After returning from World War II, filmmaker George Stevens begin his transition from comedies to serious films with the Oscar-nominated I Remember Mama. The film was released on Blu-ray last October by way of the Warner Archive Collection. It is presented in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio with side mattes and a DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono soundtrack.

The film opens with eldest daughter Katrin (Barbara Bel Geddes) completing her autobiographical novel, prompting a flashback to 1910. Marta Hanson (Irene Dunne) carefully manages her family’s modest finances alongside her husband Lars (Philip Dorn). Their daughters Katrin, Christine (Peggy McIntyre), Dagmar (June Hedin), and son Nels (Steve Brown) all contribute to the household, making sacrifices when Nels wishes to attend high school. The family’s resourcefulness and love are evident in their daily life, with Marta’s practical yet nurturing guidance shaping their small but memorable moments.

Marta navigates extended family visits with tact and humor. Her sister Trina (Ellen Corby) announces her marriage plans, while Marta negotiates family dynamics with their other sisters Sigrid (Edith Evanson) and Jenny (Hope Landin). Lodger Jonathan Hyde (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) brings shared literary experiences, and Uncle Chris (Oscar Homolka) intervenes when Dagmar falls ill. Marta’s quiet heroism is revealed when she sneaks into Dagmar’s hospital ward, demonstrating her devotion and maternal ingenuity, aided by her children’s support.

The Hansons face trials with grace, from Dagmar’s sick cat to the disappointment of Hyde’s worthless rent check. Marta values love, learning, and small joys over material wealth, teaching her children lessons in perspective and compassion. Meanwhile, Katrin struggles with adolescence and artistic ambition, learning from her mother’s guidance and sacrifices. A reconciliation over a brooch and a graduation gift highlights the family’s deep bonds and the lessons Marta imparts.

In I Remember Mama’s final act, Marta helps Katrin pursue her writing career, encouraging her to draw on family experiences. Katrin’s stories are recognized and published, bringing financial reward and personal pride. Marta’s influence resonates throughout, exemplifying steadfast love and practical wisdom. The narrative closes with Katrin reading her work to the family, immortalizing her mother’s spirit with the line, “But first and foremost, I remember Mama.”

In another universe, Greta Garbo might have portrayed Marta Hanson in I Remember Mama. By the time filmmaker George Stevens offered the role, however, Garbo had already retired from acting. Her refusal opened the door for Irene Dunne, who delivered a heartfelt performance and earned her fifth—and final—Oscar nomination. The Louisville, Kentucky native remains among the finest actresses never to win, in company with Glenn Close, Deborah Kerr, Thelma Ritter, Amy Adams, Annette Bening, and Michelle Williams.

Stevens’ direction brought the film five Academy Award nominations, four of them for acting. I Remember Mama is in rare company, alongside My Man Godfrey, Othello, and Doubt, as a film with four acting nods but no Best Picture recognition. The nominations went to Irene Dunne (Best Actress), Oscar Homolka (Best Supporting Actor), Barbara Bel Geddes and Ellen Corby (Best Supporting Actress), and Nicholas Musuraca for Best Cinematography (B&W).

Despite the strong performances, I Remember Mama underperformed at the box office and failed to recoup its budget. The property found a second life, however, with CBS’s successful series Mama, which in turn prompted a 1956 theatrical reissue of the film. Timing may have played a role in its initial struggles, but the story clearly retained cultural resonance.

Ultimately, I Remember Mama represents a key step in George Stevens’ evolution from light comedies to more serious dramatic fare. While not a financial hit in its day, the film endures as a showcase for Dunne and the cast, and as a heartfelt portrait of immigrant family life in early 20th-century America.

Bonus Feature

• Original Theatrical Trailer

DIRECTOR: George Stevens
SCREENWRITER: DeWitt Booden
CAST: Irene Dunne, Barbara Bel Geddes, Oscar Homolka, Philip Dorn, with Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Edgar Bergen, Rudy Vallee, Barbara O’Neil, Florence Bates, Peggy McIntyre, June Hedin, Steve Brown, Ellen Corby, Hope Landin, Edith Evanson, Tommy Ivo

RKO Radio Pictures released I Remember Mama in theaters on March 9, 1948. Grade: 4/5

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