Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Cassandra Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

mike-ryan455 The movie has many good points. It is a clean movie you don't have to be ashamed to have the kids see.It has some fun scenes and leaves you feeling good. It's also a good example of movie making style from the time period.Unfortunately, it also has many bad points. It isn't historically accurate. In fact, a lot of the Brigham Young bits really play loose with the truth. There's no documented evidence that Brigham Young had the religious doubts that the movie shows. In fact, all historical evidence is to exactly the opposite.Vincent Price as the Prophet Joseph Smith is a bit over the top.There are far, far worse ways to enjoy a box of popcorn. But don't expect high art.

blanche-2 This is a wonderful movie about the struggle of the Mormons and their final settlement in Salt Lake, Utah. The beginning and the ending are especially powerful, and the message is one we all have to be reminded of - God doesn't talk, but he communicates, if we would only listen. As I am writing this in the midst of the horrors going on in New Orleans and the surrounding area due to Katrina, I was especially moved by the Mormons having to leave everything behind and move on after Joseph Smith was assassinated. People came to this country to escape religious persecution, and yet they could not. The struggle of the Mormons to cross the country, the cost in lives, the hardship they suffered was truly awe-inspiring, demonstrating their tremendous strength. As far as the actual beliefs of Mormons, this is not heavily gone into, and polygamy is mentioned but is not a centerpiece of the film at all.The cast is top-notch, though others who have commented know more about the actual characters and can talk about how true the portrayals were. But as actors, Dean Jagger, Mary Astor, Brian Donlevy, John Carradine, Jane Darwell all do excellently with the script they were given.Though the film could have easily stood on its own (and certainly does today) Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell were added to the cast to get the crowds into the movie theaters to see a film about the Mormons. Power is magnificently handsome as a young Mormon, and Darnell, as Zina, is not a Mormon but stays on with the family after her father is killed. Power does not have much to do until the end of the film, when he has a big scene, and Darnell (still a teenager at the time of the filming) has even less, though they make a lovely couple. Their fate is left unclear regarding her conversion, and one does wonder about the polygamy in their case. You can't beat either one for eye candy, however.

chinojim Henry Hathaway was daring, as well as enthusiastic, for his love of the people of the early days in US history. However, to critique historical inaccuracies of his film about Brigham Young and the Mormon people are not necessary or useful in commenting for this film. In my opinion, Hathaway did superb direction that conveys what a Mormon people were in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during the time period beginning with the martyrdom of Joseph Smith to the date of film release. In often subtle filming and dialog delivery, he covered Mormon philosophies and teachings in many of the segments and scenes.I remember watching this movie on many Saturday mornings during my youth in the early 1950's. That was just over 10 years after the films release and before the Los Angeles Temple was completed, which I watched being constructed and instilled more curious wonder of who Mormons were. I recently purchased this film and will enjoy the following messages that Hathaway interpreted in his film.1. Love for all people, regardless of their personal beliefs, 2. Charity to those in need or not, 3. Family is high in importance, 4. Listen respectfully and carefully, because even opposing messages have important points to consider and adopt, 5. Work hard, both individually and in community, 6. Prepare and store for future days of need, 7. Hope is a binding link to a higher being, and for our daily lives, 8. And, that there is a unique quality to any group, and appreciate those that are identified as beneficial.

georgereaganbush Good flick. I thought the acting was good. Linda Darnell, tyrone power, and all the others were good. The seagull scene was powerful. Compare this film to propaganda like michael moore's evil documentary or garbage like eyes wide shut or so many poor films out there today.I thought this film had adventure, philosophy and drama. Polygamy was addressed in when a person said polygamy would lead to many children and would greatly expand the size of the religion because obviously there would be many more mormons because of polygamy. I do not know if this was the real reason but I think for me it is interesting.Whatever you think about mormons, they are a very respectful and nice group of people. The mormon tabernacle choir is one of the best in the world. Mormons are clearly in the brotherhood of great Christian religions and some mormons will be standing in heaven like other Christians. in conclusion, this film stands as a fine film in many ways. And if America had moral messages and insightful philosophy like this in modern films, the world would be a much better place.