Review of How Green Was My Valley (1941) by Adrian B — 28 Nov 2010

It may not be the best "Best Picture Oscar" recipient of them all, but there are some very redeeming qualities. It tells the story of a family who suffers through poverty, bullying, death, and disintegration. The score is beautifully composed and the story is very sad. The most wonderful scene in the film is when Roddy McDowell's character is beaten up by both a young bully and beyond psychotic teacher and redemption is served when the teacher himself beaten up by McDowell's associates, so is the younger bully. In my opinion, if that were my son who was beaten up by the teacher, I would have KILLED the teacher rather than just punched him in the face. The film is a very good in its right mind, but it is a surprise that this took home Best Picture over Sergeant York, The Maltese Falcon, and Citizen Kane. However, it does have the qualities of being a Best Picture winner, so I don't disagree with this recipient.

I might also add that this film was taken place around the early stages of the 1900's. Another famous 1940's film around taken place around this time is Meet Me in St. Louis. Both films are taken place opposite sides of the Atlantic and to compare and contrast would be very interesting. It is suggested to watch these two films consecutively and you may find it very interesting between cultures in Wales and the United States.