Tomorrow's Children

"Tomorrow's Children" is a vivid, controversial American drama film directed by Crane Wilbur and produced by Bryan Foy. Released in 1934, the movie bravely explores an eerie subject matter that was virtually unimaginable for most films during this period.

The movie tells a chilling tale based on the concept of forced sterilization, a subject that reflects the real-life eugenics movement that persisted in certain parts of the world during the first half of the 20th century. Therefore, "Tomorrow's Children" offers a stark, grim portrayal of social engineering, and makes no effort to sugarcoat the potential implications of this troubling practice. It questions the ethical, social, and moral issues arising from humanity's interference with natural reproduction processes.

The storyline centers around a young woman named Alice Mason, a member of a working-class family deemed as unfit to parent by self-styled do-gooders leading this disturbing initiative. Alice, portrayed by stage actress Diane Sinclair, prepares to marry her sweetheart, Jim. However, news of their union becomes an issue for the local court when the couple discovers that they fall under the state sterilization laws. Their family history, marked by alcoholism and mental illness, has put them in the sights of the city's zealous eugenics board that believes they are preventing future generations' suffering by imposing sterilization on such 'unworthy' members of society.

Sterling Holloway delivers a poignant performance as Alice's sensitive and sympathetic brother, paving the way for what would become a long and successful career in Hollywood. His character provides stark contrast to the severe and somewhat cruel characters who champion the eugenics movement. Other significant characters include Dr. Josephine Carver, challenging the premise of the eugenics laws and questioning its adverse social and psychological implications on the victims.

Intricately woven with suspense, turmoil, and the struggle to right wrongs, the film also exploits courtroom drama tropes to emphasize the characters' determination, pain, and resistive spirit. The narrative unfolds with steadfast pace and grim tension, making poignant and thought-provoking commentary on misguided societal norms, the risks of homogeneous breeding, and the violation of basic human rights associated with forced sterilization.

Distinctive for its era, especially due to the contentious subject underlining its premise, "Tomorrow's Children" also highlights, in more subtle ways, the strength of family bonds and love. It showcases the general public's power to correct what is morally wrong when appropriately channelled.

Not leaving any stone unturned in enunciating the depth of the controversial topic it addresses, "Tomorrow's Children" sheds light on the bleak side of human intervention in the circle of life. The film is unique in its approach to the eugenics movement subject and remains a marker for the courage displayed by filmmakers during the era, making it worth a watch for anyone interested in both societal issues and historical cinema.

However, despite the film's dramatic impression, it also has some light-hearted elements. Production-wise, the cinematography utilizes well-lit indoor sets, enhancing the chilling storyline without making the film completely bleak. Equally, the skillful shadow work often associated with this period's standard fare is evident in many scenes, adding layers to the story's cinematic appeal.

"Tomorrow's Children" isn't merely a conventional film. Beyond its entertainment value, it questions the ethical implications of sterilization and the broader idea of genetic engineering. Accordingly, it maintains a tense yet contemplative atmosphere throughout, resonating deeply with viewers and inviting them to reflect on the significant, relevant themes it explores.

Whether it's for its audacious storyline or its courageous stance against unethical human intervention, "Tomorrow's Children" is a film that deeply impacts viewers, remaining etched in their memory for a considerable time after watching it. This movie is indeed a tribute to the bold scope of Golden Age Hollywood and beckons applause for shaking the societal consciousness and challenging darkly uncomfortable norms. The film serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by unchecked social engineering and the disturbing history of forced sterilization, proving the old adage right: Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.