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Synopsis:
The youngest child (Roddy McDowall) in a large Welsh family watches his father (Donald Crisp) and brothers (Patric Knowles, John Loder, Richard Fraser, Evan S. Evans, and James Monks) struggle to survive as coal miners, while his mother (Sara Allgood) attempts to provide a stable home, and his sister (Maureen O’Hara) falls in love with a penniless preacher (Walter Pidgeon).
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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Anna Lee Films
- Barry Fitzgerald Films
- Coming of Age
- Donald Crisp Films
- John Ford Films
- Maureen O’Hara Films
- Mining Towns
- Roddy McDowell Films
- Walter Pidgeon Films
Review:
Though Peary doesn’t review this John Ford adaptation of Richard Llewellyn’s 1939 novel in his GFTFF, he does briefly mention it in Alternate Oscars, where he refers to it as a “sensitive memory piece”, but then quickly moves on to designate Citizen Kane as the truly worthy Best Picture winner that year; indeed, HGWMV continues to suffer in many film fanatics’ eyes from what they consider the “injustice” of this decision. I read Llewellyn’s lengthy novel (supposedly autobiographical — though it actually wasn’t) many years ago, and recall being disappointed with how much of its meaty content was necessarily truncated from Philip Dunne’s screenplay; revisiting the film again recently, however, I’m impressed by the economy of Dunne’s script, and Ford’s ability to condense Llewellyn’s vision into a memorable 2-hour film. It’s been noted that HGWMV represents an initial attempt by Ford (eleven years before he made and released The Quiet Man) to evoke nostalgia for his own heritage — albeit in Wales rather than Ireland (and it’s also been duly noted how terrible most of the actors’ attempts at Welsh accents are). However, while The Quiet Man exists in the realm of escapist nostalgic fantasy, HGWMV doesn’t shy away from truly difficult issues — such as the Morgan family’s ongoing quest to earn a decent living as coal miners, despite increasing efforts by mine owners to lower wages.
As the film opens, the Morgans are represented in an idealized fashion: McDowall’s brothers are strapping, his sister gorgeous, his parents stern but loving, and coal mining is viewed as a beloved, honorable profession. However, it’s quickly revealed that life will present an unending series of challenges for this group of strong-minded individuals. Crisp and his sons don’t see eye-to-eye on issues of unionization; O’Hara is asked to set aside her love for Pidgeon in order to marry (unhappily) for money; and McDowall, while clearly gifted (and, as the youngest child, somewhat spoiled) suffers from a debilitating injury, and must ultimately make a difficult decision regarding his future livelihood. Indeed, for a nostalgic historical drama, HGWMV is filled with a surprising number of genuinely distressing scenes; it’s to Ford’s credit that HGWMV remains so lighthearted in overall spirit while simultaneously avoiding designation as a “feel good” film. It should also be noted that Ford mostly avoids his general tendency to incorporate comedic supporting actors for levity; the only instance of this is in the character of Dai Bando (Rhys Williams), McDowell’s boxing teacher, and his presence does indeed provide some welcome relief.
The production values for HGWMV — shot in the hills of Malibu, given wartime climate in Europe — are uniformly stellar. Arthur C. Miller’s b&w cinematography is consistently stunning, and Ford frames each scene with his characteristically considerate eye. Scene after scene has lasting visual impact, from the image of Welsh coal miners singing as they wend their way to and from work, to the strategically choreographed wedding scene between O’Hara and her wealthy suitor (Marten Lamont), to crippled McDowell’s attempts to walk to Pidgeon on the hillside. The performances are equally top-notch: Crisp and Allgood are perfectly cast as the heads of the Morgan clan; O’Hara is stunning in her breakthrough role; and it’s difficult to imagine anyone but McDowell in the lead role (though a different actor should perhaps have been considered to play his character in the final scenes of the film, given how many formative years have supposedly passed, and how youthful McDowall still looks). But this is a minor complaint about a film that remains surprisingly poignant all these years later, despite its enduringly bad rap as the film that “stole” Citizen Kane‘s award. (And yes, Citizen Kane — one of my top-five favorite films — DID ultimately deserve the award. But that’s beside the point.)
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- Roddy McDowall as Huw
- Maureen O’Hara as Angharad
- Donald Crisp as Mr. Morgan
- Sara Allgood as Mrs. Morgan
- Arthur C. Miller’s cinematography
- Impressive sets (built in the hills of Malibu)
- Fine direction by Ford
Must See?
Yes, as an enduring Ford classic. Listed as a film with Historical Importance and a Personal Recommendation in the back of Peary’s book.
Categories
- Genuine Classic
- Important Director
- Oscar Winner or Nominee
(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die)
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