Films/DVD Asylum

"The Grapes of Wrath"

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rico

(A)

Because Steinbeck's 1939 book was so controversial, the studio filmed this 1940 effort under the working title "Route 66". It is a John Ford masterpice, has superb principal cinematography by the legendary Gregg Tolland, and features Henry Fonda in one of his best roles. It is a study of "Okies" migrating from Oklahoma to California becuase of poverty and dust bowl conditions. It is a journey from "I" to "We", from one man to family to the family of mankind. The grandparents are too wedded to the old state to survive, but the younger folks make it, with many an adventure along the way.
Steinbeck insisted that a private investigator hired by producer Darryl Zanuck be retained as a story consultant and this investigator even has a small part in the film.
The DVD features a top notch transfer and also has alternating commentary by a film scholar and a Steinbeck scholar and I learned a lot from what they had to say.

Follow Ups:

But is it better than, worse than, or equal to the book? - ephemere 15:45:10 04/16/04 (2)
I have my own opinion, sure to inexplicably infuriate some....
...(fade to white)...
- Re: But is it better than, worse than, or equal to the book? - rico 15:59:02 04/16/04 (0)
  The general story is there, but of course the raw language and explicit (for its time) sexuality has been greatly toned down. Also, obviously, the so called "interchapters" in the book have been eliminated so as not to interupt the narrative flow of the film. I think overall that the book is darker as well. But not too bad a job considering the different media.
- It's not possible for it to be as good as or better than the book. - sjb 15:47:08 04/16/04 (0)
  IMHO of course.
Re: "The Grapes of Wrath" - patrickU 08:44:34 04/16/04 (6)
This film is all you said, I would like to add just that this is a very somber film almost " noir " and has just the end for a sunrise.
A classical. But who have not see it?
- True GoW: Mogen David 20/20. Are you experienced? n - albee33 14:24:08 04/16/04 (5)
  n
  - Re: True GoW: Mogen David 20/20. Are you experienced? n - patrickU 04:56:05 04/17/04 (4)
    This time it is me...Can you explain what you are telling me?
    Thank you...
    - Also know as "Mad Dog 20-20" - Buckeye 13:43:04 04/17/04 (1)
      This stuff will eliminate all of a young man's inhabitions...the trouble starts when the genie comes out of the bottle.
      Agreed...I remember the brutal hangover, and it's been 30 years ago this November since I've touched "Mad Dog."
      Thanks for a fond (?) memory of a wild night.
      Gary
      - Be glad you can remember! n - albee33 15:55:54 04/17/04 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Also know as "Mad Dog 20-20" posted by Buckeye on April 17, 2004 at 13:43:04:
        
        n
    - Re: True GoW: Mogen David 20/20. Are you experienced? n - albee33 09:47:32 04/17/04 (1)
      Over here we have a wretched, swill of a wine that is 20% alcohol and sold only in pints. It is the equivalent to a syrupy grape Kool Aid laced with ether. A right of passage for most people my our age in college, it will put you in the dirt and give you magnificent hangover to boot. Sometimes referred to a "liquid marijuana" in the good-old days it was the epitome of the "cheap drunk's" drink.
      - Re: Oh, I see! Merci. nt - patrickU 10:32:45 04/17/04 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: True GoW: Mogen David 20/20. Are you experienced? n posted by albee33 on April 17, 2004 at 09:47:32:
        
        nt

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