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Friendly Persuasion Overview:

Friendly Persuasion (1956) was a Drama - War Film directed by William Wyler and produced by William Wyler, Walter Mirisch, Robert Wyler and Harry F. Hogan.

SYNOPSIS

The tranquil existence of a family of Quakers living in Indiana during the time of the Civil War is shattered when one of the sons decides to enlist in the army. His decision raises difficult questions about courage and faith, and the evil of violence. While the patriarch of the clan competes with a friend to be the first to church on Sundays, his son is torn between his faith in nonviolence and his desire to prove his bravery in battle. Written without credit by blacklisted writer Michael Wilson.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Academy Awards 1956 --- Ceremony Number 29 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Supporting ActorAnthony PerkinsNominated
Best DirectorWilliam WylerNominated
Best Music - SongMusic by Dimitri Tiomkin; Lyrics by Paul Francis WebsterNominated
Best PictureWilliam Wyler, ProducerNominated
Best WritingMichael WilsonNominated
See More Oscar Winners

Friendly Persuasion BlogHub Articles:

Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire charm us with their “Friendly Persuasion”

By Stephen Reginald on Dec 9, 2021 From Classic Movie Man

Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire charm us with their “Friendly Persuasion” Friendly Persuasion (1956) is an American drama directed by William Wyler and starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire. Others in the cast include Anthony Perkins (in his second film) and Marjorie Main. The sc... Read full article

Friendly Persuasion (1956): Gary Cooper’s Quaker Clan

By 4 Star Film Fan on Jan 6, 2020 From 4 Star Films

The when is 1862. The where is Southern Indiana. We find ourselves in the throes of Quaker country as envisioned by novelist Jessamyn West and brought to the screen by his eminence, William Wyler. What follows is a lovely opening gambit with a goose about as anthropomorphic as they come without comp... Read full article

Friendly Persuasion (1956)

By Beatrice on Apr 18, 2016 From Flickers in Time

Friendly Persuasion Directed by William Wyler Written by Jessamyn West and Michael Wilson (uncredited due to blacklist) 1956/USA Allied Artists Pictures/B-M Productions Repeat viewing/Netflix rental My husband says this film is not realistic.  He may be right but I find it very charming. The stor... Read full article

Friendly Persuasion(1956).

By Dawn on Feb 24, 2011 From Noir and Chick Flicks

Friendly Persuasion(1956). Civil War film . Cast: Gary Cooper, Dorothy McGuire, Anthony Perkins, Richard Eyer, Robert Middleton and Phyllis Love. The screenplay was adapted by Michael Wilson from the 1945 novel The Friendly Persuasion by Jessamyn West and was directed by William Wyler. The story b... Read full article

Friendly Persuasion

By Alyson on Sep 15, 2010 From The Best Picture Project

This is the story of a Quaker family in southern Indiana during the Civil War.  You already want to skip it, don’t you?  Believe me, it’s better than you expect. The family consists of parents Jess (Gary Cooper) and Eliza (Dorothy McGuire), oldest son Josh (Anthony Perkins), teenage daughter M... Read full article

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Friendly Persuasion Quotes:

Jess Birdwell: I'm just his father, Eliza, not his conscience. A man's life ain't worth a hill of beans except he lives up to his own conscience.
Josh Birdwell: I don't want to die. I don't think I could kill anyone if I tried. But I have to try, so long as other people have to.
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Friendly Persuasion Facts
Jean Arthur was considered to play the mother.
The official name of the Quaker religion is Society of Friends. Members of the faith are called Friends and nicknamed Quakers. The book is called "The Friendly Persuasion", meaning the faith. The film is simply called "Friendly Persuasion," which more specifically refers to the Quakers' way of communicating.
Gary Cooper wanted Ingrid Bergman to play Eliza Birdwell, but she turned the part down.
Gary Cooper hated the way he appeared in the film so much that he never even watched it after seeing the rushes.
Originally released without screenwriting credit due to blacklisting of Michael Wilson; credits restored in 1996.
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