The Grapes of Wrath
Directed by John Ford
Written by Nunnally Johnson based on the novel by John Steinbeck
1940/USA
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental
#145 of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
[box] [last lines] Ma Joad: Rich fellas come up an’ they die, an’ their kids ain’t no good an’ they die out. But we keep a’comin’. We’re the people that live. They can’t wipe us out; they can’t lick us. We’ll go on forever, Pa, ’cause we’re the people.[/box]
I always forget just how great this movie is. It is a true masterpiece.
Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) returns home from the penitentiary only to find that his family has been evicted from the land they have sharecropped for years by the land company. With ex-preacher Jim Casey (John Carridine), he tracks them down just as they are ready to set out to the promised land of California in search of work. But the outsiders are not welcomed and the family threatens to break apart. Meanwhile, Tom angered at the exploitation he sees and inspired by a sacrifice made by Casey, grows increasingly restless. With Jane Darwell as Ma, Charley Grapewin as Grandpa. John Qualen as Muley, and Ward Bond as a kindly policeman.
The subject matter is so sad that I postponed viewing the film. I shouldn’t have. Within five minutes, I was overcome by the spare beauty of the images. This represented some kind of peak in the distinguished careers of Ford and Fonda. The acting, even that of Carradine who usually overdoes it, is absolutely convincing.
Jane Darwell won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her work in The Grapes of Wrath and John Ford was named the Best Director of the year. The picture was also nominated by the Academy in the categories of Best Picture, Best Actor (Fonda), Best Writing (Screenplay), Best Sound Recording and Best Film Editing.
Trailer
We always comment on the wonderful Hollywood product of 1939; however, 1940 is shaping up to be an impressive year. THE GRAPES OF WRATH is truly a masterpiece. I recently revisited it and never tire of the Joads and their exodus. The images are as memorable as the performances.
I agree thoroughly. I have several great films I know I haven’t covered yet and surely some undiscovered films awaiting me.
It is beautiful, yes, but it is also incredibly powerful. Often when I see “political” or “message” films they tend to get preachy and over the top. Not this one. There is a stark and raw nakedness to it. The sun is almost too bright and the world is brutal. I understand why this film is as important as it is.
Ford got everything about this right. After I wrote my review, I happened to listen to a podcast discussing the film. The podcaster talked about the Joads as refugees. I think that is a very good word for them. This is still going on all over the world (and unfortunately in the US, too). The Joads had it good compared to many refugees. At least they had transportation and each other.