Product Details

• Actors: Edward G. Robinson, Margaret O'Brien, James Craig, Frances Gifford, Agnes Moorehead
• Format: Black & White, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Warner)
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Run Time: 105 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302717744
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #154,267 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Neglected Classic That Teaches Lessons In Life, May 23, 2002

By 

Gary F. Taylor "GFT" (Biloxi, MS USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Our Vines Have Tender Grapes [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This simple story offers sentiment without saccharine in its story of a farming family in a small community. Episodic in nature, the film follows the adventures of daughter Selma (Margaret O'Brien) and her friend Arnold (Jackie "Butch" Jenkins) as they, like the crops under her parents' care, grow into caring, loving individuals.

The cast is the great thing here. O'Brien was a gifted little actress, charming in her prissiness, and Jenkins equals her as her slightly pouty friend. Both offer memorable performances--but the truly remarkable performances here, the ones for which the film should be prized, come from Edward G. Robinson and Agnes Moorehead, who are cast against type in the roles of Selma's parents. Robinson, of course, is best remembered for his tough-guy roles, full of energetic bluster; Moorehead is most often recalled as one of the most memorable shrews in Hollywood history. But both show the range of their talents in this film, playing quietly, simply, and very movingly--and one regrets that both (particularly Moorehead) were not given more opportunity to play such in-depth roles more often.

Ultimately, VINES is about how parents teach their children and shape their lives--and about how children, for good or ill, learn lessons in life from their parents. Simply filmed, beautifully performed, and memorable from start to finish, it is a film that deserves wider recognition than it normally receives. An excellent family film that both parents and children will enjoy.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cute, wholesome, and special., January 26, 2006

By 

J. Norberg (Grand Forks, ND) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Our Vines Have Tender Grapes [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I watched this for the first time just a few days ago. It affected me so much that I watched it again the next day with someone else. I don't know when I have watched a movie that I enjoyed so much--it certainly has been a while.

While today's movies focus on action, violence, and sex, this movie focuses on real life situations and how they affect a small town Midwest family. Edward G. Robinson plays a role that you've never seen him play before--a loving hard-working father. Margaret O'Brien steals the show, however. Simply put, she is the cutest and sweetest character I have ever seen in film. There are a few times when Selma (her character) has a moment of selfishness, but she quickly realizes her error and repents. Meanwhile, she makes sweet and innocent remarks throughout the film, and her unselfish action at the end almost makes you cry.

Overall, there are several lovable characters in this film. As the teacher states at the end, you "fall in love with the whole town."

Warning--if you do not like sentimental, heartwarming, and wholesome films you will not like this!

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming story of father/daughter relationship, March 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Vines Have Tender Grapes [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I'm surprised that more people have not seen this movie. I saw it on one of the classic movie channels and loved it. Edward G. Robinson steps out of his usual gangster role and is totally convincing as a kind, tolerant, hardworking farmer trying to eke out a living and raise his daughter the best way he knows how. Margaret O'Brien is the daughter, and of course does an excellent job as the sweetest kid I've ever seen and she's believable! Agnes Morehead plays the mother--I was impressed with her as well, she always has played harsh,bitter women from what I've noticed and her portrayal in this movie is a total reversal. Some of the other actors may seem corny and maybe the story isn't as exciting as other movies but I'd recommend this one if you're into sentimental, happy-ending movies!