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"Four Sons" is a 1928 melodrama film directed by John Ford. The movie was adapted from the novel "Grandmother Bernle Learns Her Letters" by Jennie W. Knot. The movie revolves around the Bernle family, with a mother and her four sons facing the consequences of the First World War. The story begins in a small German village where Anna Bernle (Margaret Mann) and her four sons live. The four brothers, Joseph (James Hall), a composer, Johann (Charles Morton), a student, Andreas (Francis X. Bushman Jr.), a gem-cutter, and Franz (George Meeker), a soldier, are all very fond of their mother. Although they have very different personalities, they all share the same love and affection for their mother.

As the First World War breaks out, Franz, the youngest of the four brothers, is drafted into the German army. After some time, the family receives news that Franz is killed in action. The family is devastated by the loss of their youngest member, and Anna is particularly heartbroken.

As the war progresses, the three remaining brothers are also drafted into the army. Joseph, Johann, and Andreas are all sent to the front lines to fight for their country. While at war, Johann is badly injured and is sent back to the village to recover. Joseph is also wounded in battle and becomes a prisoner of war.

As the war continues, the Bernle family faces unimaginable hardships. The village is occupied by the French army, and Anna is forced to take in a French officer, Lieutenant Von Eiden (Earle Foxe), as a lodger. Anna is initially hostile towards the French officer, who she sees as an enemy, but eventually, the two develop a deep friendship.

While the family struggles with the occupation of their village, Johann falls in love with a local girl, Frieda (Barbara Kent). Although Johann and Frieda share a deep love for each other, their love faces challenges, including the disapproval of Frieda's parents.

As the war ends, the survivors of the Bernle family are reunited. However, the family has been forever changed by the events of the war. "Four Sons" is a touching story of a mother's love for her children, and the sacrifices that families make during times of war.

The film's direction and cinematography by John Ford are exceptional, and the movie remains a classic example of the silent melodramatic films of the late 1920s. The movie is considered one of Ford's best silent films, and it was a commercial success upon release.

"Four Sons" was praised for its emotional depth, with critics commending the movie's ability to capture the human tragedy of war while still maintaining a sense of hope and optimism. The movie also received critical acclaim for its excellent performances, with Margaret Mann delivering an outstanding performance as the grieving mother, Anna Bernle.

Overall, "Four Sons" is a powerful and emotional movie that is a testament to the struggles and sacrifices made by families during times of war. The movie remains a classic example of the silent melodramatic films of the late 1920s and is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of cinema.

Four Sons is a 1928 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.