Breaking The Ice

Breaking The Ice is a heartwarming and captivating movie that emerged from the Hollywood canon in the golden year of 1938. Directed by Edward F. Cline, it is headlined by the sensational talent of singing child star, Bobby Breen, notable actor Charles Ruggles, and the beautiful Dolores Costello.

The story illuminates the charm of rural life, juxtaposed with the glitz of capitalism. Through its leading character, Tommy Martin, portrayed beautifully by Bobby Breen, the film underscores lessons of honesty, hard work, and the seamless integration of these moral values into the dream of prosperity and economic advancement.

Breen just doesn't bring in his boyish charms in this movie, but also his enthralling singing talent that resonates loudly, weaving an appealing soundtrack into the fabric of the storyline. The songs punctuate the different phases of the story, providing a unique and song-laden perspective towards the unfolding plot.

Charles Ruggles, tall, affable, and comic, is 'Uncle Jonah', an oddball who carries the essence and eccentricities of rural habits while looking for every opportunity to strike it rich. Unfortunately, he’s also often facing money troubles, which inherently shape the course of the movie's plot.

The beautiful Dolores Costello is Aunt Judith, a portrayal that paints the loving figure. She brings in the touch of emotional warmth and nurturing elements to the family structure of the tale. She is seen as the foster mother to Tommy and the guiding light through all their unpredictable adventures and oddball misadventures.

Ruggles and Costello complement each other perfectly even in their contrasts, offering the necessary push and pull to the narrative dynamic, and providing depth to the movie's main storyline. Their performances bring to the fore a diverse mix of familial love, financial struggle, endearing humor, and a pinch of drama, all against the backdrop of rural America.

Set in Pennsylvania, during the harsh winter season, young Tommy finds himself in the middle of an unexpected adventure. His talent for singing not only gets him appreciation from his community but also paves the way to a world beyond his small town, and potentially, an answer to his family's financial troubles. The riveting storyline centers on Mennonite culture, an often less-explored narrative in the cinematic world.

The movie mines its comedy and charm from the essence of this rural community and the simplicity of their lives. A special mention must be made to the cinematography, which has cleverly used the evergreen rural landscape, giving the movie viewers a compelling view into Pennsylvania's beautiful and raw aesthetics.

Subtle humor, laced with good-natured comedy, are peppered throughout the film. These moments are often centered around Uncle Jonah's character, whose optimistic outlook, even in sticky situations, brings lightness and laughter.

The contrasting worlds of Tommy's rural habitat and the sparkling prospects of a singing career in the big city creates an interesting tug of war. It is here that Breaking The Ice shines most brilliantly as it does not shy away from showing the struggle between the sanctity of simplicity and the allure of capitalism.

Breaking The Ice features some captivating performance pieces by Bobby Breen, which stand out as noteworthy musical breaks in the storyline, making the film all the more enjoyable. Bobby's singing becomes an inseparable part of the narrative, enhancing the viewing experience.

Filmmaker Edward F. Cline beautifully ties together these diverse elements with his skilled direction. He ensures that the narrative never loses its focus and the performances of the actors are perfectly in sync with the essence of the movie.

Breaking the Ice is not just a film - it is an experience that transports you into the fold of a simpler life that possesses its unique charm and struggles. The beautiful performances, the engaging storyline and the direction make it a heartwarming watch for the audiences who appreciate classic cinema. It is a sweet, simple, and soulful cinematic portrayal of life, living, and the power of dreams.