Carefully mounted, well directed and acted, but basically the sort of well-meaning pap out of which Oscars are made.
– Tom Milne,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
rotten:
This act of altruism on behalf of the brothers Warner was rewarded with the best picture Oscar for 1937; it isn't so much bad as utterly, magisterially bland.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
12 Dec 2006
fresh:
The film is destined to box office approval of the most substantial character. It is finely made and merits high rating as cinema art and significant recognition as major showmanship.
– John C. Flinn Sr.,
Variety,
28 Jan 2008
fresh:
The most distinguished and most important contribution to the screen this year.