The Riddle of the Stinson is a 1987 movie, made a full generation ago. It's mostly been lost to time, but a few copies on YouTube survive. It's about an airplane crash in 1937 and subsequent rescue of survivors, which was delayed because of conflicting reports about the sightings of the plane. There would never have been survivors at all, if not for one man who decided to check his backyard - the Lamington National Park.

My partner and I have been watching oldies and stumbled upon this one. It's so hard to tell what is showbiz and what is reality, but this had a ring of truth to it, maybe because it wasn't Hollywood, maybe because it was based on real events. The dialogue was realistic and partner remarked that the pilot's teasing reminded him of him. If anyone wants to give it a watch, I recommend it. It's pure of heart. There are two or three gory scenes, depicting the casualties and survivors of the plane crash.

There are some interesting interactions between the "hero" (quotes because he resented that title) and his wife. While the movie is very respectful - they were based on real people after all - it shows three notable scenes.

Scene 1: I just want the room painted!

Scene 1 timestamp 46:29

None of these scenes are longer than a minute but they encapsulate a character arc. Here the wife is portrayed as in the middle of her daily accounts, acting unsupportive of her husband, who has decided to try to find the downed airplane. She is doubtful about his idea because she thinks the "Government people know what they're doing" -- with the implication he does not.

Scene 2: He's just off doing something or other

Scene 2 timestamp 59:49

In this scene, she is entertaining her guests as the proprietor of O'Reilly's Guest House. Initially she tries to avoid mentioning her husband's whereabouts, then responds to questioning - "he's taking a look -- just in case". This is the first indication we have that she supports his quest, by affirming his actions in public.

Scene 3: Actually I think he's rather wonderful

Scene 3 timestamp 1:28:43

After all is said and done, the plane is found, and two survivors are recovered, she gains admiration for her man. He's clearly chuffed and loves the attention from her, even if he rejects it from others, and even leaves the theatre early because he can't stand being in the spotlight or called a hero.

Discussion

The reason I wanted to highlight this arc was because at RPW, we often compare ourselves to women in the past. Oh, we are too argumentative, our mothers or grandmothers would never have said such things! Even if they rule the family with an iron fist, we consider ourselves unworthy because we lack something they have. We aren't feminine enough by virtue of being modern, of being alive at this time and place.

Well here is a movie from 37 years ago, with a woman who ordered her husband to paint a guest room. Sound familiar? How can it be that she was portrayed so unsupportively? Why would any man like her? Why would her husband put up with her?

Well - the important thing is not being feminine or perfect all the time. It's showing public support when it matters and giving credit where credit is due. All of which she did.

Most men don't expect a big deal on birthdays or holidays or anniversaries or "just because". They want to earn that admiration and prove themselves through their actions and achievements, not through merely existing. Whatever he puts his effort into is what matters to him. Make note of his achievements as most men do downplay these. When he gets a promotion or has a big Win in life, that's when you should make a big deal of it. That's when you say "he's rather wonderful". Choose your moments because you don't want to come off as insincere... Men just want to be given credit that they feel they deserve.