Movies Of The Spirit - Page 17 of 20 -

A QUIET PASSION

Poet Emily Dickinson (Cynthia Nixon) kisses the forehead of her beloved father, Edward (Keith Carradine).

A QUIET PASSION

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

Poet Emily Dickinson (Cynthia Nixon), thanks to her forward thinking father, Edward Dickinson (Keith Carradine) was spared the fate of most Victorian women. Too bad the film, “A Quiet Passion,” does not see it that way.

Not only Emily, but her sister, Vinnie (Jennifer Ehle), chose not to marry, even though both women were attractive and of good family.

In the Victorian era, women had no rights. They became the property of their husbands and were expected to clean and bear children.

They did not get educations. They did not vote. They could not have property. And, they could not have money. A shortened term for Victorian is victim.

Emily, on the other hand, had a father, who was an attorney, a congressman, who served on the board of a college, and who made sure that all his children were educated.

Yes, Emily became a recluse, because that was easier than having to explain why she was not married, during an era that saw it as being something shameful.

Also, the American Civil War occurred in 1861, when Emily was just 30 years old. Most of the eligible men died during that time period.

Emily received pleasure through writing poetry.

And, the household did not have all the servants that the film implies. Both, Emily and her sister took care of the housework and cooking, because her mother (Joanna Bacon as Emily Norcross Dickinson), was not able, because of depression and a stroke.

When Emily’s father died, her brother, Austin (Duncan Duff), who also became an attorney and, who also served on the College Board, took care of his female family members.

Austin’s wife, Susan Gilbert Dickinson (Jodhi May), was one of Emily’s old school friends. Emily considered Susan a confidant, but after Emily’s death, Susan was not interested in seeing that her poetry was published.

Susan gave Austin three children, two boys and a girl. Both of the boys died before their time.

Emily became very attached to her brother’s children, particularly the youngest nephew, Thomas Gilbert (Gib) Dickinson (1875-1883). It is thought that Emily’s health took a sharp decline after his death. Emily died in 1986.

After Emily’s death, it was Austin’s mistress, Mabel Loomis Todd (Noemie Schellens), who took an interest in getting Emily’s poems published. Sister Vinnie approached her after Susan, Austin’s wife, seemed uninterested.

Mabel did sing and she was only about 25 years old, when she met Austin, who was much older than she was.

Mabel’s husband was a much older professor and astronomer at the college, where Austin served on the board. Mabel’s husband, David Peck Todd, did not seem to mind the affair. He and Mabel had a daughter together.

Long story short, Emily only got about twelve of her poems published during her lifetime, then all 1800 or so poems were published after her death, and have remained in print ever since.

“A Quiet Passion” does not get all the facts straight, but it is worth seeing. Emily Dickinson is forever an American treasure as a writer.

(L. to r.) Emily (Cynthia Nixon) and Vinnie Dickinson (Jennifer Ehle).

Emily Dickinson, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Dickinson

Women in the Victorian era

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_the_Victorian_era

Famous Female Writers of Victorian Era. Their Names, Works, Information

http://www.victorian-era.org/famous-female-writers-of-victorian-era.html

Bio of Austin Dickinson, Emily’s brother

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Austin_Dickinson

Lavinia “Vinnie” Dickinson, Emily’s sister

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavinia_Norcross_Dickinson

Bio of Mabel Loomis Todd:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_Loomis_Todd

http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/mabel-loomis-todd-adulteress-made-emily-dickinson-famous/

Bio of Mabel’s husband, David Peck Todd:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Peck_Todd

Susan Gilbert Dickinson, Emily’s sister-in-law

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Huntington_Gilbert_Dickinson

https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/susan_dickinson

Bio of Edward Dickinson, Emily’s father

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Dickinson

Bio of Emily Norcross Dickinson, Emily’s mother

https://deathanddickinson.wordpress.com/biography/family/mother-emily-norcross-dickinson/

Thomas Gilbert (Gib) Dickinson (1875-1883), Emily’s nephew

https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/gilbert_Dickinson

Mabel Loomis Todd (Noemie Schellens) can sing like scandalous opera house singer.

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

A donation buys you an email subscription to “Movies Of The Spirit.”

6/5/2017 # A Quiet Passion

GOING IN STYLE

(L to R) Alan Arkin as Albert Garner, Morgan Freeman as Willie Davis and Michael Caine as Joe Harding, all discover that they are getting no more pension.

GOING IN STYLE

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

Times have changed a lot since 1979, when the first version of “Going in Style” was released. Growing old is still just as boring, but now seniors have something to get angry about.

Instead of George Burns, Art Carney, Lee Strasberg, the new version has Michael Caine as Joe Harding, Alan Arkin as Albert Garner and Morgan Freeman as Willie Davis, as three friends, who all worked for the same company, which is now defaulting on their pensions.

Even Ann-Margaret, who used to be in Elvis films, is in this film, as Alan Arkin’s love interest.

The plight of getting old with limited resources seems to be timeless.

These friends, however, are upset because, after putting in many years of work, their company was just sold to a foreign interest, which will no longer honor their work pensions.

Michael Caine, who is housing his single-mom daughter and granddaughter, will default on his mortgage, Morgan Freeman discovers that he needs a kidney transplant, and the Alan Arkin character will not have any money to pay the rent.

What stays in my mind is the image of these three friends dishing up watered-down spaghetti sauce on very unappetizing spaghetti at the senior center together.

More than anything else, this says “nobody cares about you, and there is nothing that you can do about it.”

As a last ditch effort, with nothing to lose, they decide to rob the very bank that was restructuring their pension deal.

We do not have to think too far back to remember the 2009 housing collapse, the current rent gouging by landlords, or the recent fake bank account schemes.

“Going in Style” 2017 is recommended for anyone who is old, who still has a grandparent, or who is headed toward old age. Basically, this film is for everyone.

Ann-Margaret as Annie Santori, still has the sizzle.

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Buys email subscription to “Movies of the Spirit”

5/9/2017 # Going In Style

THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE

The real Zookeeper’s Wife, Antonina Zabinski (top), cuddles two large cats. Actress Jessica Chastain (bottom) imitates Zabinski’s love for animals in the movie.

THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

“The Zookeeper’s wife” illustrates the devastating effect of the Nazi occupation as it happened in Warsaw, Poland.

For me, the main question that comes front and center is what can humans do to overcome indifference to the suffering and discrimination of other humans?

A true story, the Warsaw zookeeper and his wife chose to hide victims at their zoo, until they could escape to safety.

So, why do some people choose to risk their own lives to help others?

I was surprised to learn that the zookeeper, Dr. Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh), was an atheist, taking after his father.

His wife, Antonina (Jessica Chastain), was raised a Catholic, with a strong interest in the arts. She was a Russian-born Pole who lost her parents in the early days of the Russian Revolution at the hands of the Bolsheviks.

The couple hung out with artists and intellectuals. They were not given to a “follow the crowd” mentality.

Jan liked to analyze each situation and Antonina felt that life was precious.

They felt that the Jews did not deserve the persecution and felt that the treatment of the Jews was horrific.

When a few people came to them for help, they were unable to turn their backs on them. What started out with helping a few people, turned into helping about 300 Jews during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw, Poland.

The conclusion that I have come to in this true story, is to be non-judgmental of atheists and Catholics, because, they just might save your life.

History vs Hollywood:

http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/zookeepers-wife/

Documenting Numbers of Victims of the Holocaust and Nazi Persecution:

https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10008193

Children during the Holocaust:

https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005142

Warsaw Poland, WWII:

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/warsaw-poland

Warsaw Ghetto:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Ghetto

Warsaw Zoo:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Zoo

What causes the psychological condition of “indifference?:

https://www.gratiaplenacounseling.org/the-psychology-of-indifference/

Indifference: The Absence of Empathy to Suffering and Discrimination:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/12/15/814637/-

Left: Antonina and Jan Zabinski in the years after World War II. Right: Johan Heldenbergh and Jessica Chastain portray the couple in the movie.

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Buys email subscription to “Movies of the Spirit”

5/2/2017 # The Zookeeper’s Wife

GIFTED

Teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate) asks Mary (Mckenna Grace) a few math questions.

GIFTED

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

Child geniuses, like one-eyed cats, may have problems being accepted by the status quo. The film “Gifted” raises the question, what is the best way to raise a gifted child?

Seven-year-old Mary (Mckenna Grace) is being raised by her mother’s brother, Frank (Chris Evans), because her own mother (also a child prodigy) committed suicide when Mary was just six months old.

Her uncle, Frank, a former college philosophy professor, has chosen to take Mary off the grid to home school her himself.

As Mary grows older, he decides to place her in a public school, so that she can learn to navigate the world and have a normal childhood, with friends her own age.

On day one in school, Mary is like a whale trying to survive in a theme-park pool. She is doing calculus, while the other kids are trying to master 1 + 1.

When her teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate), tries to hook them up with a special school, Frank says, “No.”

He does not want Mary to end up like her ill-fated mother and he is trying to hide Mary from her grandmother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), who he fears will cripple and exploit her.

Special mention, Octavia Spencer as Roberta, (who appears in all the best films this year, Hidden Figures, The Shack) adds warmth to this film as Frank’s landlord, who walks all over his boundaries, while being the mother figure in Mary’s early life.

Having studied and worked in early childhood education settings, I have the personal opinion that all children from birth to 5 years are geniuses.

Their minds are soaking up information voraciously and they are all capable of learning whole languages by merely being exposed to them.

Having a high IQ does not mean that such children will grow up to be a success.

Such children need to be nurtured and supported. And, to be a success, they need to love what they are doing and to have the will to put in the hours to develop their talent.

What is not mentioned is the importance of religious exposure. Steve Jobs was exposed to Christianity by his adoptive parents, which he rejected. Later, in his life, he did take to Buddhism.

Ego appears to be a stumbling block for nearly all such children. When you are the smartest person in the room, humility does not come naturally.

Pablo Casals still practiced on his cello at age 80, telling others that he did it because, “I think I am getting better.”

Whether you are raising a child prodigy or any child, “Gifted” will give you a great deal to think about.

What Are Child Geniuses Like As Adults?http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1303853

9 Child prodigies who actually ended up doing something

http://mentalfloss.com/article/27906/9-child-prodigies-who-actually-ended-doing-something

How Do You Raise a Prodigy?:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/magazine/how-do-you-raise-a-prodigy.html

Raising an Accidental Prodigy:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704559904576230570655238148

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Buys email subscription to “Movies of the Spirit”

4/23/2017 # Gifted

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as The Prince / Beast bond with a dance together.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

Gay images are included in this children’s fairy tale to the credit of Disney Pictures. The film very clearly illustrates that love and respect can be developed in spite of physical appearance.

I think that the power of this film deals with all kinds of diversity. It reinforces that kindness and shared values are what matter, not physical appearance.

Being gay could be switched out with being Black, Chinese, Russian, disabled, homeless or any other non-dominant segment of society.

The beautiful Belle, played by Emma Watson, is raised by a loving, but aging father (Kevin Kline as Maurice). Ageism is another theme.

Belle’s brutish suitor, Gaston (Luke Evans), has no compassion for her father or respect for his age, just like the Prince is repulsed by the appearance of the old woman, who offers him a beautiful rose in return for shelter.

I looked at the animated version of this story, which is exactly the same, except, when the dresser fights off the townsman by dressing him like a woman, in this live version, the man is delighted, in the animated version, he is embarrassed.

This is probably not how gays want to be depicted or remembered by the masses. It is a poor stereotype at best.

I’m going to have to look at the animated version again, but I don’t think the Beast shows her what happened to her mother in Paris, either.

This film also drives home the point that women are not successfully wooed by fear.

This is a form of abuse, not love. In fact, any form of entrapment, does not allow free will in a love relationship. This is an important shift in male and female relationships.

Fortunately, there are many examples of this new paradigm. Belle’s love for the Beast, Maurice’s love for his wife and daughter, and vice versa.

I found the live version of “Beauty and the Beast” more touching and heart opening, if not as light-hearted.

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Buys subscription to “Movies Of The Spirit”

4/11/2017 # Beauty and the Beast

THE SALESMAN

Rana (Taraneh Alidoosti) and her husband, Emad (Shahab Hosseini), are faced with moral choices.

THE SALESMAN

Film review by Marlene Ardoin

“The Salesman” is the Iranian film that won Best Foreign Picture at the Academy Awards this year (2017). It pays the U.S. a compliment by choosing to wrap this story around the theater production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.”

I was surprised that a play like “Death of a Salesman” would even be allowed in Iran. Apparently it is, with a few deletions of dialogue.

And, the husband, Emad, in this story (Shahab Hosseini), is not only a husband and actor, but a teacher. I was curious which books his school was forbidding him to use.

Emad makes a vivid point, when he tells the school messenger to just throw the rejected books in the garbage.

It is my understanding that Iran is a religion-based governmental country that sets up strict rules for a population that has a majority of young.

For example, one can be arrested for dancing provocatively in public. And a respectable woman should always cover her hair with a scarf.

What the film seems to be questioning is the ability of men and women to make their own moral judgments.

For example, a man is tempted to take advantage of a young woman. Would that woman be able to recover from the social shame and would she be able to show mercy to this man if he shows remorse?

Prostitution is brought into the question. Are prostitutes worthy of our social mercy? Apparently, this is no laughing matter. In their play, a single mom is playing this role, and the former tenant of their new apartment was a prostitute.

I think the main point being made is that each individual possesses moral strength and inner dignity.

Emad’s beautiful, young wife, Rana (Taraneh Alidoosti), shines with dignity, when she requests that her husband not take revenge. And, she takes it a step further, when she threatens to leave him, if he chooses to take revenge.

I found it interesting that Iranian students could be just as disrespectful of teachers in Iran, as they can be in the U.S.

In this film, we get a preview of all that this teacher goes through, and I think that it is safe to say, that this teacher does not deserve disrespect.

The visual images are universal. As the film opens, Emad and Rana are forced to evacuate their apartment, because it is collapsing. The foundation is unstable.

When they later return to get their things, they notice cracks in the wall above their bed. This is a foreboding sign that more bad things are about to happen to their dream of creating a family.

“The Salesman” seems to say that even the most wretched of us have personal dignity, and the most elevated in society are capable of perpetrating evil acts.

So where does a moral compass originate? Intelligence is not the answer, since it can only solve problems. The ability to feel things and to empathize with others is the origin of morality.

This film is masterful and thought provoking, but I think it could have used a few light-hearted moments.

Asghar Farhadi, Iranian film director and screenwriter of “The Salesman.”

Asghar Farhadi Biography:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asghar_Farhadi

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Buys subscription to “Movies Of The Spirit”

3/21/2017 # The Salesman

A UNITED KINGDOM

Ruth Williams Khama (Rosamund Pike) and Sir Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) view village with daughter.

A UNITED KINGDOM

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

After World War II, racism and apartheid were a real part of the world view at that time. Sir Seretse Khama was raised as the son of an African chief in Serowe, in what was then the Bechuanaland Protectorate of Great Britain. This is something that is hard for Americans to wrap their heads around, but this is a true story.

The film, “A United Kingdom,” only scratches the surface of an amazing story. It only deals with the racism issue, but does not show us what happens next.

Sir Seretse Khama goes on to create a democracy and to gain independence for his homeland. In September 1966, Botswana gained its independence, with Khama acting as its first democratic President. He then transforms one of Africa’s poorest countries into one of the richest in Africa.

In 1944, Khama (David Oyelowo) was studying in Great Britain to become a barrister, when he is called home to Africa to rule, but not before he falls in love with an English woman named Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike).

In “A United Kingdom” Khama demonstrates his philosophy and will. He is used to getting his way as a chief’s son, and will not consider giving up his new wife, just because her skin is a different color.

Winston Churchill is called out for going against his word after the war. Apparently, Great Britain did not want to give up the cheap materials, while recovering from the war. It was necessary to trick an African chief into exile.

What is not portrayed well enough in the film is the fact that Khama had to abdicate his kingdom in order to return home. And, the film does not show Khama trying to raise cattle unsuccessfully after he returns home.

Khama wants something better for his people than a kingdom. He wants independence from Britain. He wants a Democratic government. The real story is about how he makes all this happen.

The film only suggests that diamonds were discovered in Botswana. With Khama’s governing, Botswana develops trade worthy items like cattle, copper and diamonds.

Khama kept the taxes low, the trade high and used the profits to invest in infrastructure, hospitals and the education of his people.

The racial aspect of this film was only the beginning for me. Twenty years after Khama became their first President, his son became the fourth President of Botswana. This was the story I wanted to be told.

Biography of Seretse Khama:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seretse_Khama

The real Sir Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams Khama with their daughter and son.

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Buys subscription to “Movies Of The Spirit”

3/18/2017 # A United Kingdom

2017 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

2017 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

BEST PICTURE

Will win: La La Land

Should win: Hidden Figures

Did win: Moonlight

Arrival

Fences

Hacksaw Ridge

Hell or High Water

Hidden Figures

La La Land

Lion

Manchester By the Sea

Moonlight

La La Land is most likely to win. It is popular and it is an example of Oscars So White. I have a problem with a theme, where career is all that matters. The main male character seems to miss the possibility that maybe that child could actually be his. His partner flees, because she knows that his support and commitment to the relationship is not there. I prefer Hidden figures, which reveals hidden facts about the ’60s and enlightens us about the merits and contributions of Blacks during the space race. I am shying away from Moonlight, because it has some undertones of misogyny in its portrayal of women.

Arrival explores psychic communication, but does not explain why it is necessary for the linguist to take off her radiation suit? Fences has dialogue that is more suited for stage, than film, but it does eventually deliver the emotional impact of the situation. Hacksaw Ridge leaves the image of frightened, screaming soldiers in my mind, but it is inspiring that the main character was real and was successful in rescuing so many soldiers during WWII. The images of war brutality is so heavy handed that it is easy to become insensitive to it.

Hell or High Water is extremely misogynistic. I can not feel sorry for men who do not get why it is important to take care of their women and children. Lion makes it hard for me to forget about what the Australians did to the Aboriginal children for very racist reasons. A child is always best off with a loving birth family. And, Manchester By The Sea is a very sad story. No matter how immature parents may be, rarely do they burn up their children.

BEST DIRECTOR

Will win: Damien Chazelle, La La Land

Should win: Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Did win: Damien Chazelle, La La Land

Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester By the Sea
Denis Villeneuve, Arrival

BEST ACTOR

Will win: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea

Should win: Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic

Did win: Casey Affleck, Manchester By the Sea

Casey Affleck, Manchester By the Sea
Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
Ryan Gosling, La La Land
Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington, Fences

BEST ACTRESS

Will win: Emma Stone, La La Land

Should win: Natalie Portman, Jackie

Did win: Emma Stone, La La Land

Isabelle Huppert, Elle
Ruth Negga, Loving
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Emma Stone, La La Land
Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Will win: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Should win: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Did win: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges, Manchester By the Sea
Dev Patel, Lion
Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Will win: Viola Davis, Fences

Should win: Michelle Williams, Manchester By the Sea

Did win: Viola Davis, Fences

Viola Davis, Fences
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Nicole Kidman, Lion
Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams, Manchester By the Sea

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Will win: Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester By the Sea

Should win: Damien Chazelle, La La Land

Did win: Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester By the Sea

Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filipou, The Lobster
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester By the Sea
Mike Mills, 20th Century Women
Taylor Sheridan, Hell or High Water

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Will win: Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Should win: Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi, Hidden Figures

Did win: Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Luke Davies, Lion
Eric Heisserer, Arrival
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi, Hidden Figures
August Wilson, Fences

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Buys subscription to “Movies Of The Spirit”

2/22/17 #2017 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

Email Subscription to “Movies of the Spirit”

10 Reasons to Subscribe to “Movies of the Spirit”

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

Any donation buys an email subscription to “Movies of the Spirit.” Benefits of a subscription Include:

It helps you spend your time and money on worthwhile films.
It helps you be instantly informed on how to avoid bad movies, choosing only the good movies.
It helps you avoid bad movie experiences.
It helps you feed your mind and Spirit with films of positive value.
Your film discernment will impress others.
You will avoid being embarrassed on a movie date.
You will be able to pick movies that promote positive emotions.
This site only promotes worthy films, not junk.
This site will help you to avoid violence or hate-filled movies.
This site makes it easy to get positive reviews instantly delivered to your email.

THE FOUNDER

Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) negotiates with the McDonald brothers.

THE FOUNDER

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

After seeing “The Founder”, I understand why Tom Hanks turned down this role. Only Michael Keaton would be able to nail this character.

Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is as despicable, as he is admirable.

Keaton is unafraid to try on flawed personalities, like Kay Kroc. This role requires big boy tighty–whities.

I might also add, it takes guts to develop a company like McDonalds, that now feeds about 1% of the world’s population.

In this film, Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is at a point in his life, when he is both hungry enough and desperate enough to act on his gut feelings to franchise McDonalds.

“The Founder” is inspiring by the fact that Ray Kroc’s peers were at the retirement stage, while he is still traveling state to state selling milk shake mixers and listening to Napoleon Hill’s “Keys to Success” records in his motel room in the evenings.

Somehow, he sensed that he had not yet fulfilled what he was created to do.

Soft serve was becoming the norm in the fast food industry, so Kroc’s mixers were not selling, except to one diner in San Bernardino, CA, who wanted six of his mixers.

The McDonald brothers were serving real ice cream in their milk shakes.

Richard “Dick” McDonald (Nick Offerman) and his brother, Maurice “Mac” McDonald (John Carroll Lynch), spent years perfecting quick, cheap, quality, family oriented, fast food meals at their take-out diner.

The McDonald brothers did try to franchise their diner, but they did not have the energy, the health, or the will to carry through.

Ray Kroc had seen the competition all over the United States, and he knew a winner when he saw one.

Kroc was not only franchising a method, but a quality product and a name that meant quality.

In sales, trust is a big factor. The customer has to trust you first, before they buy from you.

The McDonalds had that trust. Their name could be trusted. McDonalds meant quality, honesty, community, family and trust.

Kroc tries to work with the McDonalds in his efforts to franchise their product, but finds that he is doing all the work and taking all the risks.

And, on top of that, success and ego get the better of him.

Kroc ends up with three marriages.

The film leaves out the daughter from his first marriage and the second marriage that he has. The real story gets a little sordid, not as romantic, as the film would have us believe.

Kroc ends up buying out the McDonalds good name after a long period of torturing them first.

I have to agree, McDonalds does sound a lot better than, welcome to the Krocs.

Ray Kroc Biography:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Kroc

http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?zid=38c2ee89d1919f9df03372691f627ba7&action=2&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CK3436600323&userGroupName=fairfax_main&jsid=e075ae099668deaed5fb362e7ed0684a

http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/ray-kroc-164.php

(Please enter your Payment methods data on the settings pages.)

2/7/17 # The Founder