Friendly Persuasion1956Friendly Persuasion
1956
Jess and Eliza Birdwell raise their children in the Quaker faith on an Indiana farm. When the Civil War reaches their county, their eldest son must decide whether to fight.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
A Quaker family's faith tested by war, a son's conscience, and a tender, funny marriage. A rare, respectful portrait of devout family life.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Josh decides to fight despite the family's pacifism, and his father respects his choice; a neighbor is killed by a sniper and Josh is wounded and must shoot a man, which is intense for little ones. Jess's horse races on the way to meeting are played for comedy.
Friendly Persuasion (1956)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why did Josh decide to fight? Was he right?
- What did Jess do when he found the soldier?
- How did Eliza treat the Confederate raiders?
- What did you think of the organ argument?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 8+: Civil War violence; a sniper kills a man; characters shot and wounded.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Friendly Persuasion Blu-ray (Warner Archive Collection)
Blu-ray · May 14, 2024
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.