Curapedi I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Taraparain Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

vincentlynch-moonoi I have to review this film from a perspective that most of us don't have. The early 1930s. And, it's necessary to review the film from that perspective for two reasons. First, the 1930s were a very different time. We often think of life in the "old days" as being so much simpler. Yet, this film deals with religious bigotry, a crisis in faith, and a seemingly forbidden love. Not such a simple life, after all. And secondly, we have to view this film from the perspective of the cinema in 1934. We have to keep in mind that a mere 7 years before this film was made, movies were still silent. Modern cinema was in its infancy here.If there is a problem with this film, it is that it moves a bit slowly. But often when I see films from this era of the cinema, their plots are just a bit threadbare in an effort to keep the length of the film down to about 90 minutes. So, though a bit slow, particularly in the first half of the film, kudos to the screen writers and the director for taking the time needed to establish both plot and characters.Katherine Hepburn, in only her sixth film, and her third year as a film actress, is quite remarkable here. This is a very different Hepburn than most of us are used to. She plays the role of young lady who appears to be a gypsy (but isn't) to perfection. You have to see this film to realize just how wonderful her performance is.John Beal, as the "little minister" is very good. Too bad he never made it to a higher realm in the film industry. His mother in the film, played by Beryl Mercer, is superb. There are a number of other actors you'll recognize (such as Donald Crisp and Alan Hale), but their performances are just satisfactory, not outstanding. They do the job.If you're a Hepburn fan, or just a fan of old movies, I urge you to watch this film. But you do have to watch it from different eyes.

barney gumble thanx a lot for warning me about this film. I watched it through because it was on and it was 1 in the morning, etc., but would assiduously avoid it in the future unlike many other older films, like those of Tom Walls of 1930's British cinema or even some of Katherine's other films from the '30's like Morning Glory &c. It may be that these actors from the 30's were so restricted in their performances that they were required to behave in such a stilted fashion but I doubt it. It is much more likely that it is the actual facets of the story itself which dictate their behaviour. Oh for a spirited director to reshape the fabric of this film in a more natural way so that the characters can live and the storyline convey its underlying message in a more frank and honest manner. Bits of it sound like ned flanders for god's sake ! thanx for the opportunity to comment

smithypete Firstly, the characters are set at a time which is difficult for most to imagine or even understand in 2004 terms. "old style religion" actually did tend to be very much interested in the moral affairs of it's congregation, and particularly of it's minister. the film " how Green is my Valley" also shows a similar insight into the heavier attitudes of people to moral affairs. That gypsies have also not always been peoples favourite visitors is also well known. So when we meet up with a light and easy 'gypsy' in the shape of Katherine Hepburn we are instantly drawn to her (with an unknown playing the part we would have needed to be won-over). But in the early 1930's Hepburn was almost an 'unknown', but in 2004 we are already biased in her favour, and so we should, she's still learning her trade as an actress, and shows immense presence, wit, and is eminently enjoyable. The character of Gavin by contrast needed to be somewhat subdued and so it was that the film and it's characters are displayed to our enjoyment. For a film made when many were still learning how to make films, how to cast off the attitude that 'we are on stage', when cameramen and directors were making real entertainment based on a good story, fine acting, NO computer gimmicks it's one of those many 1930's in retrospect feel good movies that older folk can relate with.

Ron Oliver A mysterious & headstrong gypsy girl falls in love with THE LITTLE MINISTER called to pastor in a small Scots village. Soon her influence has him behaving in a most unclerical manner, with repercussions for the entire community.Although sadly neglected & overlooked, this fine, sentimental film, based on a 1891 novel by Sir James M. Barrie, features excellent performances and superior production values. RKO lavished care & money to get the details just right; it is a fine example of how Hollywood films of the period could evocatively portray other times, other places.Katharine Hepburn has one of her most fetching roles in the exuberant Babbie. Full of boundless energy & good humor, yet fiercely protective of those weaker & less fortunate than she, Hepburn turns in a beguiling, always entertaining, performance. While there is really no mystery as to the true identity of her character, this in no way hinders Hepburn from continually delighting her expectant audience.In the title role, John Beal (born James Alexander Bliedung in 1909) had doubtless the best role of his career in this, his second, film. By underplaying his scenes, he holds his own with the vivacious Hepburn. Exhibiting real star quality, it is unfortunate that the good movie roles failed to materialize. Beal did quite a bit of work through the years on the stage and had a triumph in television's THE ADAMS CHRONICLES in 1976. John Beal died in 1997 at the age of 87.A very fine supporting cast lends depth to the smaller roles: Andy Clyde as the lonely village policeman; Donald Crisp as the local doctor; Reginald Denny as a pompous army captain; Mary Gordon as an elderly indigent; Alan Hale as the community's repentant drunk; Lumsden Hare as a strict & powerful church deacon; Eily Malyon as a member of the aristocracy; Beryl Mercer as Beal's devout mother; and Dorothy Stickney as a fluttery maid.Mention should be made of Max Steiner's lovely score, which incorporates old & familiar tunes.A couple of historical notes: the Auld Licht (Scottish for 'Old Light') is mentioned many times in the film. This was the very conservative Church of Scotland, or Presbyterian Church in America, which had the allegiance of a majority of the Scots people. Barrie's original novel was of the Kailyard (Scottish for a small cabbage patch near a cottage) School of writing which had great favor in Scotland in the late 19th Century. This style featured highly idealized & sentimental representations of Scottish village life. Thrums in THE LITTLE MINISTER would certainly be a prime example.