 | Greg G. |
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
A poignant tale of an early 20th century Welsh coal mining family and village that captures the changes of culture and spirit as a society moves further into the industrial era. Family cohesiveness and village solidarity are affected by unionization, industrial safety, class struggle, immigration, and emigration. Was this review helpful? Yes
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 | Scott W. |
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful
I liked this movie because it portrayed a Welsh family during the chaotic time period before world war I. It was a time of transition that effected everything from religion, miner union activity, national education, child labor in the mines. Although some of the acting seemed unnatural/artificial, much of everything was authentic---down to the Welsh love of singing and usage of the welsh language. Unfortunately this movie is in black and white which does not give justice of the beautiful countryside of Wales. This is a good entertaining movie but no one should expect it to answer every question about the narrator's life. Was this review helpful? Yes
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| Andrea P. |
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Nostalgic and moving, this film is both a coming-of-age story and a portrait of a family's disintegration due to external influences: lost work, limited opportunities (both social and economic), emigration and death in a 19th century Welsh mining town. While the action is set in Wales, the Battle of Britain forced the film to be made in Burbank, California, and the cinematographer realized that he could only make Burbank resemble Wales by shooting in black and white. However, this actually sets the right mood, and the set is extremely convincing. Maureen O'Hara's Welsh accent comes and goes, but her character's feelings of love for the pastor, played by Walter Pidgeon, and his feelings for her, are tenderly and poignantly expressed. The young Rory Calhoun, through whose eyes we view all, is naturally affecting. As the film progresses, it is apparent how coal smoke increasingly blackens the sky and slag covers the ground of what was once a beautiful, green valley. Was this review helpful? Yes
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 | Linda D. |
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
A beautiful film about a family who were coalminers in turn of the century Wales & the importance of family and friends and pulling together during rough times as well as the sadness of having to say goodbye. Some movies really do lend themselves better to be filmed in black and white - this is a grand example of that. John Ford directed and always said this was his favorite movie. It won best picture in 1941 (beating Citizen Kane). Many did not agree with that choice - however, I do. Was this review helpful? Yes
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| Victoria G. |
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful
ONE OF THE BEST movies ever I loved it! The acting, the history, the clothing, even the scenery for that era of film making was so good, I loved the script...I felt transported back in time. This type of story, beats any high tech, block buster for me any day! Was this review helpful? Yes
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| LINDA T. |
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful
Good old fashioned movie. As with just about any movie, however, it left out quite a bit of the story that was told in the book. (FYI: The book is excellent, while the the movie is simply good.)
The copy that was sent was in poor condition, though. This is the first movie that I received that "sputtered" from time to time. Was this review helpful? Yes
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| Patrice J. |
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful
Just an outstanding movie; well acted, directed and cinematography. It wasn't TOO political and yet, the message got across. A message for the ages about life in a small town and how big business batters the lower classes. A must see. Was this review helpful? Yes
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| Donna B. |
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful
Very interesting movie. Even though some of it is so sad, that is the way things were. Wonderful actors in this movie. Was this review helpful? Yes
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 | Ted S. |
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
. Was this review helpful? Yes
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 | Deb C. |
4 out of 8 people found this review helpful
This takes place in a coal mining town of Wales. The decisions and emotional reactions of the characters did not seem real. It leaves the viewer with so many unanswered questions. Why was the narrator leaving after 50 years there? What did the widows do for money when their husbands died in the mines? Why if you love someone who says they can't marry you do you leave your happy and loving home to marry a cold fish of a snob? Why was the cold fish snob interested in the lower class common working class female anyway? Etc, etc. Was this review helpful? Yes
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