The Hansen family’s journey from Norway to San Francisco around the turn of the twentieth century marks the beginning of their story. Led by their mother, "Mama" (Irene Dunne), they establish themselves and begin building lives in their new home—and for more than two hours, we are drawn into an account of what they experience. Much of the narrative comes from the daughter, “Katrin” (Barbara Bel Geddes), who shares her recollections with a gentle and pleasant manner as she, her father (Philip Dorn), Uncle "Chris" (Oscar Homolka) and a large group of people considered family adjust to their new environment. The film doesn’t move at a rapid speed; it mirrors the natural pace of life, but the characters are well-developed, with George Stevens allowing ample time for them to unfold, grow, and reveal their individual traits, affections, and ambitions. It's an intimate exploration of character, showcasing strong performances from Dunne, Homolka, Bel Geddes, and a particularly subtle portrayal by Ellen Corby (who I mostly remember as "Grandma" in "The Waltons"), all of which earned them Oscar nominations. The story is best experienced passively, with conversations that can be both emotionally charged and surprisingly humorous. It might evoke memories of your own upbringing or past events, and while it’s true that the film occasionally feels slow-paced, this actually contributes to its realism—its aim is to present a believable depiction of everyday life where not much dramatic action occurs.

Source on TMDB