Blossoms in the Dust

(1941)Directed by Mervyn LeRoy99 minDrama, Romance
The stirring saga of a childless beauty...who was determined to be a mother!

Edna marries Texan Sam Gladney, operator of a wheat mill. They have a son, who is killed when very young. Edna discovers by chance how the law treats children who are without parents and decides to do something about it. She opens a home for foundlings and orphans and begins to place children in good homes, despite the opposition of "conservative" citizens, who would condemn illegitimate children for being born out of wedlock. Eventually Edna leads a fight in the Texas legislature to remove the stigma of illegitimacy from birth records in that state, while continuing to be an advocate for homeless children.

Greer Garsonas Edna Gladney
Walter Pidgeonas Sam Gladney
Felix Bressartas Dr. Max Breslar
Marsha Huntas Charlotte
Fay Holdenas Mrs. Catherine Kahly
Samuel S. Hindsas Mr. George Kahley
Kathleen Howardas Mrs. Sarah Keats
George Lesseyas Mr. Keats
William Henryas Allan Keats
John Eldredgeas Damon McPherson
Charles Arntas G. Harrington Hedger
Cecil Cunninghamas Mrs. Marcus Gilworth
Marc Lawrenceas Bert La Verne
Harry Haydenas Senator
Howard Hickmanas Senator
Selmer Jacksonas Senator
Cy Kendallas Harrington
Clarence Kolbas Senator
Carroll Nyeas Mr. Loring