Teringer
An Exercise In Nonsense
Justin Easton
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
Mehdi Hoffman
There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.
mark.waltz
When Miss Moffat arrives in a small rural Welch community to start a school for both young and old, at first she is met with some resistance. But before she even has all of her books unpacked, the classes are packed, and practically everybody in the community is anxious to learn to read and write. She finds one particularly gifted student (John Dall) whom she tutors on the side, sure he is smart enough to pass an exam for a scholarship to Oxford. But the trashy Joan Loring, a train wreck waiting to happen, has her eyes on Dall, much like Delilah did on Samson. This threatens to destroy Dall's chances for a bright future, which is something that the tough Miss Moffat can't allow to happen.The hit Broadway play (by Emlyn Williams) was a triumph for the legendary Ethel Barrymore, but for the screen, Warner Brothers cast the younger Bette Davis. I don't think it is necessary to explain why, but in the mid 1940's, Davis was the Queen of Cinema, much like Ms. Barrymore was the Queen of the Theatre (or at least one of many). Not afraid to age herself (as proved in the previous year's "Mr. Skeffington"), Davis does make herself look more matronly than her 35 years. Her voice here has become what the imitators mimic, so at times, the performance does seem a bit more mannered and less subtle. The Oscar nominations went to Dall and Loring, even though they never went onto become household names. Loring's character is probably one of the most vicious young women ever on screen, sort of a grown-up version of "These Three's" Bonita Granville. Her passive/aggressive sweetness has a tinge of acid in it, and when she finally explodes, she reminds me of Davis's Mildred in "Of Human Bondage". Dall's performance is much subtler, as his role gives him the chance to let the character grow from uneducated hick to a young man with much promise ahead of him.Outstanding production design makes this an attractive film to look at, and it is fascinating to watch unwind. In smaller roles, Nigel Bruce, Mildred Dunnock, Rhys Williams and Rosalind Ivan shine; Ivan's character (Loring's mother who amusingly admits she can't stand her own daughter!) has a final up there with the Margaret Hamilton slap that Granville got in "These Three". There is a bit of late war patriotism propaganda here as Davis's final speech on what Dall must focus on now that he's moving to a new life seems to be a plea for the young men of America to strive to move past their potential.
moonspinner55
With her degree, an inherited estate in a small Welsh village, and a modest amount of money in the bank, Miss Lilly Moffat--a confirmed and not-reluctant spinster in 1895 who shows early signs of women's liberation--opens a school on her property for the uneducated locals and the illiterate boys who work in the nearby coal mine. Surely finding a hidden scholar amongst her pupils would bring Miss Moffat pride, but it may require a life-long sacrifice from her... Terrific drama from Warner Bros. with light and sentimental moments, music from the song-happy miners and students, and theatrical yet effective performances from the large cast. Bette Davis brings a persnickety wisdom to Miss Moffat, a clipped yet jaunty stride which invites warm human interaction during the infrequent moments when she's not all business. The students do not worship the regal Miss Moffat in fearful admiration, nor do the townspeople question her reign over the educational system--everyone, in fact, falls right in league with her, as if she were the Pied Piper of teachers. The background noise is kept to a blessed minimum in order to concentrate on the relationship between teacher and student; quite amazingly, each of the many characters blossoms as a result. Smartly-attuned adaptation of Emlyn Williams' play provides the perfect vehicle for Davis (seldom better), as well as John Dall (Oscar-nominated as the miner whose early essay signals to his teacher that he may have much more to offer than meets the eye). Slightly hoked-up near the finale, but still a sprightly, hearty film, beautifully produced. *** from ****
SarahKayW
Definately a must see! Davis's performance was remarkable, subdued but full of emotion and depth without over acting. The actor playing Morgan Evan's is very remarkable being his first film. He and Davis exchange witty banter that makes you appreciate both actors without taking any of the lime light away from the other. The characters were complex and showed facets of ourselves. This movie really makes you think. It's my favorite Davis picture. The themes were very mature and ahead of their time. It's sort of like a early Peyton Place!
celizwh
"How Green Was My Valley" : "Showboat" :: "The Corn is Green" : "Stepnfetchit". I saw this movie some thirty years ago and hated it. Thinking my reaction may have just been some childish freak, when it was shown on the local public station recently, I watched it again. It was worse than I remembered.
