Fun Friday: “I Heard The Bells” movie
by: Debbie Waltz
Many Americans recognize the name Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His poetry has earned a prominent place in the landscape of American literature, garnering widespread acclaim in the modern era. These poems serve as a window into the past, revealing not just the visual culture of the 18th and 19th centuries, but also the political environment that shaped the lives of those who lived during that time.
Sight and Sound’s 2022 premier production of “I Heard The Bells” tells the compelling true story behind the creation of the iconic poem. As the winter of 1860 unfolds, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (played by Stephen Atherholt) enjoys a festive Christmas, unaware of the life-altering events that will occur a few months later. Fanny Wadsworth (played by Rachael Day Hughes), a picture of bustling energy, diligently cleans her home, while her children gleefully send their kite soaring high above the park and her husband peacefully naps in another room. A freak accident occurs when she bumps a lit candle and her dress ignites. A jarring sound pierces the silence, awakening Henry, who frantically rushes to his wife’s aid, yet despite his bravery, his efforts are ultimately in vain.
Though the family is bound by their shared grief, each member copes with and expresses their sadness in unique and individual manners. Henry’s retreat into a haze of ether and his abandonment of his writing career forced Charliey (Jonathan Blair) to mature rapidly and assume the mantle of fatherhood. Despite the risks involved, Charliey feels a strong obligation to serve his country, but this clashes with Henry’s prior promise to protect their children and keep them from the battlefield. (At that time, young individuals under the age of 18 were allowed to enlist in the military with the consent of their parents.)
Henry remained loyal to the promise he made to his wife, denying Charlie’s request and stating that his words were not meant to promote war. With no other options, Charliey forged his father’s signature and was about to escape when Henry caught him. A verbal altercation erupts and Charliey unleashes his pent-up frustrations on his father, expressing his anger and resentment. Contrary to expectations, Henry does not intervene to prevent Charliey’s actions; instead, he leverages his connections with the senator to arrange for his son to be stationed in a location behind the front lines.
Senator Charles Sumner ( portrayed by Daniel Stargel) championed his advancement to a safer role, resulting in Charliey’s promotion to Second Lieutenant, directly under the command of Adjutant Curtis. In this position, Charliey’s primary responsibility is to manage equipment and rations. Feeling increasingly dissatisfied with his current role, he confronted his superior, directly questioning whether his position resulted from his father’s influence rather than his own merit. His commander, agreeing with the soldier’s point, asked him a pointed question: “Would you rather be a living soldier or a dead one?”
Henry’s resolve to stay connected with his son remains unshaken, even amidst challenging circumstances, as he demonstrates his unwavering commitment by writing him a letter every single week. Charlie’s lack of response to the letters compels Henry to escalate the situation by requesting that his superior deliver the letters. While making a delivery, he notices Charlie’s silence and wonders why his father’s words bring peace to everyone, but not to his son.
Rebels threaten to draw out the union army surrounding a church. A commander, frustrated by the delay, requested volunteers to force the enemy to emerge from their hiding place. When Charliey volunteers, he discovers it is an ambush and quickly advises the Army to retreat. It is too late; he is shot
A letter about his son’s injury prompts Henry to rush and meet Charliey’s medical transport. Charliey shares his close call with his father, detailing how he braced for death; the dilapidated church not only making a mockery of the war his brothers faced but his mother’s life and faith as well-The church bell once a symbol of hope lay lifeless on the floor. Clinging to life, he woke up to light streaming through the broken stained glass windows of the church. His son reminds him he still has work to do and poems to write, serving as a beacon that hope is still alive even in the gravest of circumstances.
Taking Charlie’s words to heart, he retreats to his room finally having the courage to read his wife’s journal seeking encouragement .It is then we read about Fanny’s faithful conversion on Christmas Day in 1841.
The conversation with the pastor lays bare the depth of Henry Longfellow’s guilt, exposing the pain he carries for the loss of both his first daughter, lost during his marriage to Fanny, and his first wife, Mary Potter, who died years prior. This guilt is tied to his ambitious pursuit of a career in literature, a pursuit that caused him to leave his family behind. Fanny’s faith in his second marriage was a source of strength for him as he dealt with the loss. Since she’s gone, he’s been plagued by doubts and uncertainty..
The pastor is quick to remind him that though Fanny’s body is dead, her words and spirit speak through the pages of her journal just like God word speaks in everyday life
In watching this film, I not only gained new insight into Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s personal life, but struggle to influence people with his eloquent use of words and language. The costumes were exquisite, immediately helping to transport audiences back into time of coursets and big dresses