The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)

In the heartland of America, the affluent Amberson family command respect and admiration since 1873. Their opulent mansion, ensconced in the heart of the town, is a beacon of their grandeur and prominence. The townsfolk, enchanted by their wealth and status, harbor dreams of becoming Ambersons, and when this proves elusive, they resort to weaving tales about them, particularly the stunning Isabel Amberson. Isabel's love story with Eugene Morgan, a fervent suitor, is at the heart of these tales. However, a misstep by Eugene leads Isabel to wed the pragmatic businessman Wilbur Minafer, devoid of passion but dutifully loyal. Isabel's love, left unrequited by Wilbur, is redirected towards their only child, George Minafer, who grows up pampered and privileged under her doting affection. The Minafer family inhabits the Amberson mansion, their lives intertwined with the remaining Ambersons and Wilbur's modest spinster sister, Fanny. George, now an adult, returns from college just as Eugene reappears in town, two decades after Isabel's marriage. Eugene, now a widower and a successful inventor, has created a revolutionary horseless carriage - an automobile that he predicts will reshape the world as they know it. Eugene's adult daughter, Lucy, captivates the young men of the town, including George, who falls for her instantaneously. However, he harbors a deep resentment for Eugene, born from the latter's attention towards his mother. Unaware of Eugene and Isabel's past, George's hostility towards Eugene is palpable, even as Fanny secretly pines for Eugene's affections. George, envisioning a life of leisure supported by the Amberson fortune, plans to marry Lucy without seeking employment. His life, however, is dramatically altered by the societal upheaval caused by Eugene's invention, challenging his belief that nothing will change. Meanwhile, Eugene attempts to rekindle his romance with Isabel, an endeavor threatened by George and Fanny's meddling. As a series of misfortunes strike the Ambersons and George, the young heir confronts a harsh reality, leading to a poignant reckoning.

The Magnificent Ambersons is a drama movie featuring Joseph Cotten.

The Magnificent Ambersons is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on TCM.

It is also possible to buy The Magnificent Ambersons on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.