Homefront

It's WWII and on the Hoosier homefront, the Rev. Peter Farenkamp and his family try to do their part, especially the oldest son, David, who volunteers as a junior air raid warden. Soon the close-knit family lets Rita and Louise Baxter live with them so the two V-Girls can work at the nearby defense plant. A call from Louise's fiance, leaving for active duty in Europe, sparks in David a defiant determination to join the Army on his upcoming eighteenth birthday. But Peter, who has seen war up close, tries to stop him. Father and son clash in a powerful scene as David defies his father and leaves with a recruiter. Weeks later, after basic training, David returns home in a touching scene of reconciliation. Richly-textured supporting roles include those of Anna, the practical, loving mother; Bernard, the fun-loving brother and wannabe big band drummer; and Luana, the youngest who's wild about Frank Sinatra. Other small-town characters add gentle humor. Front porch set.