Is My Son, My Son! Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, My Son, My Son! is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 116 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
My Son, My Son! Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1940, My Son, My Son! enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A self-made success is determined to give his son the lavish upbringing he himself was denied. Under the direction of Charles Vidor, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Madeleine Carroll. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, My Son, My Son! offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, My Son, My Son! resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, My Son, My Son! is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of My Son, My Son! centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. A self-made success is determined to give his son the lavish upbringing he himself was denied. Not surprisingly, the son grows up to be spoiled rotten, causing grief and pain to everyone who loves him. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1940 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of My Son, My Son! has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a My Son, My Son! sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for My Son, My Son! (1940): with an audience rating of 4/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
My Son, My Son! is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, My Son, My Son! stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Son, My Son! movie hit or flop?
My Son, My Son! is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is My Son, My Son! worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, My Son, My Son! may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch My Son, My Son! online?
My Son, My Son! may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is My Son, My Son! movie hit or flop?
My Son, My Son! is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is My Son, My Son! worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, My Son, My Son! may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch My Son, My Son! online?
My Son, My Son! may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of My Son, My Son!?
My Son, My Son! is a Drama, Romance movie that follows: A self-made success is determined to give his son the lavish upbringing he himself was denied. Not surprisingly, the son grows up to be spoiled rotten, causing grief and pain to everyone who loves him...
Is My Son, My Son! family friendly?
My Son, My Son! is classified as Drama, Romance. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is My Son, My Son! available in?
My Son, My Son! is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A self-made success is determined to give his son the lavish upbringing he himself was denied. Not surprisingly, the son grows up to be spoiled rotten, causing grief and pain to everyone who loves him.
Critic Reviews
"William" (Brian Aherne) is the working man made good and is determined to see that his young son has all of the things that he didn't have growing up. The best of clothes, housing, eduction - and it all creates the rather miscreant creature that is "Oliver" (initially played well as a rather odious child by Scotty Beckett, then by Louis Hayward). He values nothing, takes for granted everything he has and gradually, as he gets older, hurts and alienates just about everyone. The only people who seem to be able to see through his façade, and who care enough to try and help are "Livia" (Madeleine Carroll) and the flighty, love-struck, young "Maeve" (Laraine Day) but will it all be too little too late for this increasingly self-destructive fellow? The story is interesting and illustrates the dangers of spoiling a child, but somehow the character of the father is just too soft. Too trusting and forgiving. This is a man who came up the hard way and though clearly he wants better for his child, his character is so weak as to frequently come across as implausible. The one staple in all of this is the friendship between "William" and his lifelong friend "Dermot" (Henry Hull) which becomes more important as the penny drops that young "Oliver" looks like a lost cause. There's no stopping cringing every time "Day" breaks into her Irish scent - it could strip paint, and as the story lumbers on I felt it all dragged down in a wordy dialogue and a paucity of pace or development. Like it's stuck in treacle, it seems to lose it's way until we are rescued by the War. Hayward is good, the story is solid - but the film struggles.