“Not every father gets a chance to start his son off in his own footsteps.”—Alan Ladd, actor
Many classic films feature wonderful fathers. Many Hollywood actors have had children who followed in their footsteps. However, few films gave a real-life father and son the chance to portray their familial relationship onscreen. One which features this very special element is “The Proud Rebel” (1958).
In the days following the Civil War, Southerner John Chandler (Alan Ladd) arrives in Aberdeen, Illinois. He’s seeking medical attention for his young son, David (David Ladd), who suffers from shock-induced muteness.
Dr. Davis (Cecil Kellaway) recommends a surgeon in Minnesota who might be able to perform a corrective operation on the boy, and John plans to leave at once.
However, when Chandler catches Jeb (Dean Stanton) and Tom Burleigh (Thomas Pittman) trying to steal David’s dog, Lance, he’s forced to fight them. The prejudiced Northern judge (Henry Hull) sentences Chandler to 30 days or $30.
Local farm-owner Linnett Moore (Olivia de Havilland) has taken a liking to David. She offers to pay Chandler’s fine and let him work it off on her farm.
Moore quickly forms a bond with Chandler and David, especially after they keep Harry Burleigh (Dean Jagger) from invading her farmland with his sheep.
Father and Son
“I’d rather be David Ladd’s father than Alan Ladd any day.”—Alan LaddThe heart of this film, without a doubt, is the beautiful bond between father and son. The real love which the two had for each other is apparent in every frame; it deepens an already touching story.
David, although given an “introducing” credit in the opening titles, had already appeared in two of his father’s earlier films: a bit part in “Shane” (1953) and a featured role in “The Big Land” (1957).
However, it was his performance as the little motherless mute which truly brought him to the public attention. This role even garnered him two Golden Globe nominations, for Best Newcomer of 1958 and Best Supporting Actor, and two special awards for Best Juvenile Actor, from the Golden Globes and Photoplay Awards.
Without speaking a word, David conveys all the complex emotions of a child. He clings to joy despite difficult circumstances with just his expressions and some impressive sign language.
Some might find it odd that he makes some vocalizations, but his condition, which seems to be some form of aphasia (loss of the power to use words from brain injury), can take many different forms.
A Gem in the Genre
This movie stands out in the Western genre because of its family-centered storyline. It features some of the expected elements: ranchers versus sheepherders, North versus South, a good fistfight at the beginning and a shootout at the end.“The Proud Rebel” is often compared to Ladd’s earlier, highly acclaimed Western “Shane.” However, these elements are only the background to a story centered on a lonely, proud man and his fierce devotion to his son.
The bond between father and son is a strong and special one, but this film also shows that a woman’s touch is needed, as well. Moore’s influence really makes the difference.
Moore shows David the motherly love he’s been missing and slowly gets Chandler to lower his guard. She helps him realize that David needs love, care, and security even more than his voice.
While classic films commonly featured an older lead actor, age wasn’t usually highlighted. However, Chandler and Moore are both mature characters in their 40s. He’s a widowed father, weathered by war and hard luck, and she’s a tough but lonesome spinster. Their romance is subtle and founded on mutual respect.
So many classic films feature wonderful fathers. Characters such as Judge Hardy from the “Andy Hardy” movie series present the idealized male role model. He’s wise, patient, and always has the right advice for his son. These characters are some of the best in cinema because they represent the backbone of society and either remind us of our own father or show us the father we wish we had.
John Chandler is a more complex character. He isn’t always wise, and he lets his pride cloud his judgement. He becomes so consumed with his obsession to heal his son’s physical ailment that he sometimes forgets to care for his own soul. However, even when he makes mistakes or makes the wrong decisions, his love for his son is so apparent that we can’t help but root for him.
This Father’s Day, why not celebrate the special bond between father and child with Alan and David Ladd in “The Proud Rebel”?
