Ah, Wilderness! (1935)

On the cusp of the 20th century, in the sun-dappled heart of New England, the Miller family paints a picture of serene Americana. Nat Miller, the level-headed proprietor of the local newspaper, his fretful yet nurturing wife Essie, and their four children, from Yale-bound Arthur and Richard to the spirited youngsters Tommy and Mildred, live a life that seems untouched by tumult. However, beneath this idyllic surface, a few ripples threaten to disrupt their peace. The first tremor arises from Essie's brother, Sid, a dreamer battling chronic alcoholism. Sid's struggle with the bottle is a barrier to his union with Nat's sister, Lily, who shares the same roof and whose love for him is conditional on his sobriety. Tired of relying on the familial safety net, Sid accepts a job in Waterbury, hoping to prove he can stand on his own two feet and win Lily's hand. Parallelly, their high school valedictorian Richard, armed with youthful idealism and anarchy-inspired beliefs, envisions himself as a catalyst for social change. Richard's radical views, however, are a thorn in the side of their conservative neighbor, Mr. McComber, whose daughter Muriel is the object of Richard's affection. Mr. McComber perceives Richard as a corrupting influence and goes to great lengths to protect Muriel from his progressive ideologies. As the town readies itself for the annual Fourth of July celebrations, the sparks of change ignite personal epiphanies. Richard, heartbroken over Muriel's rejection, seeks solace in the smoky embrace of a local bar, where he consorts with the beguiling Belle. Meanwhile, the holiday festivities become a turning point for Sid's battle with alcohol and his future with Lily. When the smoke from the fireworks clears, Richard must confront the consequences of his actions, including his father's disappointment and uncertainty about his relationship with Muriel. At the same time, Sid's fate hangs in the balance, as he teeters on the precipice of a new life with Lily. "Ah, Wilderness!" is a poignant journey into the heart of a family and a town, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America. This tale of love, hope, and redemption explores the complexities of growing up and the enduring struggle to reconcile personal dreams with societal expectations.

Ah, Wilderness! is a comedy movie featuring Wallace Beery.

It is possible to buy Ah, Wilderness! on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.