Memorable moms

In TV, movies, theater and song, fictional characters define mothers

Published: Saturday, May 9, 2009 6:51 p.m. MDT
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Hollywood has had a complicated, love-hate relationship with mothers throughout the years.

There's perhaps no better movie mother than family matriarch Martha "Mama" Hanson (Irene Dunne), from 1948's "I Remember Mama."

Of course, films have had quite a few bad examples of motherhood as well. Take Joan Crawford (as played by Faye Dunaway) in the 1981 movie version of "Mommie Dearest."

And don't forget about Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) committing murder while dressed as "Mother" in "Psycho" (1960). That was pretty ugly.

Here are a few more examples of memorable movie mothers — the good, the bad and the ugly (metaphorically speaking):

ANIMATED MOMS

The Good: Helen Parr (voiced by Holly Hunter) in "The Incredibles" (2004).

She's the incredibly pliable Elastigirl, who keeps her family together and keeps her superhero husband in line.

The Bad: Lady Tremaine (the voice of Eleanor Audley) in "Cinderella" (1950).

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She's the classic example of the evil stepmother character.

The Ugly: Bambi's mother (voice of Paula Winslowe) in "Bambi" (1942).

She dies tragically, saving her child, in what's still one of the most heartbreaking moments on film.

COMEDY MOMS

The Good: Helen Buckman (Dianne Wiest) and Karen Buckman (Mary Steenburgen) in "Parenthood" (1989).

These two characters show us that patience really is a virtue.

The Bad: Beatrice Henderson (Debbie Reynolds) in "Mother" (1996).

Given her peculiar personality, it's no wonder her middle-aged son (Albert Brooks) is such a mess.

The Ugly: Career woman J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) in "Baby Boom" (1987).

She eventually learns to balance her personal and professional life — though motherhood is thrust upon her.

DRAMATIC MOMS

The Good: Ma Joad (Jane Darwell) in "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940).

She's the one person who never gives up, despite her family going through the Great Depression.

The Bad: Beth Jarrett (Mary Tyler Moore) in"Ordinary People" (1980).

Recent comments

What about Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music?

utah rose | May 10, 2009 at 11:09 a.m.

really not any good role models in movies, are they? is that...

Gumbo | May 10, 2009 at 6:14 a.m.

Image
Paramount

Mara Hobel, left, and Faye Dunaway in "Mommie Dearest."

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