The Jeffersons are the ideal picture-perfect all-American family in a small town, but their eldest son John returns home after a long absence spouting views that cause them to worry he may b... Read allThe Jeffersons are the ideal picture-perfect all-American family in a small town, but their eldest son John returns home after a long absence spouting views that cause them to worry he may be a Communist.The Jeffersons are the ideal picture-perfect all-American family in a small town, but their eldest son John returns home after a long absence spouting views that cause them to worry he may be a Communist.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
Photos
- College Professor
- (scenes deleted)
- Jail Matron
- (scenes deleted)
- FBI Agent
- (scenes deleted)
- Parcel Post Man
- (scenes deleted)
- Secretary
- (scenes deleted)
- Professor
- (scenes deleted)
- Ruth Carlin
- (scenes deleted)
- Taxi Driver
- (uncredited)
- Government Employee
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaParts of the film were rewritten after actor Robert Walker (John Jefferson) died during production. Several scenes use a double shot from behind, and others recycle footage of Walker from Strangers on a Train (1951). The final scene, where a recording of John delivers an anti-communist speech, is lit with a halo around the tape-recorder.
- Quotes
Dan Jefferson: John!
John Jefferson: Oh, Father, let's not go into it any more.
Dan Jefferson: Now I've, I've got another subject for you.
Dan Jefferson: As your father, you and I are going to have a talk, a good talk, away from your Mother. And it's about you, son.
John Jefferson: Well, if you'd enjoy it, Father...
Dan Jefferson: Well, I don't know whether you will. But as I told you, we're alert. And we ARE alert.
John Jefferson: You just said that.
Dan Jefferson: Yes, and you sound to me like, like one of those guys that we should be alert about.
John Jefferson: One of those guys?
Dan Jefferson: I just said that you sounded like one, I didn't say that you... 'cos if thought that you really were, you know, I'd take you out in the backyard and I'd give it you, both barrels.
John Jefferson: No trial, huh?
Dan Jefferson: Nah, you're off on the wrong slant. And you know what I'm talking about. Cos as your father, I want to know where you're headed.
John Jefferson: Well, I can help you there. I'm headed for the bathroom, wash my hands and clean up for dinner.
- ConnectionsEdited from Strangers on a Train (1951)
Givien the appalling material they have to work with Hayes, Jagger, Walker and the always reliable Van Heflin as an investigating FBI man all give superb performances as characters you either don't believe in or simply can't stand with Hayes good enough, not only to redeem the picture, but actually make it worth watching. Is it any wonder she was considered the greatest actress of the American theatre? However, because of its unfashionable subject matter the film is not highly thought of and even fans of McCarey tend to dismiss it. It's the kind of film you wish they could completely re-dub with an entirely different plot along the lines of "What's Up, Tiger Lily". As a picture of an American family coming apart it can be commended; just a pity about the message.
- MOscarbradley
- Mar 18, 2020
- How long is My Son John?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,000,000
- Runtime2 hours 2 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1