Friendly Persuasion

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of Indiana in 1862, "Friendly Persuasion" tells the compelling story of the Birdwell family, devout Quakers who are deeply committed to the principles of peace and nonviolence. Gary Cooper stars as Jess Birdwell, the patriarch whose steadfast faith is both a source of strength and inner conflict. Alongside him, Dorothy McGuire portrays Eliza Birdwell, his compassionate wife, whose dedication to their Quaker beliefs shapes the family's daily life.

The Birdwells strive to live by the Quaker ideals, which forbid violence and promote pacifism, even as they face the harsh realities of a nation embroiled in the Civil War. Their commitment to peace is constantly tested by the dangers that surround them. The arrival of Southern troops near their peaceful Indiana community thrusts them into a moral quandary, forcing them to weigh their religious convictions against the instinct for self-preservation.

As the military forces encroach on their land, the family grapples with the difficult question of whether to uphold their peaceful stance or take up arms to defend themselves and their way of life. The story explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the complexities of maintaining one's principles in times of conflict, making "Friendly Persuasion" a poignant and thought-provoking drama about the cost of peace during war.

Main Cast of Friendly Persuasion

Crew of Friendly Persuasion