood he had never had, focusing on one crucial summer.
Eric Linden plays Richard Miller, a young, sincere, but also naive youngster, who’s left to his on devices. His mother is busy with domestic issues, his mischievous brother and unruly sister vex him, his father avoids instructing him in how to become a mature man. It’s his eccentric uncle, who teaches him about real life.
A slice of nostalgic Americana, the film is filled with funny and tender scenes as young Richard strives to understand himself and his family.
Mickey Rooney, who here plays the youngest brother, played the lead role 13 years later in the musical remake, “Summer Holiday.”
Cast
Wallace Beery as Sidney Miller
Lionel Barrymore as Nat Mille
Aline MacMahon as Lily Davis
Eric Linden as Richard ‘Dick’ Miller
Cecilia Parker as Muriel McCombe
Spring Byington as Essie Mille
Mickey Rooney as Tommy Mille
Charles Grapewin as Mr. Dave McCombe
Frank Al bertsonas Arthur Mille
Edward J. Nugent as Wint Selb
Bonita Granville as Mildred Mille
Helen Flint as Bell
Helen Freeman as Miss Hawley